PAK OU CAVE CRUISE
Luang prabang cruise
Departure: 09:30 am from the Pak Ou pier in front of the Belle Rive Hotel. Duration: Approximately 5 hours, returning to the Pak Ou Pier around 14:30 pm.
Includes:
- Visits to the Rice-Wine distillery in Xang Hai village.
- Visit to the Pak Ou Cave.
- Lunch served on board the cruise in front of the Pak Ou cave.
- Transfer at the hotel.
- Entrance fees for the caves.
- Drinking water, coffee, and green tea.
- French & English-speaking guide.
The set lunch menu includes cucumber soup stuffed with pork, river weed & Luang Prabang pork sausage, traditional Mekong River fish mousse in banana leaf, fried eggplant mixed vegetables in oyster sauce, chicken curry, fried chicken in herbs (pandan leaf), steam rice and sticky rice, and assorted fresh sliced seasonal fruits.
Bookings should ideally be made hours before the cruise. Last-minute bookings before 08:00 am for the Lunch Cruise may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. The minimum number of clients for the cruise is 2 people, and the maximum is 30 people. Children under 9 years old are free of charge, and children 10 years old and above are charged the full price.
Xang Hai Village
Click to read about Xang Hai village.
Xang Hai Village, also known as Ban Xang Hai or “Whisky Village,” is a traditional Lao village located on the banks of the Mekong River, north of Luang Prabang. It’s a popular stop for tourists en route to the Pak Ou Caves, offering a glimpse into local crafts and traditions.
Highlights of Xang Hai Village:
- Rice Wine (Lao-Lao) Distillery: This is the primary highlight of the village. Visitors can witness the traditional process of making “Lao-Lao,” the potent Lao rice whiskey. The process involves fermenting glutinous rice with a herbal starter, often using open fires and earthen jars. Visitors can observe the distillation process and are often given the opportunity to taste and purchase the finished product. Some distilleries also offer “whiskey” with preserved snakes, scorpions, or other animals, which are believed to enhance masculinity and serve as a tourist attraction.
- Traditional Handicrafts: Beyond rice wine, Xang Hai Village is also known for its traditional weaving. Local artisans create colorful textiles, particularly silk weaving, on hand looms. Other handicrafts, such as pottery and bamboo basketry, are also available. Visitors can browse and purchase these handmade souvenirs, making it a good place for authentic local gifts.
- Glimpse into Rural Life: The village offers a chance to experience traditional Lao village life in a serene setting along the Mekong River. You can walk through the village, interact with friendly locals, and observe their daily routines.
- Accessibility: Xang Hai Village is typically accessed by boat as part of a Mekong River cruise from Luang Prabang, often combined with a visit to the Pak Ou Caves. This makes the journey to the village a scenic experience in itself.
Pak Ou Cave
Click to read about Pak Ou Cave
The Pak Ou Caves, located about 25 kilometers north of Luang Prabang, Laos, are a renowned sacred site nestled in a dramatic limestone cliff at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. This captivating destination is a must-visit for its unique cultural and spiritual significance.
Here’s a brief overview:
- Thousands of Buddha Images: The caves are most famous for housing thousands of miniature Buddha sculptures and statues of various sizes, materials (primarily wood), and postures, ranging from meditation to nirvana. These images have been deposited by devout Buddhists and pilgrims over centuries, creating an extraordinary collection that fills every available nook and cranny.
- Two Caves: The Pak Ou Caves consist of two main caves:
- Tham Ting (Lower Cave): More easily accessible and visible from the river, Tham Ting receives more natural light and houses a significant number of Buddha statues. It’s often where visitors begin their exploration.
- Tham Theung (Upper Cave): Requiring a climb up several steps, this upper cave is larger, darker, and contains thousands more Buddha images, many of which require a torch to view properly. It offers a more secluded and atmospheric experience.
- Historical and Spiritual Significance: The caves have a history dating back thousands of years. While initially used as a shrine to river spirits by local animist tribes, they became a sacred Buddhist site around the 16th century during the reign of King Setthathirath, who was instrumental in promoting Buddhism in Laos. For centuries, Lao royalty and common people have made pilgrimages to the caves, especially during Lao New Year, to bathe the Buddha images and offer prayers.
- Scenic Journey: Most visitors reach the Pak Ou Caves by taking a scenic boat trip along the Mekong River from Luang Prabang, which typically takes about two hours upstream. This journey offers picturesque views of the surrounding rural landscape and riverside villages.
- Cultural Experience: A visit to Pak Ou Caves provides a deep insight into the enduring Buddhist faith and cultural traditions of Laos. It’s a place of quiet reverence, natural beauty, and a testament to the spiritual devotion of the Lao people.
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Cruise price |
Agent rate |
Public rate |
Description |
|
Groupe 1-10 pax Group: 11-24 pax Group: 25 Up |
USD 30 USD 28 USD 25 |
USD 35 |
Pak Ou Lunch Cruise from 09:30am to 14:30pm Include:
|
|
Charter Boat with meal 02 pax – 15 pax |
USD 350 |
USD 650 |
Included: |
|
Charter Boat with meal 16 pax -30 pax maximum |
USD 500 |
USD 650 |
Included: |
|
Charter Boat without meal |
USD 250 |
USD 350 |
Included: |
SET LUNCH MENU
- Cucumber soup stuffed pork
- River weed & Luan Prabang pork sausage
- Traditional Mekong River fish mousse in banana leaf
- Fried eggplant mixed vegetables in oyster sauce
- Chicken curry
- Fried chicken in herbs (pandas leaf)
- Steam rice and sticky rice
- Assorted fresh sliced seasonal fruits
GALLERY
