Pak Ou Cave

Located 25 km up the Mekong from Luang Prabang, the Pak Ou Caves are set in the dramatic limestone cliffs above the river.  The Caves had been an active "temple" long before their discovery in the 1850s.  The nooks and crannies of the Caves are jam packed with Buddha images with more being added every year.

I opted for the boat ride (rather than a tuk-tuk) to get to the Caves.  It was fun to see life along the Mekong -- the river lifeline that threads through several south east Asian countries.  I was surprised at the current in sections, but, the river is descending from the mountains...

I expect to have a full taste of happiness.

Boats are nothing but work....everywhere in the world!

River Fueling Station Sign.

River Trip includes a stop at a local village -- sip some Lao Whiskey, um, Wine.
Watch the women weave amazing silk scarves.  Try not to buy. Buy.

A little sweet and a little nasty.  You won't see this at Trader Joe's any time soon!

The dock.  

Whirlpools and rapids.  Typical aid to navigation marks, were, plastic bottles and bamboo logs.
No one travels along the Mekong at night!

Tiny cubby in the cave.  Some of it was too dark & alot of the images are quite old & musty looking.