Kaeng Nyui Waterfall, sometimes referred as Kaeng Yui Waterfall, doesn’t have the best reviews on Google Maps. Simply because the site was under construction for quite some time and there were people complaining about the inofficial entrance fee being charged by random guys. But that’s over by now! The construction at the waterfall has been finished mid july 2025 and the site is now officially open for tourists. I just visited about two weeks after it was reopened and therefore can give you the most up to date information about this hidden gem near Vang Vieng.
For years, Kaeng Nyui Waterfall felt like a hidden gem that was more potential than polished. The paths were rough, signs were minimal, and the area seemed half-forgotten with ongoing construction. But that has changed — and it’s worth knowing.
Kaeng Nyui is no longer just an offbeat spot for the adventurous — it’s now a welcoming, structured nature destination while still retaining its peaceful jungle atmosphere.
Tucked away only about 7 kilometers east of Vang Vieng, near a village called Naduang Kaeng Nyui is a lesser-known gem compared to the area’s more famous lagoons and caves. The waterfall is located inside a small forest park area, where a short walk along a stream brings you to a tall cascade plunging down moss-covered rocks. Depending on the season, the flow can be gentle or roaring.
Surrounding the main fall are smaller cascades and bamboo bridges, creating a tranquil and photogenic atmosphere. You’ll often hear birdsong, feel a cool mist in the air, and see butterflies fluttering around—especially in the rainy season.
How to get to Kaeng Nyui Waterfall in Vang Vieng?
🏍️ Rent a motorbike or bicycle – Motorbikes are the most convenient way to get there. You can rent one in town for around 100,000–200,000 LAK per day. Bicycles can be rented cheaper
🛺 Hire a Tuk-Tuk or Songthaew – For groups or those not keen on riding, tuk-tuks or shared pickups (songthaews) can be arranged from Vang Vieng town.
👥👥 Organized tour package – Some guesthouses and tour companies offer half-day tours that combine Kaeng Nyui with nearby attractions like the Blue Lagoons or Tham Phu Kham Cave.
The road leading to Kaeng Nyui Waterfall is in a very good shape. It is a newly built concrete road all the way to the parking lot of the waterfall. Super easy to get there, just follow the Google Maps location and you will find it. It’s not an adventurous offroad – paved all the way and easy to reach by motorbike, car or bicycle. Villagers from Ban Naduang will collect the entrance fee of 20.000 LAK.
One of the most important things to know before visiting Kaeng Nyui Waterfall is how dramatically it changes with the seasons. The experience can be completely different depending on whether you visit in the wet or dry season.
⛆ Rainy Season (July – October):
During the wet season, Kaeng Nyui truly comes to life. Heavy rains feed the Nam Song River and surrounding streams, creating a powerful, roaring waterfall that plunges down the 30+ meter cliff face with dramatic intensity. The forest around the falls becomes dense and vibrant, with moss-covered rocks, ferns, and bright green canopy overhead.
☀️ Dry Season (November – May): Calm Pools & Easy Trails:
From November to May, especially around March and April, the water volume reduces significantly and the waterfall can sometimes be completely dry. While the waterfall is no longer roaring, it becomes a gentler cascade flowing down smooth rock faces, perfect for those looking for a relaxed, peaceful nature outing.
💡BEST TIME TO VISIT: If you’re visiting in the shoulder months — like May/June or October/November — you might get the best of both worlds: good water flow and passable trails.
