Pha Thok Cave are a couple of historic caves used in Nong Khiaw in the 1960’s as hideouts during the Indochina war. Here’s all you need for your visit.
How To Get To Pha Thok Cave
Pha Thok Cave is located in the town of Nong Khiaw. A small, quiet village in the mountainous area of Laos.
The village is around 3 hours North of Luang Prabang, and the roads to get there aren’t great, so we recommend hiring a taxi or a driver for your visit.
If it’s easier, you can prebook a Luang Prabang/Nong Khiaw: Private Transfer Service in advance.
Once you arrive in Nong Khiaw, the cave is roughly a 40 minute walk from town by foot.
We recommend hiring a driver or taxi which is easily doable from your guesthouse or on the street.
If you wish to follow Google Maps you can map to Karst Cave (don’t ask us why it’s called that on google).
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
Pha Thok Cave Entrance Fee
Entrance Fee: 10,000 Kip.
Pha Thok Cave Opening Times
Daily: 7.30am – 6.30pm.
Best Time To Visit + Tips
Here is where we’d usually say to visit early to avoid crowds, however Pha Thok Cave is not very touristy at all so there’s no need to rush on this one.
To be honest, because the sun doesn’t effect the caves either you can really visit at any time of day and have the same experience.
The caves are quite remote so if you’re planning ahead we’d recommend taking some supplies.
Water, food and snacks will be pretty hard to find without heading back into town.
Also plenty of sunscreen and closed shoes for explore the Pha Thok Cave are recommended!
What To Pack:
What To Expect At Pha Thok Cave In Nong Khiaw
Pha Thok Cave are a couple of historic caves used in Nong Khiaw in the 1960’s as hideouts during the Indochina war.
For 8 years the larger cave was home to over 300 people and was separated into different sections; such as a hospital, a military section and a police section.
These interesting caves are just 10,000 kip to enter.
Although we recommend paying for a guide as it can be very dark inside and if you’ve travelled this far we’re sure you’d like to learn a little about the history.
We also recommend bringing your own torch rather than renting a weak one.
The route into the caves pass over a makeshift bamboo bridge and around some beautiful rice terraces before the entrance.
You’ll know you’ve hit the entrance when you see the huge concrete stairway in front of you!
On the way up look out for bomb craters and you can soon imagine how dangerous this place was back in the times of war!
The caves are interesting to say the least, and it’s crazy to envision how scared those people must have been that were hiding in the caves and how lucky we are to never have to go through something so tragic!
Where To Stay In Nong Khiaw
Mid-Budget – Mandala Ou Resort
Situated along the peaceful Ou River, Mandala Ou Resort welcomes guests with a beautiful outdoor infinity pool and free Wi-Fi access at all areas.
Spacious guest rooms come with a private balcony. Cooled with a fan, rooms at Mandala Ou Resort also come with a wardrobe and tea/coffee making facilities.
Bathroom facilities are en suite and include free toiletries.
This serene resort is located just opposite Phaxang Cliff.
Luang Prabang City Centre is 3 hours away by car while Luang Prabang Airport is 2.5 hours away by car.
For other places to stay in Nong Khiaw, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
More Laos Blogs
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Nong Khiaw Viewpoint – Hiking Phadeng Peak Laos
This trip was coordinated by Destination Mekong
@mekongmoments
www.mekongmoments.com
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