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Tham Nong Pa Fa: The Buddha Cave of Thakhek

Discover ancient Buddha statues nestled within stunning limestone formations at Tham Nong Pa Fa, a culturally rich cave near Thakhek, Laos.

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Tham Nong Pa Fa, also known as the Buddha Cave, is a captivating site near Thakhek, Laos, famed for its collection of 229 bronze Buddha statues discovered in 2004. The cave features stunning limestone formations and a serene atmosphere, blending natural beauty with local folklore and religious significance.

A brief summary to Tham Nong Pa Fa (ถ้ำหนองปลาฝา)

  • FVG2+JMR, Thakhek, LA

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain both inside and outside the cave.
  • Bring a flashlight to explore the darker areas of the cave, despite the installed lighting.
  • Dress modestly to respect the cave's religious significance, as it is considered a sacred site by locals.
  • Visit during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the heat.
  • Combine your visit with a trek to the nearby Tham Nong Pa Seuam for a more adventurous experience.
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Getting There

  • Tuk-tuk

    From Thakhek, hire a tuk-tuk for a direct ride to Tham Nong Pa Fa. Negotiate the price beforehand; a typical round trip should cost around 100,000 LAK. The journey takes approximately 30-45 minutes. Note that the tuk-tuk will drop you off at the entrance area, from where you'll need to walk to the cave itself.

  • Motorbike

    Rent a motorbike in Thakhek and drive to Tham Nong Pa Fa. Follow Route 12 northeast for about 6 km, then turn right onto a dirt road for another kilometer to Ban Tham village. From there, follow the signs to the cave. Be cautious on the dirt road, especially during the rainy season. Motorbike rental costs approximately 70,000 LAK per day. Parking near the cave costs 3,000 LAK.

  • Walking

    While not recommended as a primary mode of transport from Thakhek, walking is suitable for exploring the immediate vicinity of Tham Nong Pa Fa. From the parking area, it's a short walk to the cave entrance. Be prepared for some steps and uneven terrain. Note that there are no public transport options for the final approach.

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Discover more about Tham Nong Pa Fa (ถ้ำหนองปลาฝา)

Tham Nong Pa Fa, or the Buddha Cave, is a must-see attraction located a short distance from Thakhek in the Khammouane Province of Laos. This cave gained prominence in April 2004 when a local villager, Mr. Boun Nong, discovered 229 bronze Buddha statues hidden within. According to the story, Boun Nong noticed bats flying into a small opening about 15 meters above ground. Curious, he climbed up to investigate, hoping to collect the bats, which are considered a local delicacy. Instead, he found a cavern filled with Buddha statues. The Buddha statues, ranging from 15 cm to over 1 meter in height, are believed to be over 300 years old and originate from the Sikhottabong and Lane Xang eras. Some statues are thought to be of Khmer and Vietnamese origin. Along with the statues, ancient palm leaf manuscripts were also found, written in Lao, Lanna, Pali, and Khmer scripts. The cave itself features impressive limestone formations, contributing to a mystical and tranquil environment. The cave has two levels: a dry upper level where the Buddhas are displayed and a lower level with a water-filled cave that can be explored by canoe. To reach the cave, visitors walk through a secluded valley surrounded by cliffs. The path leads through Tham Nong Paseum, a water cave where adventurous visitors can swim and explore the stalactites and stalagmites. The name "Nong Pa Fa" comes from the lake at the foot of the cliff, meaning "Lake of Soft-Shelled Turtle". Today, the cave is protected by local villagers who guard the sacred Buddha statues around the clock. While the cave has been developed with lighting and walkways, it remains an atmospheric and culturally significant site. Note that photography is not allowed inside the cave.

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