Luang Prabang Highlights Tour: Pak Ou Caves & Kuang Si Waterfall

Two legendary sites in one day: caves filled with Buddha statues, then turquoise pools and a bear sanctuary

A full-day guided tour from Luang Prabang to Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si Waterfall, with hotel pickup, English-speaking guide, lunch and entrance fees included. The tour runs eight hours and visits a historic 1363 village and the Royal Palace museum en route, ending with sunset over the Mekong River. Choose between a shared group tour or private tour with personalized service.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Luang Prabang highlights

• Pick up from accommodation
• Visit Kuang Si Waterfalls and bear center
• Temple hopping at Wat Sene and Royal Palace museum
• Stop at local village and enjoy lunch
• Boat trip to Pak Ou Caves
• Visit historic village and watch sunset over Mekong
• Return to Luang Prabang and drop off

The experience

Pickup happens between 8:10 and 8:40 am from your accommodation, then the day opens at Kuang Si Waterfall. A cascade into turquoise pools where you can swim, walk the scenic trails, or climb to the top for views across the forest. The site also houses a bear conservation center. After the waterfall, the route moves through temple hopping: Wat Sene, where novice monks study, and the Royal Palace museum, which holds centuries of Lao royal history told through the objects inside it.

A stop at a local village built in 1363 anchors the cultural half of the day, followed by lunch featuring local dishes. Then comes the river crossing and the journey upriver along the Mekong to Pak Ou Caves: limestone caverns stacked with thousands of Buddha statues and idols left by centuries of worshippers. Your guide walks you through the caves and shares the legends attached to them. The day closes with a sunset view over the Mekong from a historic village before drop-off between 5:30 and 6:30 pm, either near the night market on the main street or directly at your hotel if arranged in advance.

The tour suits solo travelers and groups alike, with the option to book shared departures or a private tour with hotel transfers included. All entrance fees, an English-speaking guide, drinking water, and lunch are part of the package.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup between 8:10 and 8:40 am.
• entrance fees to Kuang Si Waterfall, Pak Ou Caves, and the Royal Palace museum.
• English-speaking guide throughout the day.
• lunch with local dishes.
• drinking water.
• transportation by vehicle and river crossing to the caves.
• sunset viewing over the Mekong River.

Options for this experience

4 options

Kuang Si Waterfalls onlyGuide in English · 08:30 and 14:00Half-day Kuangsi waterfall tour, pickup is included

Pak Ou Caves onlyGuide in English · 08:30 and 12:30Half-day Pakou caves tour: join the group tour

Group tour, one-dayGuide in English · 08:30Join-in tour: full-day group tour, pickup is included

Private tour, one-dayGuide in English · 08:30Private tour: includes pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 12:30 and 14:00

AgesAdult (9 and older) · Child (1 to 8 years)

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Is this one for you?Book the group tour if you enjoy meeting other travelers and want a set schedule. Choose the private tour if you prefer personalized timing and direct hotel transfers. Either way, eight hours covers both sites without rushing, leaving time to swim at the waterfall and explore the caves at a comfortable pace.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 8 years).

What's the difference between the group tour and the private tour option?

The group tour departs on a shared schedule with other travelers, while the private tour offers personalized service and hotel transfers tailored to your timing.

Can I book just Kuang Si Waterfall or just Pak Ou Caves instead of both?

Yes. The tour offers single-site options: Kuang Si Waterfall Only or Pak Ou Caves Only, each with its own itinerary and pricing.

What time does the tour end and how do I get back to my hotel?

The tour arrives back in Luang Prabang between 5:30 and 6:30 pm. Drop-off is near the night market on the main street, or directly at your accommodation if you arrange it beforehand.

Is swimming at Kuang Si Waterfall included, or do I need to bring anything?

Swimming in the turquoise pools is part of the tour. Bring a swimsuit and towel. The pools are open for visitors to swim and relax.

What can I expect to see inside Pak Ou Caves?

Pak Ou Caves are ancient limestone caverns filled with thousands of Buddha statues and religious idols placed there over centuries of worship. Your guide explains the spiritual significance and the legends connected to the site.

Is lunch included, and will it accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes, lunch featuring local Lao dishes is included. Contact the operator via WhatsApp through the booking platform before booking to discuss any dietary needs.