The Pak Ou Caves sit in the limestone cliffs at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, about 25 kilometres upstream from Luang Prabang. The two caves are filled with thousands of Buddha statues, some allegedly over 300 years old, left as offerings by pilgrims over the centuries. The boat trip upriver is half the pleasure -- a scenic journey past limestone karst and riverside villages. Most tours stop at a whisky village on the way. The caves were once visited annually by the king and were home to resident monks.
Pak Ou Caves
Riverside limestone caves filled with thousands of Buddha statues