Embark on a full-day excursion to the Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si Waterfalls, commencing with a morning departure from the Luang Prabang boat pier.
As you journey along the Mekong River, you'll be captivated by the stunning landscapes of Luang Prabang.
A stop at the village of "Ban Xang Hai" offers a chance to sample unique local rice whisky and wine.
Following this, explore the mysterious caves with your local tour guide.
Enjoy a buffet lunch at a restaurant with views of the Mekong River.
In the afternoon, travel by car to the waterfalls for a refreshing swim.
Depart for the city at 5:00 PM, with a stop at a Hmong village en route.
Encounter Hmong people in their traditional attire and visit their small museum.
Arrive back in the city center or at your hotel by 6:00 PM.
An alternative itinerary allows for visiting the waterfalls in the morning and the Caves and Sunset Boat Cruise in the afternoon, offering the same experience with a swapped schedule.
- ✓A buffet-style lunch featuring chicken and fish, with 4-5 vegetarian options available.
- ✓Travel aboard a cruise boat.
- ✓Pickup between 8:15 AM and 8:50 AM, with the tour concluding between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM.
- ✓Coffee and/or Tea.
- ✓Journey on a cruise boat.
- ✕Entrance fee for Kuang Si Waterfall: 100,000 LAK (approximately $4.40 USD).
- ✕Entrance fee for Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting): 60,000 LAK (approximately $2.70 USD).
- 1
Whisky Village
Discover a unique small village situated on the Mekong River's edge.
Ban Xang Hai, also recognized as the whisky village, is renowned for its handcrafted goods, including the distillation and sale of whisky, as well as hand-woven textiles and jewelry.
· 30 min
- 2
Pak Ou Caves
These two caves are located approximately 25 km from Luang Prabang, where the Nam Ou River converges with the Mekong.
The journey to the caves via a leisurely longboat trip is exceptionally scenic.
As you motor upstream, observe local fishing activities and hear the cheerful sounds of children playing in the water.
The caves are a significant site of reverence throughout Laos, attracting numerous tourists and pilgrims.
Inside, you'll find around 4000 Buddha statues and figurines, many still adorned with delicate gold leaf.
The first cave is accessible via a steep stairway from the riverbank, while the second cave is situated deeper within the mountain; a flashlight is recommended!
· 40 min· Admission included
- 3
Kuang Si Falls
The Kuang Si Falls, also known as Tat Kuang Si Waterfalls, features three tiers and is located about 29 kilometers south of Luang Prabang.
Upon arrival, take time to relax and appreciate the stunning natural surroundings.
The cascading water flows into several cool, clear pools perfect for a refreshing swim.
For the more adventurous, a steep path leads to the top of the falls, offering breathtaking views.
Kuang Si Waterfalls is also home to a rescue center dedicated to the protection of endangered sun bears.
· 2 h· Admission included
- 4
Hmong Heritage Culture Center
On the return journey from the waterfalls, visit a Hmong village.
Stroll through the village and stop at a small museum established by the residents.
Learn about their traditional highland lifestyle from the villagers, who are dressed in traditional costumes.
· 15 min· Admission included
Your ticket can be presented as either a mobile or paper copy. One ticket is required per booking.
Please note that "The Nam Khan Resort" is not included in the pickup service for our group tours. Guests staying there should proceed to the Manifa Travel office in Luang Prabang to join the tour, or consider upgrading to a private tour.
Your tour experience will commence with transportation picking you up from your accommodation between approximately 8:15 AM and 8:50 AM.
As this is a group tour, your patience is appreciated in the event of any unforeseen delays during the pick-up route.
Kindly ensure you check your Viator messages, as we will confirm your booking and share essential details, including your pick-up time.
For any communication, please send us a message directly through Viator.
Due to our departmental structure, inquiries via other channels may not receive an appropriate response.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
- Service animals are permitted.
- Public transportation options are conveniently located nearby.
- Infants must be seated on an adult's lap during the tour.
- This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers.
- The activity is suitable for individuals of all physical fitness levels.
- This tour is not physically demanding. However, it is a full-day excursion lasting approximately 10 hours, including a significant drive (60 km). If elderly individuals or infants are part of your group, please consider the 2-day split option or a private tour.
- Private tour (morning cruise)
- Itinerary: [Morning] Whisky village -> Pak Ou Caves -> Elephant Camp Restaurant (lunch) [Afternoon] Kuang Si Falls -> Hmong Village.
- Pickup service is included.
- Private tour (sunset cruise)
- Includes buffet lunch and drinking water.
- Itinerary: [Morning] Kuang Si Falls -> Hmong Village [Afternoon] Elephant Camp Restaurant (lunch) -> Pak Ou Caves -> Whisky village.
