Pak Ou Caves
Pak Ou Caves
3.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Located 25 km from the city, these caves are filled with Buddha images.
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- Patrick GMarina del Rey, California14 contributionsUnique and enchanting placeFour stars, but worth the trip. You will get pictures here that you cannot possibly get anywhere else in the world. Some stairs up to the two caves, but not so many as Phousi hill in LP. My companion bought an authentic Lao sarong in a village not too far away. This mystical place would be five stars were it not for the nasty lady guarding the restroom - try to take care of that beforehand ;)Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 November 2023
- DotsGirl2Vancouver, Canada452 contributionsLoved the Boat Trip and the Caves are GreatWe took a two hour boat ride up the Mekong river which was wonderful. We reached the caves. To get to the first cave you go up about 80 steps. The cave is filled with Buddha statues. You will be amazed at how far up they have placed some. You then come back down about twenty steps and start the climb up to the large cave. That one is another 200 steps. It is a larger cave and has more Buddha statues. Don’t forget to enjoy the view from the topVisited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 14 February 2024
- Brenda DSydney, Australia329 contributionsEnjoy the overall journey rather than the destinationRating this as 4/5 stars as an overall experience rather than the destination. Took a private long boat to the caves started at 6:30am. Loved the boat trip both ways - calm and relaxing. Noting that it’s been 40degrees plus for the last few days here. Buddha caves interesting - first cave had a few maybe 22 steps up - we purchased some marigolds and lit some candles and incense for a blessing. Second bigger and deeper cave is set back and has about 200 steps up. At 8:30am we were the first of the day, a few vendors out selling hand made bracelets from the local village.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 April 2024
- Viet Exquisite TravelHanoi, Vietnam193 contributionsNice boat trip to Pak Ou CavesWe took a nearly-two hour boat ride up the Mekong river which was wonderful and offered the chance to watch the river life along the banks. It doesn't take long to explore the caves, despite their exceptional nature. Cave on two levels, both small and filled with thousands of Buddha statues.Visited June 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 17 April 2024
- dianedinkyDunfermline, United Kingdom1,346 contributionsCave visit ok. Boat trip to get there fantastic.I liked going inside the cave but it wasn't a wow moment on my holiday. Nothing inside but Buddhas. The first you enter is the small, lower one. The main cave is actually much further up and involves some seriously steep steps that had me well out of breath! Luckily there are a couple of stalls selling painted stones and shells to stop and look at (and purchase from!). The real highlight of this day trip was the boat journey there and back. Was very scenic and wonderful to watch life on the river banks and the various other boats we passed. Would recommend for the river trip alone.Visited February 2024Travelled soloWritten 3 May 2024
- MoamoaMelbourne, Australia4 contributionsGood place to learn about BuddhismFour out of five stars . Gotta say it's a fair pretty sight and you will get tons of nice pictures. Sure, there's a few stairs up to the caves, easy to look around. This mystical spot would be a top score if it weren't for the the late boat pick up. Thankfully, the crowds weren't too pushy. Still recommend on a Luang prabang tourVisited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 23 July 2024
- Lynne TChicago, Illinois4 contributionsInteresting experienceWe went on a 2-hour boat trip, which was an interesting experience as we got to see the life along the river. Our destination was a series of caves with many Buddhist statues, which gave us a sense of mystery. The view from the top was also fantastic.Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 21 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Cartertravels15
Alton, UK194 contributions
Dec 2019
We had a delightful trip on the river in a huge boat all to ourselves.Our AboutAsia guide pointed out various things including water buffalo and the local drug addicts rehabilitation centre.He explained about the Mekong river is very controlled by other countries and how the local farmers growing their crops along its banks receive little warning about when a dam upstream is going to be opened and their crops get washed away.We went to a small monastery which only had a few young monks and saw their very productive vegetable areas.Later went ashore and had a whisky tasting experience.Back on the boat we continued to the caves.It was like rush hour with very full boats all arriving at the same time.Steep steps to the lower cave and many elderly people like ourselves trying to get up and down the steps.The Buddha statues aren't very well kept.After this we went to the upper cave which is a long trek up.Fortunately I think many people were put off by the steep climb as few people around.The cave was dark but luckily our guide had a torch.It was a shame there were so many people on the side of the steps trying to sell you things and live animals.We wouldn't want to go again.But best part was the river trip
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LuizDutraNeto
Rio de Janeiro, RJ8,569 contributions
Jan 2020
We boarded, in Luang Prabang, a traditional boat for a day trip upstream the iconic Mekong River. After nearly 2 hours, we arrived at the "Pak Ou Caves", the famous "Buddha Caves" at the mouth of the Ou River. There are actually two caves, "Tham Ting" (the lower cave) and "Tham Theung" (the upper cave). On both, thousands of miniature sculptures representing Lord Buddha (approximately 2,500 in the lower cave and 1,500 in the upper cave). These miniatures, in bronze, wood and other materials, are left there by fishermen and local travelers for the safety of their river journeys. The caves are insteresting, no doubt, but what I did enjoy most was the trip along the Mekong, with stunning views of the river banks and the surrounding rainforest. Be ready for warm temperatures. Enjoy!
