On our last day in Luang Prabang we quickly realised we had saved the best for last.  We got a car and driver to take us to the largest waterfall in Luang Prabang early so that we were there before any other tourists arrived.  We didn’t realise before we got there that there is also an Asiatic Bear conservation centre on the same site, so before we even got to see the waterfall we spent some time watching the beautiful bears play and sleep.  When we got to the first part of the waterfall we were impressed – a lovely pool at the bottom to swim in, and the water was freezing which was very welcome in the Lao heat.  (Even at 8 in the morning it’s hot!)

After half an hour or so swimming at the bottom, we decided to investigate the next level up, and were blown away at how huge the waterfall was.  When we got up to the main large part of it, we saw a sign that said you could walk right to the top – and instantly decided we’d do that.

While walking up the almost vertical path/rock ledges to the top, at times we wondered if the effort would be worth it because it was insanely steep and seemed to go on forever… when we reached the top though we were rewarded with breathtaking views not only of the mountains in the distance but also we could actually stand on the edge and look down and see all the water falling below us.  There was even a rainbow in the waterfall below so it was pretty awesome!

We spent probably an hour or so at the top and then decided to have another swim in a different part of the waterfall on the way down.  We ended up spending most of the day there and it was absolutely the best way we could have finished our time in Luang Prabang.  Our photos are here.