Pak Ou Caves: A Spiritual Journey into Lao History
Explore the mystical Pak Ou Caves in Luang Prabang, home to thousands of Buddha statues and centuries of Lao spiritual tradition.
The Pak Ou Caves, nestled in a limestone cliff where the Mekong and Ou rivers converge, house thousands of Buddha images. A site of spiritual significance for centuries, the caves offer a glimpse into Lao religious traditions and history.
A brief summary to Pak Ou Caves
- 26X6+CGG, Pak Ou, LA
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes for the climb to the upper cave (Tham Theung), as the steps can be steep.
- Bring a flashlight to explore the darker areas of the upper cave.
- Visit during the Lao New Year (April) to witness the traditional washing ceremony of the Buddha statues.
- Consider a morning visit to avoid the crowds.
Getting There
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Boat
The most common way to reach Pak Ou Caves is by boat from Luang Prabang. Shared boats depart from a pier near Saffron Coffee. A shared boat ticket costs approximately 150,000 Kip per person. The boat trip takes about 2 hours upstream, including a stop at the Lao Lao whiskey village, and 1 hour for the return. Private boats can also be hired for around 300,000-350,000 Kip. The entrance fee to the caves is 20,000 Kip per person, often collected on the boat.
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Tuk-tuk and Ferry
For a quicker journey, take a tuk-tuk to Ban Pak Ou village, opposite the caves. A tuk-tuk from Luang Prabang costs around 200,000 Kip. From Ban Pak Ou, a local ferry crosses the river to the caves for 10,000 Kip per person.
Discover more about Pak Ou Caves
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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