Description of the attraction
At the confluence of two rivers - Megonga and U, that is, 25 km from Luang Probang, there are unique sacred Paku caves, where thousands of different images of Buddhas are collected. Most of the miniature statues are made of wood, but there are also bronze statues and images made of ceramics. Because of this, the caves are poetically called the Place of many Buddhas. The lower cave is called Tham Ting, and the upper one, to which a staircase leads, is called Tham Theung.
According to local beliefs, these caves existed here long before Laos became a Buddhist country. Residents of the surrounding villages, the most famous of which is called Ban San Haya, came here to praise the spirit of the Mekong River. With the spread of Buddhism in the country, the caves turned into a place where peasants and wealthy travelers began to bring Buddha figurines in a variety of poses. Over time, about 4 thousand statues have gathered here. Some sculptures do not exceed 10 cm, others are 3 meters high. Among them you can find ancient examples of sculptural art. The oldest local statues were made in the 18th century.
Paku caves are usually reached by water. The staircase, along which the pilgrims climb to the cave temple, begins at a small pier. The caves, which were once inhabited by hermits, are active temples, so you can pray in them. The lower cave is most popular with visitors. There is even a small observation "window" overlooking the Mekong River.
The upper cave, 54 meters long, is poorly lit. It is problematic to discern something in it, so tourists are advised to bring flashlights before visiting it.
