Things to Do at Tham Phu Kham Cave

Complete Guide to Tham Phu Kham Cave in Vang Vieng

About Tham Phu Kham Cave

Tham Phu Kham Cave, also known as the Blue Lagoon Cave, sits about 7 kilometers north of Vang Vieng and has become something of a pilgrimage site for backpackers. The cave itself is actually quite impressive - a large limestone cavern housing a bronze reclining Buddha statue that locals have been venerating for centuries. But let's be honest, most visitors come for what's outside: the famous blue lagoon that sits at the cave's entrance, with water so impossibly turquoise it looks like someone dropped food coloring in it. The whole setup feels a bit like nature's theme park - you've got the mystical cave experience combined with what's essentially a natural swimming pool. It can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends when locals from Vientiane make the trip, but there's something genuinely magical about floating in that blue water after exploring the cool, dark cave. The contrast between the spiritual quiet of the Buddha chamber and the splashing chaos of the lagoon pretty much sums up modern Laos in a nutshell.

What to See & Do

The Blue Lagoon

The main attraction - a striking natural pool with incredibly blue water that's perfect for swimming and rope swinging. The color is genuinely striking, though it tends to look most vivid in the afternoon light.

Reclining Buddha Statue

A beautiful bronze Buddha housed deep inside the cave chamber. The statue is quite old and still actively worshipped by locals - you'll often see fresh flowers and incense offerings.

Cave Formations

The limestone cave features some impressive stalactites and stalagmites, though you'll need a flashlight to really appreciate them. The acoustics inside are pretty remarkable too.

Rope Swing

There's a rope swing set up over the deeper part of the lagoon that's become somewhat legendary among backpackers. It's exactly as fun (and slightly terrifying) as it sounds.

Surrounding Forest

The walk to and around the cave takes you through some lovely tropical forest. If you're lucky, you might spot some of the local wildlife, including various bird species.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, though the cave portion closes earlier around 5:00 PM

Tickets & Pricing

Entrance fee is typically 15,000 LAK (about $1.50 USD) for the cave and lagoon combined. No advance booking needed - just pay at the entrance.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon (3-5 PM) to avoid the biggest crowds. The dry season (November to April) offers the clearest water, though it's striking year-round.

Suggested Duration

Plan for 2-3 hours if you want to explore the cave properly and have a good swim. You could easily spend half a day here if you're not in a rush.

Getting There

Most people rent a bicycle or motorbike in Vang Vieng town-it is about a 20-minute ride north along a mostly decent road, though the last stretch gets bumpy. Bicycles cost around 15,000-20,000 LAK per day. Motorbikes run about 60,000-80,000 LAK. You can hire a tuk-tuk for around 100,000 LAK return trip, which makes sense if you're traveling in a group. Simple route ahead. Just follow the signs north out of town-parking is available at the site, though it gets crowded during peak times.

Things to Do Nearby

Blue Lagoon 2 (Tham Nam)
A less crowded alternative about 4km further north, with another cave and swimming hole. The lagoon isn't quite as blue, but it's usually much quieter.

Tham Jang Cave
A historical cave that was once used as a bunker during the Chinese invasion. It's closer to town and offers good views over the Nam Song River valley.

Kaeng Nyui Waterfall
A seasonal waterfall that's particularly impressive during the rainy season. It's a bit of a hike but worth it if you're feeling adventurous.

Organic Mulberry Farm
A working farm that offers tours and serves excellent mulberry-based products. It's a nice cultural stop on the way back to town.

Vang Vieng Market
The local morning market where you can grab supplies for your cave adventure or sample some authentic Lao street food.

Tips & Advice

Bring a good flashlight or headlamp for exploring the cave - the lighting inside is pretty minimal and you'll miss a lot without proper illumination.

Pack a waterproof bag for your phone and valuables if you plan to swim. The temptation to jump in that blue water is pretty much irresistible.

Wear decent shoes with grip - the rocks around the lagoon and inside the cave can be slippery, especially when wet.

Consider visiting on a weekday if possible. Weekends can get quite busy with both tourists and locals, which somewhat diminishes the mystical cave experience.