Pak Ou Caves, Xieng Khouang Travel Guide

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Explore ancient caves filled with thousands of Buddha images at the confluence of the Mekong and Ou Rivers near Luang Prabang.

The Pak Ou Caves, nestled in limestone cliffs 25 km north of Luang Prabang, Laos, are a captivating spiritual site housing thousands of Buddha images. Comprising two main caves, Tham Ting (lower cave) and Tham Theung (upper cave), they offer a glimpse into the country's rich cultural and religious heritage.

A brief summary to Pak Ou Caves

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Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Pak Ou Caves.

Wear sturdy shoes, especially if you plan to visit Tham Theung (the upper cave), as the climb involves a steep incline and stairs.
Bring a flashlight or headlamp to explore Tham Theung, as it is darker than the lower cave.
Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season and local festivals.
Negotiate boat prices in advance if hiring a private boat from Luang Prabang.
Combine your trip to the Pak Ou Caves with a visit to the nearby Whiskey Village (Ban Xang Hai) for a taste of local rice whiskey.

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Explore Pak Ou Caves on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Pak Ou Caves, mapped for you.

Getting There

Boat

The most common way to reach Pak Ou Caves is by boat from Luang Prabang. Head to the pier near Saffron Coffee on Khem Khong Road. You can either join a shared boat or hire a private one. Shared boats typically depart around 8:30 AM and cost approximately 65,000-75,000 LAK per person for a round trip. Private boats offer flexibility and can be chartered for around 300,000-350,000 LAK. The boat journey to the caves takes about 2 hours upstream and 1 hour downstream. The entrance fee to the caves is 20,000 LAK per person, often collected on the boat.
Tuk-tuk and Ferry

For a quicker but less scenic route, take a tuk-tuk to Ban Pak Ou village, located opposite the caves. Negotiate the tuk-tuk fare, which should be around 200,000 LAK for a return trip. From Ban Pak Ou, a short ferry ride across the river costs 10,000 LAK per person. Remember to factor in the 20,000 LAK entrance fee to the caves.

Discover more about Pak Ou Caves

The Pak Ou Caves, also known as the Buddha Caves, are a must-see destination near Luang Prabang, where the Mekong and Ou rivers converge. For centuries, these caves have been a sacred place, initially as a shrine to river spirits in the 8th century and later as a Buddhist sanctuary.The caves consist of two distinct chambers: Tham Ting, the lower cave, easily accessible from the river, and Tham Theung, the upper cave, requiring a climb up a series of steps. Tham Ting is filled with over 2,500 Buddha images, while Tham Theung, which is darker, houses over 1,500 statues. These Buddha statues, in various sizes and styles, have been placed by pilgrims and devotees over hundreds of years. Many are made of wood, resin, earthenware, or even animal bones, and are often painted red or black and covered in gold.Local belief holds that the caves served as a repository for unwanted or damaged Buddha images, ensuring their respectful preservation. Historically, the Lao King and worshippers made an annual pilgrimage to the caves during Lao New Year, participating in a traditional washing ceremony and leaving new Buddha statues. A wooden water channel, used for washing the statues, can still be seen in Tham Theung. Exploring the caves offers a unique insight into the spiritual practices and artistic traditions of Laos.