When planning a trip to Laos you must include Luang Prabang and the Pak Ou caves. Luang Prabang is the former capital of Laos. 25km north of town on the Mekong are the Tham Ting (lower chamber) and the Tham Theung
(upper chamber) of the Pak Ou caves. These spiritual caves are home to over 4000 Buddhas in various shapes, sizes and positions, including meditation, teaching, peace, rain, and nirvana. They come from locals and pilgrims who have made the two-hour boat trip to visit this sacred site. Every New Year pilgrims from Luang Prabang and other areas of Laos take the trip to worship in Pak Ou.
You can make the trip to the Pak Ou Caves by road, boat or songthaew. If you take the road to Pak Ou, the trip will take about an hour. Hiring a songthaew will bring you out on the opposite side of the river where you can hire a boat to take you across. As you approach you will see the Tham Theung cut into the high limestone cliffs. As your boat slowly gets closer, you will begin to see the white steps. These steps can be taken to each of the chambers. Tham Thing is better lit than the upper chamber and houses various Buddhas. The upper cave houses the balance of the Buddha statues. If you plan to visit both caves it is recommended that you bring a headlamp.
While the Pak Ou Caves are a must-see when visiting Laos, you’ll want to spend time in Luang Prabang as well. This historic city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning that it has been nominated for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s International World Heritage program. The program aims to preserve sites of cultural and natural importance to the common heritage of humanity. This unique city offers a spiritual experience in the numerous temples. These temples house more sacred Buddhas in addition to those found in the Pak Ou Caves. The greenery of Laos offers a dramatic backdrop to the bright colors of the temples.
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