Pak Ou Caves near Luang Prabang

Tham Ting filters in some light and is the most popular place for locals to burn incense and offer prayers. You’ll need a torch to enter the pitch black Tham Theung. This upper cave is home to the majority of the Buddha statues, and you'll need to find your way in darkness to the thousands of hidden icons.

The caves get very busy in April, when Lao New Year is in full swing and locals come to wash and attend to the images. The caves are not far from Ban Xang Hai Village, which is famous for its wine production. It makes for a convenient side trip which lets you sample locally produced whisky and wine.

The small village has attractive wooden homes and affable villagers. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sun cream and a torch, and you might also want to pack some mosquito repellent, just in case. Most tours to Pak Ou Caves include a river cruise and lunch at a local restaurant.