Pak Ou Caves, Buddhist cave sanctuary in Luang Prabang, Laos

Pak Ou Caves are two limestone caves on the west bank of the Mekong, 25 km north of Luang Prabang at the mouth of the Nam Ou. Tham Ting, the lower cave, lies about 60 m above the river and is roughly 20 m deep, its floor rising at a steep angle with tiered shelves holding some 2,500 Buddha figures. Tham Phum, reached by 278 steps, is about 50 m deep and 17 m wide.

Local Buddhist worshippers began placing Buddha statues in these caves from the 16th century onward as acts of devotion and protection. This centuries-long tradition continues today, shaping what visitors see inside the caverns.

The caves serve as a place where Laotian visitors leave offerings and perform rituals to express devotion, especially during Buddhist holidays. People bring statues and gifts to show respect and seek blessings from the Buddha figures.

The caves are accessible by boat from Luang Prabang in roughly two hours, departing from central riverside locations. Wear sturdy shoes, as the paths inside are rocky and uneven in places.

The caves held about 6,000 Buddha images at the time of a 1997 survey, but a 2011 recheck found that more than 600 had gone missing as visitor numbers rose. Many figures were placed here because they could no longer stay on temple altars, often after termite damage, and were brought to the sacred cave rather than discarded.