Tham Xang

Tham Xang (Elephant Cave) is a cave temple with a huge stalagmite resembling an elephant's head. However, it was named so after the discovery of giant bones which make clear that the cave cave once served as an elephant's lair. And of course the elephant is important to the people of Laos, so it is definitely a good idea to call a cave Elephants Cave.

This cave is actually a single chamber with several niches, which was transformed into a cave temple. It has a shrine with a Buddha statue flanked by naga, which are mythical snakes that protected the Buddha. The snakes - being mythical creatures - look actually more like dragons. The next huge Buddha statue lies and sleeps, watched by the sculptures of three worshippers.

The cave is easy to visit and being a temple open to the public, has paved floor and light. It is also part of a tour by Green Discovery Laos.