The most not to be missed in Luang Prabang is the Bawu cave group, located on the bank of the Mekong River north of Luang Prabang, about 25km from the ancient city of Luang Prabang. The grotto consists of two caves, the lower cave is halfway up the mountain, called Tham Ting, and the upper grotto is on the top of the mountain, called Tham Phoum. The Bawu Grottoes were built centuries ago and were buried by mudslides due to geological movements and rain erosion. They were later rebuilt by a foreign tourist. The two grottoes enshrine tens of thousands of Buddha statues, and there are more than 8,000 statues in the book. It used to be the place where the king prayed for rain. Every year before the rainy season, there will be a grand prayer ceremony, and the Buddha will be blessed for a year. The Tading Grottoes can be seen with natural light. Since the cave faces the east, it is recommended to visit in the morning. The light is best. The Tapong Grottoes must be seen in the cave with a flashlight. If you don't have your own, you can rent them at the grotto.