1 day

Full Day

About this activity

After a short transfer from your hotel in Luang Prabang to the pier, your guide will escort you to an awaiting boat that takes you slowly upriver to your destination at the Pak Ou Caves. Laos' numerous waterways have traditionally been used as a major form of transportation in many parts of the landlocked country. On your boat cruise you'll discover rural life along the Mekong.

It takes about 1.5 hours of cruising time from Luang Prabang to your first stop for lunch at Ban Xang Hay, a village that specializes in making rice wine and keeps the art of traditional weaving methods intact. After lunch, continue your journey to the confluence of the Mekong River and the Nam Ou River, before reaching the famed namesake caves.

The caves are directly located on the banks of the Mekong and consist of a lower cave called Tham Ting and an upper cave called Tham Phun. Tham Phun is the main attraction, where you will see more than 3,000 Buddha images in the form of intricately carved statues. The Buddha statues range in size from a few inches tall to the height of a human and are crammed into the cave, which is nestled in a limestone cliff. The caves continue to be an important destination for local pilgrimages, and their contents grow year after year.

Climb the steps to walk through the caves, then return to your boat for a leisurely ride downstream. Observe the daily activities of fishermen who elegantly cast their nets into the river, and learn about the important role the river plays for villagers who rely on the water source for their livelihoods.

Just before reaching your disembarkation point back in Luang Prabang, hop over to the other side of the river for a glimpse of Ban Xieng Mene. Walk through the village and visit Vat Long Khoune, a temple with lovely mural paintings. Finally, conclude your tour with drop-off at your hotel.

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Included

Lunch
Local guide
Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
Transport by boat
All applicable taxes and service charges
Entry/Admission - Mekong River
Entry/Admission - Pak Ou Caves
Entry/Admission - Tham Ting
Entry/Admission - Tham Phu Kham Cave and Blue Lagoon
Entry/Admission - Old Quarter Luang Prabang

Not included

Gratuities
Other entrance fees and expenses, such as other meals, drinks, tips and shopping, unless otherwise stated

Additional

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Local supplier will always make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, they reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.
Please note that pickup and drop-off services may not be confirmed for customers staying at private residences, apartment complexes, or other non-registered tourism accommodations. Customers may be asked to meet at a nearby hotel for pick-up and drop off
Local supplier reserves the right to make necessary changes to the excursion in case of unfavorable weather conditions or situations where they are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of guests.
This excursion includes obstacles of various kinds that may not make this excursion suitable for wheelchair users. The obstacles comprise of unpaved roads, small boats and cruise embarkation and disembarkation and insufficient facilities to provide a comfortable sightseeing tour.
It is recommended to wear light, comfortable cotton clothing and comfortable shoes