Pak Ou Caves

Overview

Pak Ou Caves is a significant religious site featuring thousands of Buddha images placed by devotees over centuries. The caves are located on a limestone cliff overlooking the Mekong River.

The caves are an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and a testament to the region's spiritual heritage.

Caves Buddhist

Location

Address

Pak Ou

Neighborhood: Km 25 on the Mekong River

Coordinates

20.070700, 102.139300

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

50,000 LAK

Children

25,000 LAK

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

November to February

Best Time of Day

Morning

Cool temperatures and fewer tourists

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1.5 hours

Recommended

2-3 hours

Full Experience

Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Warm and humid

• Lush greenery

summer

Hot and humid with rains

• Rarely visited

autumn

Cooler and drier

• Clear skies

winter

Cool and pleasant

• Cool breezes

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Respect religious site
Dress modestly
No touching Buddha images

What to Bring

essential

Water Comfortable shoes Camera

seasonal

Umbrella Warm layer

not allowed

Drones Loud noises

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate

• Slippery steps
• Uneven terrain

Medical facilities: First aid available in Luang Prabang

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Local cards

Currency

Lao Kip (LAK)

Typical Costs

entry 50,000 LAK

parking 5,000 LAK

boat trip 150,000 LAK

guide 100,000 LAK

Dress Code

Modest clothing, Long pants/skirts, covered shoulders, Sturdy walking shoes, Shorts, Revealing clothing

Booking Tips

• Not required
• Local tour operators
• Flexible
• Not applicable

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Luang Prabang Guide

Size: 30 MB

Features: Map, History, Tips

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center

Charging Stations: Limited

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Luang Prabang International Airport

Distance: 30 km

Travel Time: 45 minutes

taxi

300,000 LAK 45 min

public_transport

50,000 LAK 1 hour

From City Center

Distance: 25 km

boat

150,000 LAK 1 hour

songthaew

80,000 LAK 1.5 hours

rental_car

500,000 LAK/day 45 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Important cultural and religious site

Historical Significance: Used as a retreat by Lao royalty

Insider Tips

Arrive early to avoid crowds
Local guides offer valuable insights

Local Recommendations

• Try local street food
• Hire a local guide for insights

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Sabaidee

thank_you Khop chai

where_is Ko thao...yooy?

how_much Tao dai bao nhieu?

beautiful Su tu

ticket Bai

Guide Languages: Lao, English, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Tham Thevada Cave

Best Time: Morning light

Tips: Wide shots of Buddha images

Result: Iconic cave interior

#PakOuCaves #LaosTravel

Photography Rules

allowed areas Cave entrances and exteriors

prohibited areas Deep inside caves

flash photography Avoid disturbing other visitors

commercial photography Permit required

drone policy Prohibited

tripod policy Allowed in designated areas

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Ban Xang Hai Village

Distance: 10 km

Walking: Not walkable

Type: Village

Luang Prabang Night Market