Tanva Mekong Cruises

Buddha (Pak Ou) Caves & Whiskey Village (with lunch)

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Xang Hai is a fascinating local village that specialises in the production of Lao whisky. And you would be amazed at what they put in the bottles with their whisky! They say it gives their whisky potency, or more power. They also weave fine fabrics here. Their fabrics are their cultural identity. You can tell the ethnic heritage of peoples by the woven fabrics they wear.

This is a fine opportunity to purchase genuine Lao products directly from the producers, as well as experience Lao village life.

The famous Pak Ou (Buddha) caves have played a very important part in the spiritual heritage of Laos. Prior to Buddhism, the local population worshiped the spirits of nature, or Phi. The caves were considered to be associated with the river spirit. By the 16th century, Buddhism was adopted by the royal families of Laos and the caves became an important place of worship for them until the communist revolution of 1975. Every year the King and the people of Luang Prabang made pilgrimage to the caves as part of the new-year religious observances. Artisans were commissioned by the royal family to prepare sculptures. Many of the carvings in the caves date between the 18th and 20th centuries.

There are two caves. The mouth of the main cave, known as Tham Ting, is beautifully visible and accessible from the river via a series of steps. This cave is full of Buddha images of all sizes but mostly classical Luang Prabang standing Buddhas. The second cave is via a longer series of steps going up and around. Take a torch with you to get the best out of visiting this cave.

From the caves we will lunch on boat before returning to Luang Prabang.