Pak Ou Caves
Cave Limestone caves housing thousands of Buddha statues
Limestone caves near Luang Prabang reached by boat on the Mekong, famed for hundreds of Buddha images and religious pilgrimages; visited on river cruises and local excursions.
The Pak Ou Caves are a pair of limestone caves on the Mekong River in northern Laos, north of Luang Prabang. The site is famed for housing large numbers of Buddha statues left as votive offerings over many generations.
Two main caves sit one above the other on a cliff face - the lower cave and the upper cave - with shelves full of Buddha figures in a variety of sizes and styles. The caves are reached by boat and are a frequent stop on river excursions between Luang Prabang and upriver destinations.
The caves have been used as a religious shrine for centuries and were a traditional place for locals and pilgrims to leave images of the Buddha. Their role as a devotional site continued after conversion of the surrounding area to Theravada Buddhism and they remain active places of veneration.
Pak Ou Caves sit where the Nam Ou River meets the Mekong, about 25 km upstream from the town of Luang Prabang. The site is reached from Luang Prabang by boat along the Mekong and occupies a limestone cliff overlooking the river.
- Boat access: Located about 25 kilometres upriver from Luang Prabang and accessible by regular tourist boat services along the Mekong River.
- Buddha statues: Contains thousands of Buddha images deposited over centuries, ranging from small carved figures to larger statues, spread across two caves.
What to See #
- Tham Ting: Tham Ting is the lower cave, reachable by steps from the river and containing hundreds of small seated and standing Buddha figures arranged on ledges and shelves.
- Tham Theung: Tham Theung is the upper cave, reached by a short climb above Tham Ting and containing larger and older Buddha images alongside smaller offerings.
How to Get to Pak Ou Caves #
Regular tourist longboats depart Luang Prabang’s riverside daily; the trip takes around 45 minutes to an hour each way depending on the boat. Private longboat charters are also available and allow more flexible schedules.
Tips for Visiting Pak Ou Caves #
- Take a traditional longboat from Luang Prabang's riverside in the morning to catch calm water and fewer tourist boats.
- Visit both caves: Tham Ting (lower) and Tham Theung (upper) - Tham Ting is smaller and often lined with fragile, centuries-old statues.
- Bring cash for the small entrance fee and for local vendors at the landing; dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered) out of respect for the religious objects.
Best Time to Visit Pak Ou Caves #
Best visited in the dry season (November-February) for comfortable boat trips and clear skies; mornings avoid crowds.
Weather & Climate near Pak Ou Caves #
Pak Ou Caves's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in June) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 13°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1430 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 12 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 21°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 30°C. Significant rainfall (167 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (193 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (274 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (318 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (172 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
