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Tham Poukham Cave, Vientiane Province Travel Guide

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Explore Tham Poukham Cave and Blue Lagoon: Discover a sacred cave, swim in turquoise waters, and experience Vang Vieng's natural beauty.

Tham Poukham Cave, near Vang Vieng, Laos, is a revered site featuring a bronze reclining Buddha and stunning cave formations. The adjacent Blue Lagoon offers a refreshing swim, making it a blend of spiritual reflection and adventurous exploration.

A brief summary to Tham Poukham Cave

  • W9GW+M5H, Naka, LA
  • Monday 7 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 7 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-5:30 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tham Poukham Cave.

  • Bring comfortable shoes for the steep climb to the cave entrance and for navigating the uneven terrain inside the cave.
  • Rent a torch (flashlight) at the entrance to explore the darker chambers of the cave beyond the main chamber.
  • Visit during the dry season (October to March) to enjoy the beautiful turquoise blue waters of the Blue Lagoon.
  • Respect local customs by dressing modestly, especially when visiting the Buddha statue inside the cave.
  • Negotiate the price with tuk-tuk or songthaew drivers before starting your journey from Vang Vieng.

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Getting There

  • Tuk-tuk

    From Vang Vieng, hire a tuk-tuk for a 7km ride west to Tham Poukham Cave. Negotiate the fare beforehand, typically around 50,000-80,000 LAK. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes on an unpaved road, passing through rural landscapes.

  • Motorbike/Bicycle

    Rent a motorbike or bicycle in Vang Vieng and follow Tham Poukham Road west for 7km. Bicycle rentals cost around 10,000 LAK, while mountain bikes range from 20,000-30,000 LAK per day. Be cautious of the unpaved road conditions.

  • Songthaew (Shared Taxi)

    In Vang Vieng's town center, find a songthaew heading to Tham Poukham Cave. These shared taxis depart from the main street or near the market area. Negotiate the price beforehand. The cost is lower than a tuk-tuk, but the schedule can be irregular.

Discover more about Tham Poukham Cave

Tham Poukham Cave, also known as the Golden Crab Cave or Blue Lagoon, is located 7 kilometers west of Vang Vieng, near Ban Na Thong village. This natural attraction combines spiritual significance with adventurous exploration. The cave is considered sacred by locals and houses several Buddha images, including a large reclining bronze Buddha in the main chamber. Sunlight streams through an opening in the ceiling, illuminating the statue.The cave itself is a labyrinth of chambers, passageways, and crevices adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. Exploring the cave involves a climb up a steep, 200-meter trail on a forested hillside. Deeper exploration requires a torch to navigate the darker sections.Adjacent to the cave is the Blue Lagoon, a pool with crystal-clear turquoise water that invites visitors to swim and cool off. A large tree with ropes allows for adventurous jumps into the water. The area around the lagoon includes a small restaurant serving Lao food and drinks, making it a popular spot for picnics and relaxation. Tham Poukham offers a unique blend of natural beauty, spiritual reverence, and adventurous activities.

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