[2025 Luang Prabang Attraction] Travel Guide for Pak Ou Caves (Updated Jun)

🎉Just now, Laos officially announced that Chinese tourists will be exempted from visa for ordinary passports for 15 days! Starting on July 1, 2024 and currently running until the end of the year! 🎉I can finally introduce you to the treasure city of Luang Prabang in Laos. The lazy city atmosphere is really suitable for a visit! 🛕Let’s quickly take stock of 6 little things you can do in Luang Prabang! 🌄Take the China-Laos Railway to Luang Prabang🚝 Last year, the China-Laos Railway officially started running from Kunming to Laos. After calculation, it only takes 4 hours from Xishuangbanna to Luang Prabang! It is a very novel experience to be able to see the landscape outside the window changing from a small town in Yunnan to Southeast Asia without taking a connecting flight! 🌄Take a look at the Tree of Life at Xiang Thong Temple🛕 As one of the famous temples in Luang Prabang, the main hall of Xiangthong Temple has a typical Laotian temple style, and there is also a rare reclining Buddha, which is composed of black, red, gold and green colors, especially the " "Tree of Life", shining brightly, is a rare temple style in China. 🌄Visit the habitat of the river god at Bawu Grottoes♒️ The Bawu Caves, located along the Mekong River, symbolize the soul of the Mekong River and are worshiped by people as the habitat of the river god. Walking through the cave at the bottom of the cliff, you feel as if you have entered another world: various vertical Buddha statues stand here in various shapes and sizes, like a private treasure house. 🌄Taste authentic Laotian food at the night market🌯 As night falls, the area next to the palace will turn into a bustling night market. There are many handicrafts that cannot be bought elsewhere, as well as a variety of authentic Laotian food! However, even if you don’t buy souvenirs, the brightly lit night market is still worth visiting. The usually quiet and lazy town has become lively. The red and blue tent roofs are the secular side of Luang Prabang. 🌄Understand the charity of Luang Prabang at dawn🙏 Every day at dawn, rows of monks wearing saffron robes walk barefoot through the streets to accept alms from the citizens. This alms-giving ceremony occurs all over Luang Prabang, and the most eye-catching area is next to Xiangthong Temple. . Next to the temple, watch the monks carrying tin bottles and accepting food from believers. You can also join in and experience the sacred ceremony first-hand. 🌄Stay one night in a top luxury hotel owned by LVMH🏨 Belmond is one of the top luxury hotel brands under LVMH. Belmond in Luang Prabang was transformed from an official residence of the American embassy. It occupies the best location and view in the area, overlooking the entire city's old town and the Mekong River. The 32 suites combine traditional Laotian style with French-era architectural style. The hotel also provides an exclusive private luxury boat specifically for exploring the Mekong River🚣 🛕It should be noted that the visa-free trip in Luang Prabang must be organized by a Lao tourism company and obtained permission from the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism~

We took a lovely boat journey on the Mekong river to arrive to the Pak Ou caves, with beautiful views of the limestone mountains and riverbank life. The caves are set in a stunning mountain cliff at the point where the Mekong River meets the Nam Ou River and are home to over 4,000 Buddha symbols and statues. For millennia, the caves have been a center of worship and religious pilgrimage, dating back to pre-Buddhist periods when the locals worshipped Phi, or natural spirits. People think the caverns are still inhabited by river spirits, and they continue to give offerings and pray to them. #beautifulsunsets#bestislandtraveltowns#summervacation#beachvacation#hikingtrails#urbanexplorer

