Pak Ou Caves are located in a cliff overhanging the mouth of the Nam Ou tributary of the Mekong River and the boat trip to see them is one of the region's most popular outings. Supposedly discovered by King Setthathirat in the 16th century, Pak Ou Caves comprise two sections - the upper cave, known as Tham Theung, and the lower cave, known as Tham Loum. Pak Ou Caves house some 4,000 Buddha statues - 1,500 in the upper cave and 2,500 in the lower cave - made from wood and gold. Some are over 300 years old. Each April the caves are a place of pilgrimage during Phimai Lao.
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