Pak Ou Caves

The Pak Ou Caves (ຖ້ຳປາກອູ) are among Laos' most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, set into a limestone cliff where the Nam Ou River meets the Mekong, about 25 kilometres north of Luang Prabang. The two caves house several thousand Buddha images that have been placed here over centuries by pilgrims and worshippers as acts of devotion. Combining dramatic natural scenery with deep religious significance, the Pak Ou Caves remain an active place of worship and one of the country's most iconic cultural attractions. The scenic journey along the Mekong, passing traditional riverside villages and striking karst landscapes, is as memorable as the destination itself.