The Most Beautiful Caves To Discover With Culture Trip

The gentle echo of dripping water drops, the atmospheric outline of stalactites and stalagmites, and the cerulean reflections of gentle pools of water make caves some of the most awe-inspiring spots on the planet. Here are five incredible coves you can explore on one of our Culture Trips.

Spring Sale

Pak Ou Cave on the Mekong River near Luang Prabang, Laos

Pak Ou Caves – Incredible Thailand and Laos by Train

Usually it’s the geological furnishings of a cave that make it special, but in Pak Ou there are some human creations that add an extra touch of spirituality. These two caves are carved directly into a cliff face overlooking the Mekong River, just a couple hours upstream from Luang Prabang. They’re most notable for the hundreds upon hundreds of miniature Buddha statues that have made the caves home. This has been a place of worship for potentially thousands of years, and remains an important pilgrimage site for many Laotian people today. You’ll get to visit the caves on our two-week Thailand and Laos Rail Trip, which includes a Mekong river cruise that we’ll use to get there.

From US$2311

Next available from 11th May 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Bangkok, Thailand

ENDS AT

Bangkok, Thailand

DURATION

14

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

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Spring Sale

The mesmerizing Blue Cave of Bisevo with majestic blue water and atmosphere

Blue Cave of Bisevo – Coastal Croatia

Coastlines, and especially islands, naturally tend to be a bit of a sweet spot for magical cave systems. Croatia is practically all coastline, with around 600 islands and islets, so you can expect to find a fair few hidden chambers amid the golden beaches and charming old towns of this ancient European nation. The most spectacular in the whole country can be found near the island of Vis, a former Yugoslavian military base turned travel gem. Our eight-day Croatia tour spends some time on Vis, including the three caves boat tour on day four. You’ll be whizzed around on a speedboat to explore a collection of stunning coastal caverns in nearby islets, the most famous of which is the Blue Cave of Biševo Island, one of Croatia’s most beautiful sights thanks to the otherworldly blue glow caused by the Dalmatian Coast’s vibrant waters.

From US$2231

Next available from 26th May 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Split, Croatia

ENDS AT

Dubrovnik, Croatia

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Spring Sale

Dambulla cave temple – Secrets of Sri Lanka by Train

There is something inherently spiritual about a cave – just ask the people of Laos. Maybe it’s the feeling of being hidden from the world, or perhaps there’s something divine about an apparently ‘naturally formed’ room, with better acoustics than the oldest theatres in London’s West End. Well, Pak Ou aren’t the only caves that have been given a deeper purpose. In the wilds of central Sri Lanka, not far from the remarkable Sigiriya rock fortress, is Dambulla cave temple. This remarkable complex would have been a home to prehistoric people – skeletons have been found nearby dating back 2,700 years – but since the advent of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, it was converted into a holy site. Today, the five main caves are full of stunning Buddha statues and paintings, as well as sculptures of kings and gods like Vishnu and the Ganesha. You’ll visit the cave on day four of our Rail Trip around the country.

From US$1519

Next available from 18th May 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Colombo, Sri Lanka

ENDS AT

Colombo, Sri Lanka

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

12

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.