26-12-2015
THAM PAK OU CAVES, 25 km to north of Luang Prabang, Laos, these caves have been a place of worship for centuries, as people believed they are inhabited by the spirits of the river. According to Laos legend, the caves were discovered in the 16th century by King Setthathirath, one of Laos’ greatest Kings, who built monuments as the Wat Xieng Thong and the Pha That Luang.
Most easy way to get to the Pak Ou caves is by boat. The trip takes around 2 hours upstream from Luang Prabang with magnificent scenery along the way of the Mekong river and the limestone mountains. The way back downstream takes a little over an hour.
Luang Prabang is highly popular for these limestone caves located near river Mekong. The Pak Oh Caves have been known as a place of worship over a thousand years. Near the Pak Ou (mouth of River Ou) the Tham Ting or the lower cave and the Tham Theung, or the upper cave overlook River Mekong.
These caves are mainly noted for the miniature Buddha sculptures. Innumerous small and damaged wooden Buddhist figures have been laid out on the wall shelves taking positions, including that of peace, rain, meditation, teaching, and reclining (or nirvana).
LUANG PRABANG TO VIENTIANE BY FLIGHT. 27-12-2015
VIENTIANE
Vientiane, the capital of Laos, has a relaxed charm with tree-lined boulevards, interesting temples and colorful markets. City’s highlights including the gleaming golden stupa, Pha That Luang, perhaps the most important national monument in Laos; Ho Pha Keo, the formal royal temple, now a museum with beautiful examples of Buddhist sculpture, the temple of Wat Si Saket; and Patuxai, a monumental arch inspired by the Arc de triomphe but executed with Lao motifs.