Written 10 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roland B
Zurich, Switzerland1,807 contributions
Feb 2020
it's a nice boat ride upriver, that is why we did it again after 15 years. but we were sad and horrified about all the deforestation along the way. probably for construction (wooden houses) and fire (cooking), whole forests were cut down. 15 years ago this was all one wild and natural jungle. the stop on the way in the Whisky Village is for nothing. again, here there was a village 15 years ago. now it is one big shopping mall. but at least there is a toilet. the cave itself is nice and picturesque. it's a bit of a steep climb up the stairs to get there, especially as there are hundreds of people on the way up and down. but all together we still enjoyed re-doing this excursion.
Written 4 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nilintentum_reliquit
Melbourne, Australia2,597 contributions
Jan 2020
90 minutes upstream is the infamous cave filled with mini Buddha statues. To be quite frank it is a bit of a mess, not well kept, not very spiritual, and personally not worth the effort.
Thanks for the vote if you found this review helpful.
Thanks for the vote if you found this review helpful.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jwgbusiness
Thornhill, Canada146 contributions
Dec 2019
We (my wife and I) boarded a tourist boat that has the capacity for about 30 people and we had it all to ourselves with the guide and the captain, of course. We stopped at Whiskey Village but didn't purchase anything. We went on to Pak Ou Caves and found it was crowded with many boats bringing tourists. There are two caves, the lower cave is easily accessible and you can see thousands of buddhas, ranging in various sizes, to an upper cave which is quite a hike. I started my ascent to the upper cave but gave up when I discovered that it was quite aways up (decided to save my energy for other things). We had lunch at the restaurant across the river from the caves. The trip was enjoyable, relaxing and gave us a chance to sail the famous Mekong.
Written 7 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brenda D
Sydney, Australia329 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Rating this as 4/5 stars as an overall experience rather than the destination.
Took a private long boat to the caves started at 6:30am. Loved the boat trip both ways - calm and relaxing. Noting that it’s been 40degrees plus for the last few days here.
Buddha caves interesting - first cave had a few maybe 22 steps up - we purchased some marigolds and lit some candles and incense for a blessing.
Second bigger and deeper cave is set back and has about 200 steps up.
At 8:30am we were the first of the day, a few vendors out selling hand made bracelets from the local village.
Took a private long boat to the caves started at 6:30am. Loved the boat trip both ways - calm and relaxing. Noting that it’s been 40degrees plus for the last few days here.
Buddha caves interesting - first cave had a few maybe 22 steps up - we purchased some marigolds and lit some candles and incense for a blessing.
Second bigger and deeper cave is set back and has about 200 steps up.
At 8:30am we were the first of the day, a few vendors out selling hand made bracelets from the local village.
Written 9 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen A
Manama, Bahrain65 contributions
Dec 2022
Lovely river trip - 1 hour and 45 min up and 1 hour back, the weather was perfect and watching the river life along the banks; fishermen etc including a Buddhest funeral was fascinating and fun, much more than you would see on a sunset river trip. We paid $40USD for the 2 of us on a private boat to get there and back, though the caves themselves would have been a disappointment if that was the only thing about the trip. On arrival to the jetty you pay $6USD (2 x$3) to go and visit the lower and upper cave, and whilst i appreciated this is a very religious site, it looked more like a garage sale of unwanted Buddha's some of which were headless for some odd reason. if you are short on time and cash i would give it a miss
Written 29 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JayRae1
Glasgow, UK1,603 contributions
Jan 2020
I was torn between giving this attraction 3 stars or 4 stars, as 3.5 would have been about right. The caves themselves are not huge, or even particularly spectacular, but the location and the journey there both boost the experience.
We went there on a trip on the Nava Mekong boat, which included the cruise up the Mekong along with lunch served onboard, and I'll review that separately. The trip was booked through our hotel, Villa Maly, and was certainly worth the money.
The caves are on various levels, but the climb to the top cave is not particularly arduous and is worth the effort. I'm 67 years old and found it relatively easy. Note that the highest of the caves is unlit, and so taking a torch, or at least a mobile phone which has a torch, is required or you won't see a thing. Each cave contains a variety of Buddhas, which have been placed there over the years by locals to ensure safe passage up and down the river.
As I said, they are not particularly stunning, but definitely worth a visit, as the journey there is also a great experience in itself. I will attach several photos from our visit.
