Pak Ou Cave (Tham Ting)
Tham Ting
Overview
Known by tourists as Pak Ou Caves due to its proximity to Pak Ou village, there are actually two separate caverns at this location, which is locally known as Tham Ting.
Open Hours
Open everyday from 08:00am to 17:00pm
Note! you can pay for the entrance fee at there.
Access
Many tour operators make daily trips on the Mekong River to Tam Ting, often stopping for other sights along the way. The boat trip takes about 1.5 hours, heading upstream from Luang Prabang, and this is a great way to get a glimpse of life along the river. It’s also possible to travel most of this distance by vehicle and make a short boat crossing at Pak Ou.
Details
The lower cave is the most popular and widely photographed of the two. It’s more like a small opening in the cliff-face rather than a cave. Ever since Buddhism was introduced to the area, local people have been bringing statues and placing them inside this cave as a way of making merit. There are thousands of Buddha statues in this cave and they make for quite a spectacle.
The staircase to the left of the lower cave leads you through the forest to the upper cave. During Lao New Year the Royal Family used to travel to the cave, along with many monks and local devotees, to pour water over a sacred Buddha statue as part of Pi Mai celebrations. There isn’t much to see inside the cave but there is a stunning doorway with ornate metalwork that is well worth the walk.
Others in Nature
Kuang Si Waterfall
The most spectacular waterfall in Laos, Kuang Si is a place where you can swim, walk and soak in the beauty of nature.
Phou Si Mountain
The view of the Mekong River and the city from the hill top is superb, especially during sunset.
Sae Waterfall
Depending on the time of year, this waterfall is a wonderful place to swim, ride an elephant or eat yummy Lao food by the gushing water.
Kuang Si Butterfly Park
Imagine hundreds of colourful butterflies fluttering around you in a rainforest garden – that’s what you’ll find at this park which is situated 300 metres before the entry of Kuang Si Waterfall.
Pha Tad Ke Botanical Gardens
Discover the incredible diverse flora of Laos and learn how local people have been using plants for medicine, food and wellbeing for centuries.
Nahm Dong Park
A stunning waterfall, breathtaking valley views and plenty of places to picnic – Nam Dong Nature Park is a fantastic place to spend the day.
Slow boats & River Cruise
The waters of the Mekong have for centuries been the major highways in this region, carrying goods, people and ideas up through the heart of Laos.