Categories: Travel

Tham Nang Ene Cave in Xiangliab, Laos

It isn’t uncommon to stumble upon a subterranean shrine in Laos’s “Cave Alley.” Since the 16th century, these natural pits in the mountains of Khammouane province have served as places of worship, often bedecked with prayer flags, floral garlands, and gold-plated Buddha statues with offerings of bottled water and plates of food at their feet. Elephant Cave has all of the above and then some. 

As its name suggests, elephants are objects of prayer and decor at this cave about four miles outside the provincial capital of Thakhek. Two large statues depicting the animals in full regalia frame a passageway to the stairs leading up to the cave’s large entrance, looking out over the lush landscape of central Laos. Within its limestone walls are more mythological statues of the animal, one of them standing on two legs like a human, as well as other sacred figures surrounded by bouquets of incense, candles, and colorful trinkets. 

In Laotian culture, the elephant is a symbol of strength and prosperity. It’s the national animal of Laos and a figure of enlightenment, derived from Theravada Buddhism, the country’s dominant religion.

Source: Atlas Obscura - Latest Articles and Places

WBN

Share
Published by
WBN

Recent Posts

One Piece’s Anime Sets Sail Again in April

2025's going to be a year of One Piece, and kicks off with the anime…

10 hours ago

Elsbeth Season 2 Midseason Report Card: Murders, And Heists, And Bucket Hats, Oh My!

Do you think The Good Wife writers knew they had a fan-favorite character on their…

10 hours ago

James Bond’s Future Is Being Shaken Up by Corporate Clashes

Turns out, things aren't quite rosy for James Bond: the Broccolis and Amazon MGM can't…

11 hours ago

Your Keurig Coffee Pods Are Never Getting Recycled

A company is betting on aluminum to solve K-cups’ sustainability problem. Experts say it’s complicated.

11 hours ago

Ricoh Pentax in 2024: DSLR Woes, Compact Triumphs, and the Return of Film

What a fittingly unusual year for Ricoh Pentax, a photo company that itself is quite…

11 hours ago

BMW M8 Coupe to End Production in Early 2025: No MY26 Version Planned

A recent bulletin sent to BMW dealers confirms that production of the iconic BMW M8…

11 hours ago