- Features a private minivan and boat.
- Pickup service is included.
- Joint tour (Morning Cruise)
- This is a group tour, so please anticipate potential delays of up to 30 minutes in pick-up or end times due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Duration: 9 hours. Pickup between 8:15 AM and 8:45 AM. End between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM. A more precise pick-up time will be provided after booking.
- Includes buffet lunch and drinking water.
- Itinerary: Morning features a 3-hour Mekong Cruise and visit to Pak Ou Caves. Afternoon includes Kuang Si Waterfalls.
- Transportation: Minivan and Longtail Slow Boat.
- Pickup service is included.
- Joint tour (Sunset Cruise)
- This is a group tour.
- Duration: 9 hours. Pickup between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM. End between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM.
- Includes buffet lunch and drinking water.
- Itinerary: Morning features Kuang Si Waterfalls. Afternoon includes Pak Ou Caves and a 2.5-hour Mekong Sunset Cruise.
- Transportation: Minivan and Longtail Slow Boat.
- Pickup service is included.
- Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring swimwear and a towel for swimming at the waterfalls.
- Sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent are recommended.
- Carry a small amount of local currency for optional purchases.
- A camera is essential to capture the stunning scenery.
- Stay hydrated, especially during the warmer parts of the day.
To receive a full refund, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 172573P1
Activity offered by Manifa travel via Viator.
- Travelers interested in natural landscapes.
- Individuals seeking cultural immersion.
- Tourists looking for a comprehensive day trip.
- Explore the mystical Pak Ou Caves.
- Swim in the turquoise waters of Kuang Si Waterfalls.
- Experience local culture at a Hmong village.
- Sample traditional rice whisky at Ban Xang Hai.
- Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Mekong River.
- Witness a beautiful sunset over the river (afternoon option).
- Population
- 53,792 (2012)
- Elevation
- 305 m
- Currency
- Lao kip
- Official language
- Lao
- Driving
- on the right
- Power plugs
- A, B, C, E, F · 230 V
- Emergency number
- 191
- Capital city
- Vientiane
Average temperatures- 19°Jan
- 21°Feb
- 24°Mar
- 26°Apr
- 26°May
- 26°Jun
- 25°Jul
- 25°Aug
- 25°Sept
- 24°Oct
- 21°Nov
- 18°Dec
Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the tour?+
The tour lasts for 9 hours.
Is pickup included?+
Yes, pickup is included from your accommodation between 8:15 AM and 8:50 AM for joint tours, and is also included for private tours.
What are the entrance fees for the caves and waterfalls?+
The entrance fee for Kuang Si Waterfall is 100,000 LAK (approx. $4.40 USD), and for Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting) it is 60,000 LAK (approx. $2.70 USD). These are not included in the tour price.
Can I cancel my booking?+
Yes, for a full refund, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Is lunch included?+
Yes, a buffet-style lunch is included, with vegetarian options available.
Are there any physical restrictions for this tour?+
The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. However, it involves a long day and some walking. Pregnant travelers are not recommended to join.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
I recommend 10/10
P6943NKbrianf, October 2026
Great experience and explanation of the history of things, Mr. Ping pong was lovely!!!
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Worth-it experience of Luang Prabang
993vladg, October 2026
A very worth-it experience. The cruise, the caves, the falls, plus the bonus of meeting elephants.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Can't miss this
richardfY5225HR, October 2026
Incredible experience absolutely worth the money we spent! Whole day tour covers so much!
Ron and Mr Pingpong were excellent tour guides who are Incredibly warm and welcoming. Id recommend anyone who's looking for a once in a lifetime trip in luang prabang to book this.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Perfect day
christyw607, October 2026
Amazing! Mr Pong (PingPong) was a fantastic, friendly, funny guide. He took great care of everyone on the trip. Knew everyone’s name, country, language right away. He shared lots of great stories, knew the best angles for photos, and always had a smile or joke to share. Absolutely jam packed day but it never felt rushed or stressful. 10/10
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
TREATED LIKE ROYALTY
Excursion29250523594, October 2026
Unsure when i was told a special van was coming to pick me up and seperated from original group.
VIP all the way to the elephant camp. Lunch was smorgasbord excellent 👌 meal . And as soon as I arrived at the camp a guide operator by the name Pinpong ran up and did everything possible to help me fit into my new group.Was a real gentleman and professional.The bat trip with the caves and sunset views will be something you hold inside forever. Thankyou 🙏 all and a special thankyou to Pinpong.. you the man .
Stephen Boyd Freeman
Australia. 🙏
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