These caves in the rocky walls of the sandstone mountains at
the confluence of the Ou river and the Mekong, some 25 kilometres
upriver from Luang Prabang, are the most important attraction
out of town.
The caves are inhabited by thousands of Buddha
statues, some allegedly more than 300 years old. Monks used
to live in the caves, too. When Laos was still a monarchy, the
caves were visited every year by the king. A small royal Wat
is near the caves.
The citizens of Luang Prabang believe that
many good-natured spirits have their homes in the caves.
Thus they undertake short pilgrimages there on special occasions,
especially traditional New Year's Day. The best way to visit the
caves is by boat tour. The nature along the Mekong is absolutely
beautiful, and a boat tour to Pak Ou is likely to be the most
commemorable excursion from Luang Prabang.
Other attractions around Luang Prabang:
This page: http://www.cockatoo.com/english/laos/laos_luang_around.htm