Ong Khao Thao Tee #WinterTravelNorth #newyear

tayong #wintergoupnorth#newyear

tayong #wintergoupnorth#newyear

#cityplaybook Tucked between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, Luang Prabang is a rare place where tradition, tranquility, and timeless beauty live in harmony. From the moment I arrived, I felt wrapped in a kind of calm — as if the city was whispering, “Slow down. Be here.” The old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a gentle mix of golden temples, French colonial villas, and sleepy side streets shaded by frangipani trees. Every morning, I rose early to witness the almsgiving ceremony, where saffron-robed monks silently accept offerings from locals — a moving reminder of the city’s deep spiritual roots. Climbing Mount Phousi for sunset offered breathtaking panoramic views of red rooftops, green hills, and the lazy Mekong glowing gold. And at night, the Luang Prabang Night Market came alive with handicrafts, woven textiles, and the aroma of Laotian street food. One afternoon, I took a boat ride to the Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha statues, then cooled off with a swim beneath the dreamy Kuang Si Falls, where turquoise water tumbles into jungle pools. What I loved most? The balance. This is a place where you can meditate in a temple, sip coffee in a French-style café, and kayak a river — all in the same day. Best time to visit: November to February, for cool, dry weather and clear skies. Getting there: Accessible via Luang Prabang International Airport, or by slow boat down the Mekong from northern Thailand — a stunning journey in itself. Tip: Stay in a riverside guesthouse and rent a bicycle to explore like a local. #LuangPrabang #VisitLaos #MekongMoments #SlowTravelAsia #UNESCOWorldHeritage #KuangSiFalls #SpiritualLaos #TempleTown #LaosCulture #HiddenGemsAsia #BackpackSEAsia

Relaxed and serene. A journey to unwind your heart in Laos. "I want to go somewhere quiet, warm, and where I can feel the kindness of people." If this resonates with you, then Laos, a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, is the perfect destination. Unhurried moments, stunning nature, and simple yet charming streets. Laos has a unique charm that gently lightens the hearts of its visitors. ⸻ [Highlights] ■ Luang Prabang A historic city registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The golden stupa "Wat Xieng Thong" and the early morning alms-giving ceremony are must-sees. At the night market, you can enjoy handicrafts and local delicacies. ■ Nong Khiaw A mountain town with untouched nature. The breathtaking viewpoint "Pak Ou Caves" and relaxing time at riverside cafes are exceptional. ■ Vientiane The capital city with a laid-back atmosphere. Highlights include the "Patuxai" arch and temples like "Wat Phra Keo," which features a large reclining Buddha. ⸻ [Things to Prepare Before You Go] • Visa Check: Japanese nationals can stay visa-free for up to 15 days, but confirm in advance if planning an extension. • Vaccinations & Insurance: Some areas are prone to mosquito bites, so ensure necessary vaccinations and overseas insurance. • Local Currency (Kip): Many places don’t accept credit cards, so prepare cash for currency exchange. • Cool Clothing & Comfortable Shoes: With many hot days, breathable clothing and a hat are essential. Sneakers are best for walking around town. ⸻ [Recommended Ways to Spend Your Time] • Relaxing at Cafes Laos’ coffee culture is also a highlight. Enjoy reading at riverside cafes or chic boutique cafes. • A Journey to Discover Handicrafts Laos is known for its traditional crafts like weaving and indigo dyeing. Visit villages to witness artisans at work. • Boat Trips and Waterfall Tours Tours to the Mekong River or jungle waterfalls are popular, offering a luxurious experience of connecting with nature. ⸻ Laos is a place where you can spend time unhurriedly, without pretension, and just as yourself. When you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take a deep breath, Laos might be the perfect destination. Why not choose Laos for your next trip?

#aprilblooms list of top attractions in Luang Prabang Wat Xieng Thong – A stunning 16th-century temple known for its ornate design. Kuang Si Falls – Beautiful turquoise waterfalls ideal for swimming and hiking. Royal Palace Museum – Former royal residence showcasing Lao history and culture. Mount Phousi – Offers panoramic views of the city and Mekong River. Alms Giving Ceremony – A traditional morning ritual of monks collecting alms. Pak Ou Caves – Sacred caves filled with thousands of Buddha statues. Night Market – Great for shopping local crafts and tasting Lao street food.#laos #luangphabang

