Tham Nong Pa Fa (ถ้ำหนองปลาฝา), Khammouane Province Travel Guide

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Discover the serene beauty and historical wonders of Tham Nong Pa Fa, home to ancient Buddha statues and stunning limestone formations near Thakhek.

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Tham Nong Pa Fa (ถ้ำหนองปลาฝา)

Tham Nong Pa Fa, also known as the Buddha Cave, is a renowned tourist attraction near Thakhek, Laos, celebrated for its impressive limestone formations and the 229 bronze Buddha statues discovered within. These statues, found in 2004, are said to be over 300 years old and range in size from 15 cm to over 1 meter.

A brief summary to Tham Nong Pa Fa (ถ้ำหนองปลาฝา)

FVG2+JMR, Thakhek, LA

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tham Nong Pa Fa (ถ้ำหนองปลาฝา).

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain both inside and outside the cave.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Bring a flashlight to explore the darker areas of the cave more effectively.
Dress respectfully, as the cave is considered a religious site by the local community.

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Explore Tham Nong Pa Fa (ถ้ำหนองปลาฝา) on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Tham Nong Pa Fa (ถ้ำหนองปลาฝา), mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

If you are staying in Thakhek, you can walk to Tham Nong Pa Fa. Head towards the Mekong River and follow the road leading out of town. The walk takes about 30 minutes; wear comfortable shoes due to the uneven terrain.
Public Transport

From Thakhek bus station, take a local bus or songthaew heading towards Nakhon Phanom. Inform the driver of your destination, Tham Nong Pa Fa. The fare is approximately 20,000 LAK. Ask the driver to drop you off at the closest point to the cave entrance, from where you may need to walk.
Car

From the center of Thakhek, head south on Route 12 (Thakhek - Savannakhet Road) for about 15 kilometers. Look for signs for Tham Nong Pa Fa and turn right onto the marked road. Drive for about 3 kilometers to reach the parking area. There may be a small parking fee of around 10,000 LAK.

Discover more about Tham Nong Pa Fa (ถ้ำหนองปลาฝา)

Tham Nong Pa Fa, often called the Buddha Cave, is a captivating site near Thakhek, Laos, drawing tourists with its blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. The cave is famed for its stunning limestone formations, shaped over millennia, and the collection of 229 bronze Buddha statues it houses.The story of the cave's rediscovery is quite remarkable. In April 2004, a local villager named Boun Nong noticed bats flying into a small hole 15 meters above the ground. Curious, he climbed up to investigate, hoping to collect the bats, which are considered a local delicacy. To his astonishment, he found a large Buddha statue inside. Further exploration revealed over 220 Buddha statues, ranging from small figurines to larger, meter-tall images. Initially disbelieving his discovery, Boun Nong kept it a secret for a week before returning with other villagers to confirm what he had seen.The cave itself has two levels: a dry upper level where the Buddhas are displayed and a lower level filled with water, which visitors can explore by canoe. The statues are believed to be from the Sikhottabong and Lane Xang eras, and the cave also contains ancient palm leaf manuscripts with religious texts. The name 'Tham Nong Pa Fa' comes from the lake in front of the cave, known as the 'lake of the soft-shelled turtle'. Today, the cave is protected by villagers who guard it around the clock. Although photography is prohibited inside to preserve the site, the cave offers an atmospheric experience, enhanced by the presence of local ascetics.