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Pak Ou Caves

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Pak Ou Caves (Laos)

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The Pak Ou Caves are a prominent Buddhist sanctuary located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, about 25 kilometers north of Luang Prabang. The site comprises two main chambers: Tham Ting (the lower cave) and Tham Theung (the upper cave), both set into a towering limestone cliff. For centuries, these caves have served as a repository for discarded or donated Buddha images, resulting in a collection of over 4,000 statues in various sizes and poses. Most of the figures are carved from wood and finished with red lacquer or gold leaf, reflecting the diverse artistic styles of the Lan Xang era. Historically, the caves were associated with local spirit (phi) worship before being formally converted to Buddhist use in the 16th century. During the Lao New Year (Pi Mai), the caves become a major pilgrimage destination as locals travel by boat to perform ceremonial washings of the icons. The journey to the caves is as much a part of the experience as the site itself, offering panoramic views of the riverine landscape and traditional villages along the banks.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C192224262626252525242119
Rain mm1463162121116219234127562312

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Pak Ou Caves are reachable by boat from Luang Prabang and are open to the public. The caves consist of two main caves accessible via stairs.
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Typical hours
The caves are typically open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Boat trips to Pak Ou usually depart early in the morning to avoid the heat.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in the caves, but flash should be avoided to protect the Buddha statues. A flashlight is helpful for darker areas.
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Time needed
Visiting the caves takes about one hour. Including the boat trip from Luang Prabang, allow half a day.
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Combine with
Combine the trip with a visit to the whisky villages along the Mekong. The Pak Ou Caves can also be combined with a return trip to the Pak Ou waterfalls.
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Getting there
The caves are only accessible by boat. In Luang Prabang you can rent a boat or join an organized tour.
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Insider tip
Bring a flashlight to explore the deeper niches of the caves. Wear sturdy shoes as the steps can be wet and slippery.

Geography

Coordinates
19.99720, 102.19690

Facts

  • Located at the junction of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers.
  • Consists of two caves: Tham Ting and Tham Theung.
  • Contains an estimated total of over 4,000 Buddha images.
  • Became a major Buddhist site under King Setthathirath in 1560.
  • The upper cave is roughly 54 meters deep and requires a torch.
  • Statues represent various mudras (symbolic hand gestures).

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Nam Ou ValleyNam Ou Valley3 km · NWExplore →
Luang Prabang SEZLuang Prabang SEZ5 km · SEExplore →
Elephant Village SanctuaryElephant Village Sanctuary6 km · NEExplore →
Wat Xieng ThongWat Xieng Thong6 km · SExplore →
Pha Tad Ke Botanical GardenPha Tad Ke Botanical Garden10 km · SExplore →
Laos Buffalo DairyLaos Buffalo Dairy18 km · SExplore →
KasiKasi19 km · EExplore →
Luang Prabang Butterfly ParkLuang Prabang Butterfly Park23 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How do you reach the Pak Ou caves?
Best by boat from Luang Prabang; the journey up the Mekong river takes about two hours.
What is special about these caves?
They house thousands of Buddha statues in various sizes and styles.
How much is the entrance fee?
The entrance fee is approximately 20,000 Kip per person, payable on-site.
Do you need a flashlight?
For the upper cave (Tham Phum), a flashlight is very useful as it is unlit.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning to avoid the large tourist groups that usually arrive around midday.
Pak Ou Caves: where is it located?
Pak Ou Caves is located in Laos.
Pak Ou Caves: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Nov.
Pak Ou Caves: why is it worth visiting?
The Pak Ou Caves are a prominent Buddhist sanctuary located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, about 25 kilometers north of Luang Prabang.
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Nearby cities

Luang Prabang — Pak Ou Caves (Laos)
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a historic city in northern Laos.
Nong Khiaw — Pak Ou Caves (Laos)
Nong Khiaw
Nong Khiaw is picturesquely situated on the Nam Ou River, surrounded by limestone cliffs.
Muang Ngoi — Pak Ou Caves (Laos)
Muang Ngoi
Muang Ngoi is a picturesque riverside village surrounded by towering karst peaks, offering a tranquil escape along the Nam Ou River.

History & landmarks

Wat Xieng Thong — Pak Ou Caves (Laos)
Wat Xieng Thong
One of the most historically significant Buddhist temples in Luang Prabang, famous for its sweeping roof and rich decorations.
Wat Visounnarath — Pak Ou Caves (Laos)
Wat Visounnarath
One of the oldest temples in Luang Prabang, known for its unique watermelon-shaped stupa.
Mount Phousi — Pak Ou Caves (Laos)
Mount Phousi
A 100-meter high hill in the center of Luang Prabang offering religious shrines and a panoramic view of the city.
Royal Palace Museum — Pak Ou Caves (Laos)
Royal Palace Museum
The former royal palace of Luang Prabang, blending Laotian and French Beaux-Arts architecture.
Wat Mai — Pak Ou Caves (Laos)
Wat Mai
The largest and most richly decorated monastery in Luang Prabang, famous for its gilded reliefs on the front facade.

Nature

Nam Khan River — Pak Ou Caves (Laos)
Nam Khan River
A major tributary of the Mekong River in northern Laos, which flows into the main river at the historical city of Luang Prabang.

More places

Nam Ou Valley — Pak Ou Caves (Laos)
Nam Ou Valley
The valley carved by the Nam Ou River, one of the most important rivers in Laos, known for its dramatic limestone karst landscapes.
Luang Prabang SEZ — Pak Ou Caves (Laos)
Luang Prabang SEZ
An economic center under development, aiming to bring light manufacturing and services to the historic and tourism-focused province.
Elephant Village Sanctuary — Pak Ou Caves (Laos)
Elephant Village Sanctuary
A peaceful sanctuary that rehabilitates former working elephants and gives them a life on the banks of the Nam Khan River.
Wat Aham — Pak Ou Caves (Laos)
Wat Aham
A small but important historical temple in Luang Prabang that was once the center of both animist and Buddhist worship.
Wat Visoun — Pak Ou Caves (Laos)
Wat Visoun
The oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang, home to the unique watermelon-shaped stupa.
Royal Palace Museum — Pak Ou Caves (Laos)
Royal Palace Museum
The former royal palace of Luang Prabang, which is now a museum detailing the history of the Laotian monarchy.
Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham — Pak Ou Caves (Laos)
Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham
One of the largest and most richly decorated temples in Luang Prabang, famous for its golden bas-relief work on the facade.
Mount Phou Si — Pak Ou Caves (Laos)
Mount Phou Si
A small but prominent forested hill in the center of Luang Prabang, offering fantastic panoramic views of the Mekong and the city.