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How to Get from Luang Prabang to Pak Ou Caves

Luang Prabang to the Pak Ou Caves by Mekong boat: departure at 08:00, 80,000 kip, about 1.5 hours upstream, plus entry fee and opening hours.

Laos Luang Prabang

Last updated: October 30, 2026

How to Get from Luang Prabang to Pak Ou Caves
Contents

The Mekong sets the pace in northern Laos, and a boat upstream to the Pak Ou Caves is the most atmospheric short trip from Luang Prabang. Limestone cliffs close in along the river, and the caves at the end hold many Buddha statues.

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Luang Prabang to Pak Ou Caves by Boat

The public boat to the caves leaves daily at 08:00 from the ticket office at Vat Nong village, and the round trip takes 3.5 hours. The ticket costs 80,000 kip per person.[1]

Going upstream takes about 1.5 hours.[2] Most boats stop at Ban Xang Hai, the village known for its lao-lao rice whisky.[3]

Luang Prabang to Pak Ou Caves by Road and Boat

You can also take a tuk-tuk or motorbike to Pak Ou village and cross the Mekong on a small boat.[3]

At the Caves

The caves are open daily from 08:00 to 17:00. Entry costs 30,000 kip for foreigners, and there are two caverns to see.[2]

  • Leave early: The morning departure gets you to the caves before the midday heat.
  • Dress modestly: The caves are a sacred site, so cover your shoulders and knees.
  • Bring cash: Entry is paid in kip at the caves.

Comparing Your Options

ModePriceDuration
Public boat (round trip)80,000 kip[1]3.5h[1]

Timetable

Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves More info / Tickets
Ferry Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves $ 11.65 3h
  • →  Standard Class 07:30

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Luang Prabang to Pak Ou Caves?

Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Luang Prabang to Pak Ou Caves, including current prices and schedules.

What is the cheapest way to get from Luang Prabang to Pak Ou Caves?

The public boat costs 80,000 kip per person for the round trip.

What is the fastest way to get from Luang Prabang to Pak Ou Caves?

A tuk-tuk or motorbike to Pak Ou village and a short boat crossing over the Mekong is the road option. The public boat from Luang Prabang takes about 1.5 hours upstream.

How long does it take to get from Luang Prabang to Pak Ou Caves?

The boat takes about 1.5 hours upstream, and the round trip with time at the caves is 3.5 hours.

Are there stops along the way to the caves?

Most boats stop at Ban Xang Hai, the village known for its lao-lao rice whisky.

What are the opening hours and entry fee for the Pak Ou Caves?

The caves are open daily from 08:00 to 17:00. Entry costs 30,000 kip for foreigners.

Where do I buy the boat ticket?

At the ticket office at Vat Nong village. The public boat leaves daily at 08:00.

Sources and background

Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.

  1. [1] Tourism Luang Prabang: Slow Boat River Cruise. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
  2. [2] Tourism Luang Prabang: Pak Ou Cave (Tham Ting). Retrieved October 22, 2026.
  3. [3] Tourism Luang Prabang: River Journeys: Pak Ou Day Trip. Retrieved October 22, 2026.

Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.