Compare prices
EN
A long boat sailing on a wide river surrounded by lush green mountains.

Explore

Tham Theung (Upper Cave)

Tham Theung requires a steep climb through the jungle to reach a pitch-black sanctuary.

Photo: tour listing on Viator

Located above the river, this upper cavern offers a deeper look into the site's 300-year history as a Buddhist shrine. You will need to climb approximately 200 stone steps to reach the entrance.

Because the cave is 50 meters deep and has no natural light, a flashlight is mandatory. Inside, you will find hundreds of older, dust-covered Buddha statues resting in complete darkness.

Aerial view of beautiful cascading waterfalls flowing down through dense green forest.
Photo: tour listing on Viator
01

Jungle Staircase

10 min200 steps

A winding flight of roughly 200 stone steps leads up the forested limestone cliff to the upper cave. The ascent takes about 10 minutes depending on your pace. Bring a bottle of water to handle the humidity. Walk carefully, as the stone steps can be slippery when wet.

Tourists standing on a wooden bridge admiring a tall cascading waterfall in a forest.
Photo: tour listing on Viator
02

Ornate Wooden Doorway

5 minCarved gateway

A traditional, intricately carved wooden gateway marks the entrance to the upper sanctuary. It stands in sharp contrast to the raw limestone cliff. Take a moment to examine the detailed carvings before stepping inside. This is your last point of natural light.

A wooden riverside pavilion with a thatched roof overlooking a wide river and mountains.
Photo: tour listing on Viator
03

Dark Shrine Room

15 minFlashlight mandatory

This 50-meter deep cavern houses hundreds of older Buddha statues left by devotees over the centuries. The space is completely pitch-black past the entrance doorway. You must use a flashlight or a strong phone torch to navigate. Watch your step on the uneven cave floor.

Book a Cave Cruise

Boats docked near a white staircase leading up into a cave entrance on a cliff.
Luang Prabang Half Day Tour Pak Ou Caves and Mekong Cruise5 h 5.0 (2)from $55
half-day mekong cruisefrom $55 on Viator
Check dates