Mekong River boat cruise to sacred Pak Ou Caves

A boat journey along the Mekong from Luang Prabang passes riverside villages and stands of reeds. At the destination, caves in the cliffs hold many Buddha images. The contrast between the slow water and the dim light of the caves makes the trip special.

Wear non-slip shoes for the steps up to the caves. The interior is dim, so a small torch or phone light helps. On the river, a hat and sunscreen are needed. The boat ride is calm and spent seated, so watch daily village life as you pass.