Description

Highlights :

• Board a luxurious wooden for a gentle ride on the Mekong River and observe the life passing by on the sleepy riverbanks
• Follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims and visit the revered holy site of the Pak Ou Caves

Mekong Cruise to Pak Ou in Style

Tour Overview :

Follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims and visit the revered holy site of the Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of serenely-smiling Buddha images.

Board the boat and meet your private guide who will give you an insight into the culture and history of the sights to be discovered.
As the boat gently drifts along the Mekong River observe the life passing by on the sleepy riverbanks. See children playing at the water’s edge, women washing their clothes, and men fishing for the larger catch that live deep on the riverbed.
Stop along the way at the ‘lao whisky village’ to observe how sticky rice is distilled to become the famous ‘lao lao’ liquor. See the weavers at work on the looms, and barter for colourful locally-made fabrics.
On reaching the Pak Ou Caves make your way up the flight of stone steps to the lower and upper levels. These ancient caves have been cut into the limestone cliff and are crammed full of Buddha statues of all styles, sizes and ages. Having sat there for hundreds of years exposed to the elements, many are broken and crumbling, covered in dust and cobwebs. Now a popular pilgrimage site, the caves were discovered in the 16th century and are believed to have been a centre for spirit worship.
Return to Luang Prabang by boat enjoying a selection of typical Lao snacks along the way.