Gallery » ASIA/SOUTH PACIFIC » Round the World 2016 - Southeast Asia » Pandaw Cruise - Vientiane to Jinghong » 11.22. Pak Ou Cave, Elephant Refuge & Lanterns

Our day began at Pak Ou Cave.  This is a stunningly beautiful cave that hangs on a cliff.  There are over 4,000 statues of Buddha in the cave, most of which have been left there by worshippers.  After exploring this beautiful site, we went to a refuge for Elephants.  Rather than using these creatures to haul lumber from the mountains, they are now being used in tourism where guests can feed them and/or take a brief ride.  After finishing dinner on the boat, we participated in a lantern lighting ceremony (we've done something similar in China).  You write a wish and attach it to a paper lantern.  Then you light the lantern and it takes off into the sky.  Click on the first image to follow our day.

Pak Ou Cave
Pak Ou Cave
Pak Ou Cave
Pak Ou Cave
Elephant Refuge