Pak Ou Caves Guide: Visiting Tham Ting in Luang Prabang

The scenery from the caves landing

Nestled among limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong River, about 25 km north of Luang Prabang where the Mekong meets the Nam Ou, the Pak Ou Caves rank among the most revered holy sites in Laos. This renowned destination offers travelers a glimpse into the country’s hidden spiritual heritage.

We visited the caves during our three-day slow boat journey from Chiang Saen in Thailand to Luang Prabang, an unforgettable river experience in itself. Most visitors, however, reach Pak Ou on a scenic boat ride from Luang Prabang, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

A glance of the Mekong from the upper cave

The surroundings near the caves were simply breathtaking, with the Mekong’s shores framed by towering limestone cliffs teeming with lush greenery. Our slow boat docked at the small landing below the caves, where we stepped ashore and purchased the entrance ticket (20,000 Kip per person). From there, a steep stairway led us upwards, flanked by statues of white lions standing guard.

Along the way, local vendors sold flowers, incense sticks, and candles—traditional offerings for those wishing to pay their respects inside. A short climb later, we entered the dimly lit lower cave, known as Tham Ting, easily visible from the river. As our guide switched on a torch, the scene before us came to life: hundreds of small Buddha images placed along stone shelves, filling every corner and crevice of the cave. The effect was utterly mesmerizing and immediately called for some cultural and historical context…

HISTORY

Buddhas statues tower above a magnificent scenery

The Pak Ou Caves—literally meaning “mouth of the Ou River”—have served as a sacred place of worship for centuries. They were first consecrated in the 16th century, when King Setthathirath, one of Laos’ most revered monarchs, transformed them into a Buddhist cave monastery. Yet the reverence for this site goes back even further: according to local legend, the caves were once believed to be inhabited by powerful river spirits long before Buddhism arrived in the region. Even today, Lao people continue to bring offerings and maintain the tradition, keeping the mystical aura of the caves very much alive.

The lower cave, located right by the river landing, is known as Tham Ting (literally “lower cave”). It is the smaller of the two chambers and also the most visited, as it’s the first stop for nearly everyone arriving by boat. From here, a steep staircase winds its way uphill to the upper cave, Tham Theung, which many visitors unfortunately skip—often deterred by the crowds or the climb. That’s a pity, because Tham Theung is not only larger but also filled with unique features and an atmosphere that feels more secluded and mysterious.

Do note that the upper cave is very dark inside, so a flashlight is essential. You can bring your own, rent one at the entrance, or simply rely on your guide if you are visiting as part of an organized tour. With the beam of light illuminating centuries-old Buddha images and carvings, the exploration becomes a truly memorable experience.

Buddhas inside the upper cave

Over the centuries, both Pak Ou caves became filled with thousands of Buddha sculptures of immense religious value. These figures range in size from just a few centimeters to statues nearly a meter tall, and were crafted from diverse materials such as wood, stone, resin, and even emerald. Many of the wooden ones, unfortunately, show signs of termite damage, a reminder of their fragile endurance through time.

What makes the collection fascinating is its variety: you’ll find Laotian, Thai, and Chinese Buddhas, most coated in black or red lacquer, with some shimmering in delicate layers of gold leaf. Each figure is frozen in a symbolic pose—or mudra—such as meditation, teaching, granting peace, calling for rain, or reclining in nirvana.

In the past, a few of these sculptures were stolen, so compelling were their beauty and historical significance. Today, however, stricter security ensures these sacred treasures remain safely in place, allowing visitors to admire them in their authentic setting.

Inside the upper cave

Traditionally, the King of Luang Prabang would come to Pak Ou caves to perform the ceremonial washing of Buddha statues during Songkran, the Laos New Year, celebrated from April 13 to 15. In a ritual full of symbolism, the Buddhas were bathed using water carried in a long, ornate vessel shaped like the naga, the mythical serpent of Buddhist and Hindu lore. This vessel is still on display in the upper cave, a powerful reminder of the site’s royal and spiritual heritage.

Monks and local devotees are still allowed to add new Buddha images to the caves, which means their numbers continue to grow year after year.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

Boats dropping passengers at Pak Ou caves

Boats for the scenic two-hour trip upstream to Pak Ou Caves depart from the Mekong boat dock at the tip of Luang Prabang’s peninsula. The journey itself is an experience, offering glimpses of peaceful riverside villages, fishermen at work, and dramatic limestone cliffs rising over the Mekong. The return trip downstream is quicker, taking just over an hour. Boats usually leave around 8:30 a.m., with a fare of about 75,000 Kip (roughly 10 USD). Tickets can be purchased directly at the dock, though many travelers opt for a tour through local agencies, which often includes a stop at the charming whisky village of Baan Xang Hai. Here, villagers have long crafted clay jars traditionally used for fermenting Lao Lao (rice whisky) and Lao Hai (rice wine). Alongside the spirits, you’ll also find women weaving colorful scarves and shawls—beautiful keepsakes of the journey.

Buddhas inside the lower cave

While boat tickets for solo travelers can feel pricey, groups often find it worthwhile to charter an entire boat for about 350,000 Kip (roughly 40 USD). Another option is to wait for additional passengers at the dock, or team up with three or four fellow travelers to split the fare.

If you’d rather not spend hours on the river, you can also reach the caves by road. A taxi, tuk-tuk, or minivan will take you to Baan Pak Ou village, located directly across from the caves. From there, a quick cross-river ferry ride costs around 10,000 Kip (about 1.30 USD) per person. This alternative saves time while still giving you a taste of local river life.

Inside the upper cave

Visitor Guidelines for the Cave

Respect Buddhist practices: wear long pants and a shirt; modest clothing is required.
Do not touch the Buddha images.
Do not vandalize or write on the cave walls.
Smoking inside the cave is strictly prohibited.
Keep noise to a minimum.

Practical Tips:

Bring a torch for better visibility.
For elderly visitors or those with mobility issues: the cave is dark and may be slippery, so please proceed with caution.

For an account of the Mekong cruise from Thailand, CLICK HERE

The Mekong cruise from Chiang Saen in Thailand to Luang Prabang in Laos was kindly sponsored by Mekong Smile Cruise

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