Elephant Cave (Tham Xang): A Spiritual Sanctuary
Discover the serene Elephant Cave in Vang Vieng, Laos: a spiritual site with unique rock formations and Buddhist relics.
Elephant Cave, or Tham Xang, is a captivating cave in the Vang Vieng region of Laos, named for its unique rock formations resembling an elephant's head. This small but spiritually significant site houses Buddhist statues and relics, offering a serene and culturally rich experience.
A brief summary to Elephant Cave
- 2CQJ+F59, Nam Xong River,, Phoxay, LA
Local tips
- Visit in the morning to see the Buddha statues inside the cave illuminated by sunlight.
- Combine your visit with a kayaking trip on the nearby Nam Song River for a full day of adventure.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for climbing steps to reach the cave entrance.
Getting There
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Walking
From the center of Phoxay village, the Elephant Cave is easily accessible on foot. Head east towards the Nam Xong River. Cross the bridge near Vang Vieng Resort, which leads to a series of steps climbing up the cliff to the cave entrance. The walk from the bridge to the cave takes approximately 15-20 minutes. There is a small entrance fee of 10,000 kip (approximately US $0.5).
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Public Transport
From Vang Vieng, take a local bus or tuk-tuk north towards Phoxay village. The journey is approximately 14 km. Ask the driver to stop near the Vang Vieng Resort. From there, cross the bridge over the Nam Xong River and follow the steps up to the Elephant Cave. A tuk-tuk from Vang Vieng to the bridge will cost approximately 50,000-80,000 kip. The cave entrance fee is 10,000 kip (approximately US $0.5).
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