Tubing into the Water Cave

A cluster of caves north of town: an elephant-shaped stalactite, a Buddha shrine, and a cave you float into on a tube, pulling yourself along a rope into the dark.

Area

Karsts & caves

Start from

Vang Vieng town

Distance

about 13 km north

Time needed

half a day

Best season

Dry season, November – May; the water cave may close at high water

Difficulty

Moderate

Transport

Motorbike, bicycle, tuk-tuk or tour

Tickets & rules

Small entry fees for each cave

Why go

North of Vang Vieng, near the village of Ban Na Thong and its neighbours, there are several caves within walking distance of each other. Together they make a fine half-day trip, ideal for a hot day, since most of the time is spent in cool water or cool rock.

The highlight is Tham Nam, the water cave. You sit on an inner tube, put on a headlamp and pull yourself along a rope into a low tunnel where a stream flows out of the mountain. The light fades behind you, the sounds of the outside world disappear, and you float in darkness.

Nearby, Tham Sang, Elephant Cave, has a stalactite said to look like an elephant, with a small shrine and Buddha images. Tham Hoi, a little further on, has a large Buddha at its entrance and passages that run deep into the mountain.

The story

Caves have been sacred places in Laos for centuries. Many contain Buddha images left by villagers, monks or pilgrims, and some, like Tham Sang, are believed to be inhabited by spirits that protect the area. You will often find candles, flowers and small offerings left at their entrances.

Tham Sang takes its name from the elephant-shaped formation inside. Elephants hold a special place in Lao culture: the old kingdom was called Lane Xang, the Land of a Million Elephants, and they appear in art, legend and royal symbols.

The water cave became popular in the backpacker era as part of the tubing and kayaking trips, and it has remained one of the most loved activities. The rope that guides you into the cave was installed by local people, who also rent the tubes and headlamps.

Tham Hoi, the Snail Cave, has a long passage that follows an underground stream. According to local stories, it once sheltered villagers in times of danger, and its depths have never been fully explored by visitors.

Getting there

Ride north from Vang Vieng on the main road for about 13 km, then follow signs to the caves. The last part is on a small road through the village. Many kayak tours include the caves, but it is easy to go independently.

At the caves, local villagers rent tubes and headlamps and will show you the way.

A suggested plan

1. 9:00Ride north from town towards the caves.
2. 9:45Visit Tham Sang and its elephant-shaped formation.
3. 10:30Walk to Tham Nam and float into the water cave on a tube.
4. 11:30Continue to Tham Hoi to see the Buddha at the entrance.
5. 13:00Lunch at a simple riverside stall, then return to town.

Where to stay

Stay in Vang Vieng; the caves are an easy half-day trip.

Good to know

• Bring a swimsuit and quick-drying clothes; you will get wet.
• Waterproof bags for phones are useful in the water cave.
• Combine the visit with an afternoon kayak back down the Nam Song.
• Keep small notes for the entry and tube fees.