Pak Ou Caves

A Mekong cave landing with thousands of Buddha images above the river.

Information about Pak Ou Caves

Pak Ou Caves are a strong first or final river stop because they are reached from the water. Boats land below the limestone cliffs, then the cave opens into shelves of Buddha images placed by generations of worshippers.

It is not a big museum moment. It is a river-and-faith moment: stone, steps, incense, statues, and the Mekong moving below.

Interesting facts about Pak Ou Caves

The caves sit near the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers.

The lower cave is the most accessible and is commonly included on Anouvong itineraries.

Thousands of Buddha images have been placed in the caves over time.

Pictures of Pak Ou Caves

Highlights Close to Pak Ou Caves

Kuang Si Falls

Kuang Si Falls brings a different kind of water into the journey. After days on the Mekong, the route moves inland to forest paths, limestone pools, turquoise cascades, and a place where the heat of Laos suddenly has an answer.

It is popular for a reason. The key is to understand it as part of the route: river, village, waterfall, then back to the ship.

Boat on the Mekong at Luang Prabang on an Upper Mekong river journey

Luang Prabang old town

Luang Prabang old town is compact enough to walk and layered enough to stay with you. Temples, timber houses, royal history, morning alms, food markets, and the meeting of the Mekong and Nam Khan all sit close together.

For a river journey, the old town explains why Luang Prabang is more than a port. It gives the Upper Mekong a cultural centre.