Congratulations, you made it to Luang Prabang! The magical city full of beautiful architecture, tasty food and natural magic ✨ 📍 Your plan: 🌊 Kuangsi Waterfalls: Relax and enjoy the spectacular natural beauty of waterfalls. It will take your around 2 hours to explore the three-tiered waterfall, walk along a nature preserve trail, swim in refreshing turquoise puddles, and visit a bear conservation center. If you have enough energy, you can walk up the steep path to the top of the falls for a spectacular view. There’s an award waiting at the top! A cold Lao Beer 😉 👥 Depends if you take a taxi or a bus, you can stop at Ban Na Uan (a Hmong resettlement village). Here you can meet the Hmong people who originally lived in the highlands and support them by buying handmade charms, keychains or pouches. 🐘 Feed elephants at Manifa Elephant Camp! We also had a buffet lunch at the restaurant with a view of the Mekong River before we hopped onto the boat! 🛶 Take a slow boat to fully enjoy Mekong river! You will be able to see the many views from the water, witness rural Laos, pass by local villages. 🪷 Stop by Pak Ou Caves, where you can see thousands of small or bigger Buddha statues and learn about the flooding and cultural beliefs. 🥃 Have a quick shopping stop at Whiskey Village! Try various alcohols, some sweet and light and some that will give you an additional energy kick. Don’t worry, you can take them home if you are ready to pay! 🌌 End your evening at local restaurant of Luang Prabang and enjoy local cuisine! I recommend Mekong Svan Restaurant & Bar. Tasty foods and beautiful views. Just make sure to take mosquito spray with you! 🚇 Transportation The prices of local taxis and taxi apps are relatively similar. Make sure you negotiate, there’s always a way to get a better deal 😉 Enjoy Luang Prabang! #luangprabang #laos

#getgoing2025 Pak Ou Caves, locally known as Tham Ting and Tham Theung, are a significant cultural and religious site situated approximately 25 kilometers north of Luang Prabang, Laos. These caves are renowned for housing thousands of Buddha statues, making them a must-visit destination for travelers exploring the region. Key Features: • Lower Cave (Tham Ting): Located at river level, this cave is home to over 2,500 Buddha images in various poses and materials, including wood, resin, and earthenware. The statues are arranged along the cave’s walls, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere. • Upper Cave (Tham Theung): Accessible via a steep climb of approximately 200 steps, the upper cave offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It contains around 1,500 Buddha statues, many of which are smaller and less accessible than those in the lower cave. Visiting Information: • Operating Hours: The caves are open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. • Entrance Fees: The entrance fee is 20,000 kip per person. • Guided Tours: Local guides are available to provide insights into the history and significance of the caves. While not mandatory, hiring a guide can enhance the experience. Access: • By Boat: The most popular way to reach Pak Ou Caves is by boat from Luang Prabang. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and offers scenic views of the Mekong River and surrounding landscapes. Many tour operators offer daily trips to the caves, often combined with visits to nearby villages. • By Road: Alternatively, visitors can travel by tuk-tuk or private vehicle to the village of Ban Pak Ou, followed by a short boat ride across the river to the caves. This option is less common but provides a more direct route. Additional Tips: • Preparation: Wear comfortable footwear suitable for climbing, especially if you plan to visit the upper cave. • Photography: While photography is allowed, it’s important to be respectful of the religious significance of the site. • Nearby Attractions: Consider combining your visit to Pak Ou Caves with a trip to the nearby Whiskey Village (Ban Xang Hai), known for its traditional Lao rice whiskey production. Visiting Pak Ou Caves offers a unique opportunity to experience Laos’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it a memorable addition to any travel itinerary.

Pak Ou Caves is a historic and mysterious spot along the Mekong River near Luang Prabang, Laos. It's fun to access it by boat up the Mekong River, and the scenery along the way is also outstanding. There are large and small caves, and thousands of Buddha statues are lined up there! These Buddha statues have been donated by local people for a long time. In fact, it is a place that has been cherished as an object of faith for generations. The inside of the cave is cool and quiet, and you can look around the Buddha statues and think about its history. Outside the cave, you can enjoy the view of the Mekong River and the surrounding nature in a relaxing atmosphere. It's a place worth visiting on your trip! #0 yen trip January 2025 #Laos