One thing worth a mention is that, all the way up on the climb, you will find little children who have tiny birds captive in wicker cages. They will tell you they will release a bird for $1 US. What they don't tell you is that the birds live with them and will fly straight home, to be put back in the cages for other tourists to release again the next day. It is hard to know whether to encourage this, and let them earn a few Dollars, or if you are contributing to keeping these kids away from getting an education. It's up to you.
We went there on a trip on the Nava Mekong boat, which included the cruise up the Mekong along with lunch served onboard, and I'll review that separately. The trip was booked through our hotel, Villa Maly, and was certainly worth the money.
The caves are on various levels, but the climb to the top cave is not particularly arduous and is worth the effort. I'm 67 years old and found it relatively easy. Note that the highest of the caves is unlit, and so taking a torch, or at least a mobile phone which has a torch, is required or you won't see a thing. Each cave contains a variety of Buddhas, which have been placed there over the years by locals to ensure safe passage up and down the river.
As I said, they are not particularly stunning, but definitely worth a visit, as the journey there is also a great experience in itself. I will attach several photos from our visit.
One thing worth a mention is that, all the way up on the climb, you will find little children who have tiny birds captive in wicker cages. They will tell you they will release a bird for $1 US. What they don't tell you is that the birds live with them and will fly straight home, to be put back in the cages for other tourists to release again the next day. It is hard to know whether to encourage this, and let them earn a few Dollars, or if you are contributing to keeping these kids away from getting an education. It's up to you.
Written 5 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flamin' F
18 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
These are two small cavities filled with Buddha statuettes that can only be reached by boat. Boats will take you there if you arrive on your own, not on an organized cruise from Luang Prabang. It's dusty and there's nothing else to see.
The environment is very beautiful. It is in a green setting along the river. On the other hand, you can have lunch on the beach simply and quite tasty. Getting there by scooter takes a good half hour via a fairly poorly maintained road. Not a bad experience in itself but not worth the detour.
Not far from there you can see a camp with elephants.
The environment is very beautiful. It is in a green setting along the river. On the other hand, you can have lunch on the beach simply and quite tasty. Getting there by scooter takes a good half hour via a fairly poorly maintained road. Not a bad experience in itself but not worth the detour.
Not far from there you can see a camp with elephants.
Written 10 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monica Cottone
Bergamo, Italy5,578 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
I went to this cave with my guide alone because my husband was sick in the hotel. With the guide we took a boat to cross the Mecong. Once you arrive on the other side, you dock on a pier with some floats and walk up a staircase that leads to the cave. Inside on the first level there is an altar and all around statues of different sizes placed everywhere. There is a second level of the cave accessible with a small staircase and always with votive statues.
Nice, short visit, mine maybe a little longer because I took a lot of photos with the reflex, but in any case no longer than about twenty minutes. The only negative was the children at the entrance to the cave begging for alms.
Nice, short visit, mine maybe a little longer because I took a lot of photos with the reflex, but in any case no longer than about twenty minutes. The only negative was the children at the entrance to the cave begging for alms.
Written 6 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Did you book a boat tour online before trip or did you just walk to pier and found one there?
Written 7 February 2019
I suggest you book with any of the travel agents on Khem Khong (riverside road) directly,that way you can bargain and get a better rate.Have breakfast a little early then head for Pak Ou Caves,dont miss the confluence of Nam Ou & Mekong then comes Whiskey Village.After you come back to LP can proceed to Kuang Si Falls where you can have lunch.
Written 8 February 2019
Thank you so much for your review, Chun Yin L. I am visiting Luang Prabang in February and the Pak ou caves are included in my itinerary. As I have a few knee problems could you tell me roughly how many steps there are to the lower caves, please? Is the ground slippery? I gather the upper caves are for the very fit? Steep and many steps? Many thanks for your time.
Written 17 December 2017
hi, there are quite a few steps up to the cave itself and they were a bit slippery when we were there. even so I wouldn't miss going to the caves. you can see inside a bit from the landing place, well worth it, and maybe a couple of steps will allow you to see even more. also we saw elephants bathing in the river on the opposite bank to the caves. Can't garentee that but the trip up the river is worth it anyway.
Written 18 December 2017
Hi.... Can anyone confirm what kind of attire is best for this Pak Ou Cave ride and is it safe to visit the upper cave? Thank you
Written 5 February 2017
Hi Sdgopal . U can wear any comfortable T-shirt , short & sandal .
Written 7 February 2017
How far does one kayak pls? How long is the trip wow to go?
Written 25 January 2017
I didn't go for Kayaking as flow of river was strong. But there is public transport ferry that leaves at 8.30 am every morning from main Pier. To and fro Charges are 60000 LAK per person.
Written 25 January 2017
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