Traveling through Laos , it is definitely worth visiting amazing and unique in its beauty speleological complexes. The caves of Laos are a favorite place for daytime recreation of local residents who, in the peak of the heat, gather in the cool shadows at the entrances.
The most beautiful caves of Laos
We bring to your attention an overview of the most interesting underground grottoes of the country:
- Cave Tam Chang (Tham Jang or Tham Chang). It is located in the province of Vientiane , to the south of the city of Vang Vieng. The cave is led by a bridge across the river of the same name. In the XIX century, Tam Chang was used as a refuge for protection against Chinese raids and looting. The dimensions of the cave are not too large, but through the holes in the limestone walls you can see a wonderful panorama of the river and the surrounding area. Take with you on a tour of the binoculars, then you can witness the wonderful scenery of nearby green slopes. In spring, when the water in the river reaches the cave and penetrates into it, you can swim by boat about 80 m deep. Inside for the convenience of visitors included electric lights, and at the foot of the cave you can see a mountain stream with crystal-clear water flowing into the river Wangviang.
- Cave Tam Sang (Tham Xang, Elephant Cave). In fact, this is a whole speleological complex, which includes four caves next to each other, which are named Tam Sang, Tam Khoy, Tam Lu and Tam Nam. These caves are located 8 km north of Vang Vieng, near the village of Ban Pakpo. The name Tam Sang translates as "Cave of the Elephant", which can be explained by the shape of stalactites resembling elephants. Inside the cave you can see several Buddha statues, and if you move 3 km into the interior, then your eyes will open the underground lake. During the struggle for independence, the Lao people used these caves to shelter the guerrillas, and also as a hospital with an operating theater and a storehouse of weapons reserves. This arsenal is now closed to visitors, but the remains of the hospital are available for viewing on a guided tour. To visit Tam Sang is preferable in the morning hours due to the fact that light penetrates the cave better.
- Cave Paku (Pak Ou, Caverns of Thousands of Buddhas). This is the most famous cave complex in Laos, located on the Mekong River. Travel by Pack Y is possible only on boats. Near the mouth of the river are the Lower (Tham Theung) or Tam Prakachai (Tham Prakachai)) and the Upper (Tham Ting) or Tam Leusi (cave). In them you can see a collection of wooden Buddha statues, which are gifts of local people and pilgrims. The entrance to the Upper Cave is decorated with carved wooden gates. From it goes a ladder to the Lower, which is more elegant and rich in gifts.
- The cave of Buddha , also called Tam Pa Pa. According to Lao monks, this is an ideal place for meditation and acquiring harmony and peace of mind. Here you can see a significant collection of bronze Buddha statues and manuscripts on palm leaves. There are two levels in Tam Pa. The upper one is dry, and it contains the statues. The lower tier is filled with water, which formed the lake Nong Pa Fa, whose name means "turtle lake with a soft shell". The excursion begins in the valley and moves inwards until water appears, then you can swim about 400 m. Lighting in the cave is only natural, so it is recommended to take a lantern with you, and also wear comfortable shoes and covered clothes to protect against mosquitoes.
- The Cave of Tham Khoun Xe. It is located in the center of Laos, and is not yet fully accessible to visitors. Surprising in its beauty, a seven kilometer long series of water-filled grottoes, sometimes reaching 120 meters in height and 200 meters in width. The name Tam Hong Xue in translation means "cave at the source of the river": Xe Bang Phi originates even in the jungle and permeates the local rocks through and through. Inside this cave there are 5 rapids, the first of which will be at a distance of 2 km from the entrance. During the visit, it is advisable to have your own boat, which you could move through the stones to move on, otherwise the movement will be impossible. From June to October, the river here has a very turbulent current, so it is better to refrain from visiting Tam Hong Xue.
- The Cave of Niakh (Great Cave, Niah Great, Gua Niah). It was inhabited by people 40 thousand years ago. It is home to many birds (including three kinds of salangas), and local people prepare soup from their nests. There are also bats. The Great Cave has significant passageways and 8 different entrances. One of them - the Western mouth - is very important for archaeological excavations. A tour of the cave Niah begins with the headquarters in the park, then continues on motor boats on the river of the same name. A four kilometer path through it will take you to the Western Roth. You will see excavations in the cave, then nesting places of birds and then through the hole in the ceiling look at the rays penetrating into the Great Cave.
- Cave Tam Chom Ong (Tham Chom Ong). It is the second longest among all the caves of Laos (the length is just over 13 km) and is named after the nearest village of Ban Chom Ong. They opened there Chom Ong in 2010, and today the researchers claim that not all of its ways have been studied, and, probably, the size of the cave will be even greater. The excursion passes upstream the river at 1600 m.
This is not the entire list of Laos caves. We have considered only the most interesting and accessible complexes. There are many smaller or lesser known caves. These include, for example, the most recently discovered Kao Rao, located in the north of the country. In general, caves in Laos - one of the main attractions , which can not be ignored.