| Month | Water Flow | Trail Conditions | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Low | Dry & Easy | ⚠️ Maybe |
| February | Low | Dry | ⚠️ Maybe |
| March | Weak | Dry & Hot | 🚫 No |
| April | Minimal/Dry | Hot & Dusty | 🚫 No |
| May | Rising | Could be wet | ⚠️ Maybe |
| June | Moderate | Wet & Slippery | ⚠️ Maybe |
| July | Strong | Very Wet | ✅ Yes |
| August | Peak Flow | Wet Jungle Trail | ✅ Yes |
| September | Very Strong | Wet but Easy | ✅ Yes |
| October | High & Clear | Drying Up | ✅ Yes |
| November | Decreasing | Dry & Comfortable | ✅ Yes |
| December | Low–Moderate | Dry | ⚠️ Maybe |
Once arrived at the parking lot, it is not difficult to reach Kaeng Nyui Waterfall. The short trail to Kaeng Nyui Waterfall is a scenic and enjoyable walk that winds through shaded forest, over bridges and smaller cascading streams. It’s an easy hike—about 15 to 20 minutes from the entrance gate—making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Along the way, you’ll pass a few smaller falls, including the picturesque Kenlon Falls, which adds to the charm of the journey.
As the trail now has all been paved, even in rainy season it is not difficult to reach the waterfall. The local community of Ban Naduang manages the area, the recent improvements have made the site more accessible and welcoming to visitors. There are now toilets, a dressing room and sellers to sell fruits, snacks, water & beer.
There are also resting spots on the trail with new wooden benches and plenty of garbage bins. So please make sure to dispose your garbage properly or even better, take it with you again. The plastic garbage problem in Laos is getting worse.
To make the most of your visit to Kaeng Nyui Waterfall, aim to arrive early in the morning when the light is soft for photography and the area is quiet before other visitors arrive. As of 2025 the trail has been maintained, so it is easily possible to walk with shoes or flip flops, even when it is raining. Don’t forget to bring a dry bag to protect your phone and valuables from water splashes. While swimming is technically possible most of the year, the best opportunities are the shoulder months, when natural pools are full and the waterfall flow creates a refreshing mist perfect for a cool dip. We visited at the peak of raining season end of july. There was so much water that it wasn’t possible to swim directly at the waterfall, but another level lower we could dip into the water.
Vang Vieng itself is a small town, but one of the major tourist destinations for visitors who are coming to Laos. Vang Vieng changed over the past years from a backpacker party town with tipsy tubing being one of the main attractions, to a proper adventure town surrounded by stunning nature. There is still party going on if you’re looking for that, so make sure to choose your accommodation wisely as some can be a bit noisy. Here are some recommendations of hotels to stay in Vang Vieng.
👉 Vang Vieng Remember Hotel: This is our personal top choice whenever we visit Vang Vieng. It is just at the edge of town, has a swimming pool, mountain view, normal rooms and bungalows. The center of Vang Vieng is not even a 10 minutes walk, which makes it a perfectly quiet location, but still central enough and close to restaurants. Mid-range pricing from 15 – 25 USD.
👉 Tmark Resort Vang Vieng: This is a more luxurious option in Vang Vieng. TMark Resort Vang Vieng is a modern riverside resort offering stunning views of the karst mountains, spacious rooms, an infinity pool, and a peaceful location just a short walk from the town center. Prices are on the upper range between 60 – 75 USD per night.
👉 Vang Vieng Sabai Sabai Hostel: Vang Vieng Sabai Sabai Hostel is a laid-back and affordable option for backpackers, offering clean dorms, free breakfast, and a social atmosphere and in a very central location. Prices ranging from 5 – 15 USD a night, depending on the type of room. They have dorm rooms, as well as private rooms available.
Kaeng Nyui Waterfall may not have had the best reputation in the past, but those days are over. With the official reopening in July 2025, newly built roads, improved trails, and proper tourist facilities, this once-forgotten waterfall near Vang Vieng is now a truly enjoyable destination for nature lovers. Whether you’re visiting during the roaring wet season or the calmer dry months, Kaeng Nyui offers a refreshing escape just a short ride from town. The peaceful jungle surroundings, easy access, and local charm make it a great half-day trip — especially now that the construction is complete and everything is properly managed. If you’ve seen outdated reviews or skipped it in the past, it’s time to give Kaeng Nyui another chance. We did — and it was worth it. 🌿
