Kuang Si Waterfall

If you’re only going to go out of the town limits for one thing, make it this one. Even in the dry season the Kuang Si Waterfalls are incredible, with bright blue waters forming lagoons you can swim in to escape the heat. The (very gentle) hike to the waterfall takes you through an entirely unexpected bear sanctuary, with rescued sun bears chilling out in hammocks and snoozing in the sun. The waterfalls themselves are so beautiful words don’t do them justice. There’s pool after pool of stunning turquoise water, which you follow up until you reach the big waterfall at the top. I was there in the dry season and it was still roaring; I can only imagine how much water passes through here in wetter weather. I recommend hiking to the top of the falls, which is a steep and slightly slippery trek but rewards you with a beautiful shaded pool featuring a rope swing and little fish who will nibble on your feet. You’ll have to pay good kip for that if you want the same treatment in town. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, you can even hike to the spring that the waterfall comes from a few kilometers away.