#VisitLaos It is one of the highlights of visiting Luang Prabang, Laos. We have to take a ferry to Tham Ting or Tham Pak Ou, which is called Tham Pak Ou because it is in a large mountain on the banks of the Mekong River and is located opposite Ban Pak Ou. It is a connecting point between the Mekong River and the U River. It is an ancient cave that is not very large. Tham Ting is a hollow cave with small stalactites and stalagmites. It is beautiful. When you enter the cave, the atmosphere inside is very cold. There is a deep part that is closed off. There are Buddha images here in various sizes, including the Buddha in the blessing posture, the standing Buddha, and the Buddha in the posture of forbidding relatives. The shallow cave is not very deep. You can see ancient Buddha images carved from wood, which are small and large in size. There are hundreds of them. Some of them are hundreds of years old. To worship the sacred objects here, you buy a banana leaf cone with marigolds. There are pictures to light to worship and there is a donation box according to your faith. When you look back down, you will see a very beautiful view. If you come to Luang Prabang, you should not miss this place. #VisitLaos #ThamTing #VisitMekong #Visit Luang Prabang #Mekong River #Pak Ou Cave

#Get a discount without relying on luck 1 Day Trip for a boat ride to see the river. The hotel will find a boat for 2,000 baht for 2 people. The boat picks up in front of the hotel. The boat driver takes us to stop by the To Pha village. The whole village sells fabric. They are woven by themselves. The price is not expensive. If you are interested in buying it as a souvenir, you can choose. Some shops have more than fabric. Then we went to Tham Ting. Then we went back to the hotel. The weather was quite cool. We sat and relaxed, enjoying the nature. It was very enjoyable. 😀 #Get a discount without relying on luck #Luang Prabang

Car for tour every day

Immerse yourself in the tranquility and solemnity of Luang Prabang. Your exclusive guide will take you to visit the 5 must-see ancient sites and enjoy a unique and luxurious experience in the Buddhist kingdom🛕✨. 👇Click the bottom left to explore the secrets of the Buddhist kingdom! ------------------------------ 🏛️ Wat Xieng Thong | Ancient architectural treasure🏛 The magnificent temple of Luang Prabang, Wat Xieng Thong is famous for its exquisite architecture and the "Tree of Life" mosaic, which is a classic representative of Laotian temple style. 🕯️ Pak Ou Caves | Mysterious Pak Ou Caves Pak Ou Caves symbolize the soul of the Mekong River. Hundreds of Buddha statues guard this sacred land in the cave, allowing you to feel the power of Buddhist faith up close. 👑 Royal Palace Museum | Witness to the glory of the dynasty Once the palace of the last king of Laos, precious cultural relics and artworks record the royal history of Luang Prabang, a must-see in the ancient city. 🏞️ Mount Phousi | The highest viewing point in the ancient city The commanding heights of Luang Prabang, overlooking the ancient city and the Mekong River, the red roof and white walls blend perfectly with the natural scenery. 🛕 Wat Manorom | Millennium inheritance of Buddhist culture Built in 1375, Wat Manorom is one of the oldest temples in Luang Prabang. The golden Buddha statues and exquisite murals show the profound influence of Buddhist culture. ------------------------------ Special arrangements 🧳 1️⃣ Alms giving experience in the early morning🍚 Before dawn, monks in orange robes line up to receive alms from the people. Experience the devotion and tranquility of Buddhist faith in person. After that, take a walk in the market and experience the true life of local residents. 2️⃣ Private Mekong River cruise at sunset🌅 Board a private cruise at sunset and enjoy the beautiful sunset on the Mekong River. The sunset is reflected on the river, and the water is sparkling. Feel the touching moments of Luang Prabang. 3️⃣ Featured boutique hotel: Perfect combination of luxury and tradition🛌 Stay in a local boutique hotel that combines Laotian traditional style and modern luxury. Every detail will make you feel the unique charm of Luang Prabang. 4️⃣ Exclusive Chinese guide & private car service🚗 Accompanied by a Chinese guide throughout the journey, with private car pick-up and drop-off, enjoy a worry-free luxury journey. The car is equipped with mineral water, snacks, mosquito repellent, etc., to ensure a comfortable and cozy journey. ------------------------------ 👇Click below to explore the secrets of the Buddhist kingdom!

