[2024 Luang Prabang Attraction] Travel Guide for Pak Ou Caves (Updated Dec)
No.10 of Best Things to Do in Luang Prabang
Historical Sites
Address:
Near Pak Ou the Tham Ting Near the Village of Ban Pak Ou - Mekong River, Ban Pak-Ou 0603 Laos
Opening times:
Opens at 8:00-17:00Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
1-2 hours
Phone:
+856-20-56110220
Officially announced that visa is exempted! I immediately went to this treasure city to taste the taste.
🎉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~
HHtravel
Cave with thousand of Buddha
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
TravelerKid
Car for tour every day
_TI***5n
Limited to 10 seats! Explore the 5 ancient sites of Luang Prabang.
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!
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🏛️ 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.
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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.
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👇Click below to explore the secrets of the Buddhist kingdom!
HHtravel
Pak Ou cave Lao
Very interesting cave
PatriciaDew
The Pak Ou Caves
#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.
Claire’s Adventures
5 things you must be aware of before going on a Luang Prabang cave cruise
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.
ZenfulWellness
Buddha's Whisper: Upper Caves of Tranquility
#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.
TimentoDiver
Buddha's Whispers: Pak Ou Lower Serenity
#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.
TimentoDiver
Visit the beauty of the caves along the Mekong River.
#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
Eat Out, Go Round ลุยกินฟินเที่ยว
Pak ou cave
#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
Vanxay Paolad
Tham Ting (Pak Ou Cave)
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
Tui.KPS
Pak Ou Caves in Laos. This cave is certainly one of the best cave I have ever been and also my top five place I have been to in Laos. This unique and mind blowing cave is really one of kind. Once you climbed up the cave you will then see a lot of buddha statues inside the cave. Really really great experience. #wintergetaway
#wintergetaway
_TS***1x
The caves are OK as part of a broader day tour: getting there probably as interesting as the caves thenselves. There is an upper and lower cave with a moderately steep climb through forested areas to the upper one - perhaps best to do this first whilst you still have some energy to do so. Lots of statuary, not terribly much in terms of natural cave features. Good views across and along the river. #wintergetaway
#wintergetaway
Pondchanit
Pak Ou Caves is located just by the Mekong River. To go here, you can take the boat journey from the city center pier, which take around 1,5 hours. It is so fun and you might need to bring some snacks for the journey!
#happynewyear
Quinissa
The most not to be missed in Luang Prabang is the Bawu cave group, located on the bank of the Mekong River north of Luang Prabang, about 25km from the ancient city of Luang Prabang. The grotto consists of two caves, the lower cave is halfway up the mountain, called Tham Ting, and the upper grotto is on the top of the mountain, called Tham Phoum. The
Bawu Grottoes were built centuries ago and were buried by mudslides due to geological movements and rain erosion. They were later rebuilt by a foreign tourist.
The two grottoes enshrine tens of thousands of Buddha statues, and there are more than 8,000 statues in the book. It used to be the place where the king prayed for rain. Every year before the rainy season, there will be a grand prayer ceremony, and the Buddha will be blessed for a year. The Tading Grottoes can be seen with natural light. Since the cave faces the east, it is recommended to visit in the morning. The light is best. The Tapong Grottoes must be seen in the cave with a flashlight. If you don't have your own, you can rent them at the grotto.