Pak Ou CavesAbout Pak Ou Caves
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.
Nearby Attractions to Pak Ou Caves
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 13° - 26° | 20° | 12 mm | partly cloudy | 65% | 1.3 m/s | 1.3 high | 10.9h |
| February | Excellent | 14° - 29° | 22° | 25 mm | some cloud | 58% | 1.3 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.4h |
| March | Excellent | 17° - 32° | 24° | 39 mm | partly cloudy | 56% | 1.3 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Good | 21° - 33° | 27° | 92 mm | partly cloudy | 61% | 1.4 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.5h |
| May | Acceptable | 23° - 33° | 30° | 167 mm | overcast | 69% | 1.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.0h |
| June | Acceptable | 24° - 32° | 31° | 193 mm | overcast | 75% | 1.4 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 13.2h |
| July | Acceptable | 24° - 31° | 31° | 274 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.2 m/s | 2.0 very high | 13.1h |
| August | Good | 23° - 31° | 30° | 318 mm | overcast | 83% | 1.1 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.7h |
| September | Good | 23° - 31° | 27° | 172 mm | overcast | 80% | 1.3 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.1h |
| October | Very Good | 21° - 30° | 25° | 87 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 1.6 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.6h |
| November | Excellent | 17° - 28° | 22° | 30 mm | some cloud | 69% | 1.0 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.1h |
| December | Excellent | 14° - 25° | 20° | 21 mm | partly cloudy | 67% | 1.2 m/s | 1.2 high | 10.8h |
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.