If you visit Luang Prabang and want to explore outside the city, I recommend the Pak Ou Caves. You can travel by motorcycle or car; the road is better than the one to Tad Kuang Si Waterfall. To visit, you need to pay for village entry, the boat ride to the caves, and the cave entrance fee. Make sure to bring enough money. Inside the cave, there are many carved wooden Buddha statues, more than you might expect. There's also another point to view the upper cave, but the person with the key might have celebrated too much last night and hasn't arrived yet, so we could only see the inside. I'll come back again next time. I recommend coming early in the morning when there are fewer tourists.

Very interesting cave

The water is very clear and cold.

Sooooo beautiful!

#familytrips2024 A small beautiful cave with an upper and lower entrance. The ride over to the cave was beautiful on the water and we enjoyed seeing all of the Buddha statues. You can buy tickets there. We also rented a motor bike and it was a fairly easy ride over to the cave from Lang Prabang. Very spiritual meaning Buddhist cave for Laos people. The Pak Ou caves could be more interesting with lights and a guide. Apparently, the caves predate Buddhism and remain an active religious site and place of worship.

■Access Boats to the caves run daily from boat docks on the peninsula. Docking points are dotted along the Mekong River, such as "behind Wat Xieng Thong" and "behind the National Museum." ■Boat and admission fee together cost about 1,500 yen. ■Time The boat ride takes about an hour each way, depending on the boat. ■How to visit There are two caves, one above the other, and 4,000 Buddha statues are enshrined in the lower part. To reach the cave on the left, you have to climb about 200 steps, so it's difficult unless you're in good shape. The cave in front has a few steps, but they are all steep, so be careful. The Pak Ou caves, located on the cliffs along the Mekong River, are a spectacular sight with Buddha statues lined up inside the cave. You can enjoy the beautiful view from the river while experiencing the traditional Laotian scenery. #Pak Ou caves

Lie on the long boat and bask in the sun while watching the beautiful scenery on both sides of the Mekong River. A half-day cruise on the Mekong River is the most leisurely activity in Luang Prabang, Laos. There are many ways to cruise the Mekong River, including sunset dinner cruise, cave cruise, etc. I chose the Ten Thousand Buddha Cave cruise. 📜Let’s talk about the Wanfo Cave cruise route. The whole trip takes 6 to 7 hours, and the time on the boat is about 4 hours. 🍀The first stop will be at the Weaving Village. There is a temple at the end of the village and you will have about an hour of shopping time. 🍀The last stop is the Ten Thousand Buddhas Cave, also called Pak out cave, which is divided into two parts: the upper cave and the lower cave. It is said that there are more than 8,000 bottles of Buddha statues in the cave. It was once a place where ancient kings took shelter from the rain. Therefore, N things you must know before taking a Mekong River cruise: 1⃣Choose a cruise route you like, and understand the cruise ship type, size, speed and specific itinerary in advance. 2⃣There are many travel agencies in the ancient city of Luang Prabang that can sign up for half-day or one-day cruises. I personally tested it and it is much cheaper to sign up at the hostel front desk. For example, a half-day cave cruise only costs more than 60 yuan. 3⃣Be sure to choose a sunny day, as the scenery will be eclipsed on a cloudy day. Even if it is sunny, you have to wear a long-sleeved jacket, especially if you set out in the morning, it is quite cold. 4⃣ When shopping in Weaving Village, you can bargain, at least in half, but you must pay attention to the time when you get on the boat. The boatman often sails without any points. 5⃣The visiting time of Wanfo Cave is only 45 minutes to 1 hour. After watching the lower cave, go up to the upper cave as soon as possible. It takes more than 10 to 20 minutes to climb the stairs.

