Top Things to do in Luang Prabang Province
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The 5 Best Caverns & Caves in Luang Prabang Province, Luang Prabang Province
Discover the best top things to do in Luang Prabang Province, Laos including Pha Kuang Cave, Pak Ou Caves, Tham Ting, Tham Kang Cave, Patok Cave.
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1. Pha Kuang Cave
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By 1noahj
I rented a kayak from the tour agency between the two Indian restaurants on the eastern side of the bridge in Nong Khiaw and kayaked down to the restaurant next to the cave. Follow the river downstream until you see the big cave entrance on the right. 10.000 kip to the woman at the restaurant (headlamp included, though I used my own and can’t comment on the quality). The cave opening is neat, but it’s much more interesting to continue into the passage. Take a picture of the map for good measure, though there’s really only one way to go. One part requires maneuvering laying down and sideways, while another is more of a crawl. Other than those two sections, the cave is walkable either hunched over or upright. I saw some bats and interesting insects. Take a moment to turn off your light, and appreciate the silence and darkness, and the history of the cave.
2. Pak Ou Caves
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 1,360 reviews
Located 25 km from the city, these caves are filled with Buddha images.
Reviewed By OrderintheHouse
My wife and I enjoyed a short 5 day private Wendy Wu “Laos in Focus” tour in January 2020 arranged through Asia DMC Laos, enjoying three nights in Luang Prabang and one night in Vientiane. A highlight of our short stay in Luang Prabang was a half day private boat trip of the Mekong River with our tour guide and a local boat owner in a traditional, long, narrow boat to get to see the famous Pak Ou Caves. This boat had a polished wood interior with wooden chairs and tables and a low ceiling. It was a case of “watch your heads”. The trip to the Caves took approximately 2 hours and travelled around 25 kilometres out from Luang Prabang. On the way we saw river village life, majestic mountains, and animals including wild elephants on the river bank. We also visited the charming river villages of Ban Xieng Lek and Ban Xang Khong to view silk weaving and Saa paper (mulberry paper) handicrafts. The boat trip included lunch after the Caves visit at the Manivanh Restaurant on the opposite bank of the Mekong and directly opposite the Caves. On the one hour return journey we visited the river village of Ban Xang Hai to see how Lao rice whisky (Lao Lao) is made. Travelling by boat is an excellent way to visit the Pak Ou Caves. The Pak Ou Caves are set in a limestone cliff at the point where the Mekong joins the Nam Ou River. There are 2 caves which we visited; a lower cave called Tham Ting and an upper cave Tham Theung. A very informative sign at the lower cave offers a good description of the Buddha sculptures that can be observed, as follows – “ The more than 4000 sculptures of Buddha now found in the Tam Ting Caves have been left there by worshippers. They are mostly carved from wood or moulded from resin, then coated with red or black lacquer, and then covered with gold leaf. A few of the sculptures are carved from animal horn or made from bronze or a low-fired ceramic. Common poses are three of the positions which depict important stages in the life of Buddha - “ Calling for Rain” with the figure standing and the arms pointing downwards; “Calling the Earth to Witness” with the figure seated and one hand extended downwards and “ Meditation” where the hands are crossed in front of a seated figure. “Stop Arguing” where the figure is standing and the palms of the hands are extended outwards and the “Reclining” position are not common. “ To get to Tham Ting, the lower cave, you need to climb several steps from where the boats dock. Be prepared for lots of tourists at this lower cave; a factor which does spoil the moment a little with some visitors being disrespectful in my view taking “selfies” against the sacred Buddha images. Fortunately it was January and not April, the peak season, and the tourist numbers were manageable. However, there was still quite a number there nevertheless. Here in this lower cave the lighting is quite good and there are excellent exhibits of many miniature Buddha figures packed close to each other on ledges, on rocky outcrops or any available “nook and cranny” throughout the cave. There are approximately 2,500 Sculptures in the lower cave. A key features of Tham Ting is the alter closest to the cave entry where offerings of flowers, incense and candles are made. There are also Lion figures guarding the entry. If you have time and a reasonable degree of fitness, you should challenge yourself and take the stone steps from Tham Ting and embark on a 10 minute steep climb to view Tham Theung, the upper Cave. For us, the 10 minutes became 20 minutes because we are not as young as some and we benefited from having a rest (a “breather”) at regular stops on the climb. It was at these stops that we enjoyed wonderful views of the Mekong. An advantage at Tham Theung, the upper Cave, over Tham Ting, the lower cave, is that there are less tourists. With that you get a more dignified and respectful visit to see even more wonderful Buddha statues, albeit in much poorer light than at the lower cave. It is therefore advisable to bring a small torch with you to navigate your way around this upper cave. There is a large gold seated Buddha outside the entrance to Tham Theung looking splendid to the right as one enters. An informative sign in the upper cave gives a good insight into the extensive conservation work being undertaken on a continual basis. Every April during the religious ceremonies shrines are cleaned and painted surfaces renewed. This helps maintain this important sacred Buddha site. Significantly the sign also states that an important joint project of the Australian and Lao governments commenced in 1992. This was a five year conservation project which recorded and catalogued all the sculptures, excavated six tons of fallen debris, rebuilt the masonry structures as well as conserved many of the objects. We owe so much to this five year conservation project. We should also be grateful to the many local people who continually strive to preserve such an important site as the Pak Ou Caves. As a consequence, scores of tourists the world over today are able to come here and be given an opportunity to marvel at the remarkable treasures these Caves unfold. And for that we all should express our grateful thanks.
3. Tham Ting
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By SiggiWorld - San Francisco, United States
Everytime I am in the area I will hire a boat and enjoy the relaxing trip up the Mekong to visit Pak Ou, it's always a spiritual experience. A stop in Xang Hai or the village across from the caves can be interesting, especially if you are looking for some old traditional items. After you get off the boat in Luang Prabang, don't forget to stop at Cafe Safron, located right on the Mekong...
4. Tham Kang Cave
5. Patok Cave
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By thecab53 - Honolulu, United States
Just back from the Patok caves.....after reading such negative and very old reviews I felt the need to give my opinion. Also got to say, people do your homework and read about where you’re going, google it!! This place has an incredible history, yes, I did google it!! Also if you ONLY went to the first cave, then you did not complete the whole experience of all the caves there to explore. Which, I must say was pretty amazing!! Definitely bring a headlamp/torch. I didn’t, but was given one after paying 15,000 kip entrance fee, no guide, just me and another couple, no harassment fr anyone. They were a little ahead of me n kept me abreast of what to expect. Going through the narrow tunnels and some tight spots for sure, was definitely scary and thrilling but left you wanting to keep going!! And I was by myself!! So, I say go for it, I really enjoyed the experience! Plus the scenery alone while hiking is spectacular!! Bring water and a sense of adventure, good shoes!! Enjoy it!!????????