#2024wish In 2023, I embarked on an unforgettable journey to Pak Ou Upper Caves in Laos. Climbing the steps to Tham Phum, 60 meters above the river, I entered a dark abyss filled with the silent echoes of centuries. Armed with a flashlight, I marveled at the thousands of Buddha images lining the cave walls, relics of the 18th and 19th centuries. Each statue whispered tales of time passed. The mystical aura of the caves and the sacred artistry left an indelible mark on my soul. As I descended, the Mekong River below mirrored the tranquility within. The experience was a spiritual voyage through history, a communion with the divine. In 2024, I wish to go there again, to bask in the timeless beauty and find solace amidst the ancient Buddhas.

#2024wish In 2023, my unforgettable journey led me to the mystical Pak Ou Lower Caves ຖ້ຳຕິ່ງ. As I entered Tham Thing, the lower cave, I marveled at the serene ambiance created by hundreds of meticulously carved wooden Buddhas. The soft glow of daylight illuminated the cave, offering a peaceful space for reflection at the altar. The short climb from the boat landing was a prelude to the spiritual richness within. Each miniature Buddha seemed to whisper ancient tales, echoing through the sacred cavern. The air was charged with tranquility, and the journey left an indelible mark on my soul. As the boat carried me away, I carried the essence of Pak Ou with me. In 2024, I wish to go there again, seeking solace amidst the timeless beauty of Tham Thing.

#VisitLaos Address - Ban Pak Ou, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR 🇱🇦 Ambience/Location - Tham Ting or better known as Tham Pak Ou due to its proximity to Pak Ou village, there are two caves located in this area: Tham Lower and Tham Upper. Tham Lower is the most popular and is widely photographed. Highlights - The front of the cave is slightly open, and since Buddhism was introduced to the area, locals have placed Buddha statues inside the cave as a form of worship. There are over a thousand Buddha statues in this cave. A staircase on the left side of the lower cave takes you through the forest to the upper cave. During the Lao New Year, the royal family visits the cave, along with many monks and locals, to bathe the sacred Buddha image as part of the traditional Lao New Year celebrations. Inside the upper cave is a beautiful entrance made of metal. To get there, you have to take a boat across the Mekong River to enter the cave. Score - 10/10

#WinterTravel 📣 Pak Ou Cave (Tham Ting) ⛰️ One of the tourist attractions in Luang Prabang, located on the banks of the Mekong River not far from Luang Prabang, Tham Ting has thousands of Buddha images. This sacred underground place has been revered for centuries. 👑 The number of Buddha images in the cave will gradually increase as villagers bring Buddha images into the cave according to their faith. 🚞 Tourists can travel to the cave by taking a boat to the Ou River along the Mekong River or by car to the Hai Village. You can find cars or boats from drivers or tours in Luang Prabang. #EatOutGoRound

#bucketlistreboot PakOu cave or Tham Thing Situated upstream from the Mekong River at about 25 kilometers from LuangPrabang city town, and is at the confluence of the two rivers such as NamOu and Mekong rivers. There are 2 options to reach there as access here by boat or Taxi or Tuk Tuk or hire a private minibus. We did it By boat, It took us about 1 and half hour to cruise up, and 1 hour to cruise back down to Luangprabang, but if you take a car then will be faster, on the back, there is a village to stop by such as Ban Changai ( Lao Lao Village), Ban Changkhong ( A weaving village) Its worth going there,seeing a scenic of mekong and villager life along the mekong rivers. For the food, there are also restaurants #luangprabang

How to get there - Travel from Luang Prabang city, heading to the north along route 13 for about 20 km. There will be a sign on the left-hand side, turn in for another 8 km and you will reach Ban Pak Ou, where there is a pier to cross to the cave. Tourist attractions - There are 2 caves, the lower one is the first cave when you walk up from the pier. As for the upper cave, you have to walk up the stairs for another 200 meters. In front of the cave, there is a carved wooden door. The inside is quite beautiful. Ticket price - Entrance fee + boat fare to and from, approximately no more than 25,000 k #luangprabang

Construction of the Mekong River Dam near Tha Tinh Cave #Winter is coming to the North#newyear