2025 Thakhek Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Kong Lor Cave is a truly remarkable natural wonder located in Laos, and there are plenty of reasons why you should consider visiting it. Here are just a few: Spectacular Scenery: The cave itself is absolutely breathtaking, with towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear water running through it. As you boat down the river, you'll be surrounded by stunning views that are sure to take your breath away. Unique Experience: Kong Lor Cave is not your typical tourist destination. It's a place that feels like it's been untouched by time, and offers a unique and authentic experience that you won't find anywhere else. Adventure: Exploring Kong Lor Cave is an adventure in itself, with a boat ride that takes you deep into the heart of the cave. You'll be in awe of the sheer size of the cavern, and the mysterious atmosphere that surrounds you. Culture: Laos is a country with a rich and fascinating history, and visiting Kong Lor Cave is a chance to learn more about this unique culture. You'll have the opportunity to meet local people and experience their way of life, which is sure to be a memorable and eye-opening experience. Relaxation: Finally, Kong Lor Cave is a place where you can truly unwind and relax. The serene environment and stunning scenery make it the perfect place to escape from the stresses of everyday life and simply enjoy the beauty of nature.

#2023travelwish Konglor cave is one of the most stunning natural scenery of Khammouane Province, Lao PDR. Hinboun river flow through the limestone year around and eventually flow into the Mekong River. The cave itself has a measure almost 7.5km long tunel, wide about 30m and 30 to 100m in height. It was a great experience taking a boat going through the inside of Kong Lor lime Stone Mountain, the limestone inside the Kong Lor Cave is really amazing, untouched and in many kind of shapes too, really beautiful and attractive. I am really keen on travelling for the natural scenery all around the world, the new year 2023 I wish I can travel to Amazon Forest in South America. #awesomepic #summervacation

I spotted this lovely shop on my one day trip in Laos. The cafe decoration looks clean and peaceful. They serve various styles of food, bakery and beverages. The tables in both indoor and outdoor zone are available for everyone for relaxing or working. All the staffs are nice too. Location: DD Bistro & Cafe, Thakhek district, Khammouane province, Laos Opening hours: 7.30 am to 10 pm daily #foodie #2023travelwish

#resortstyle This is a really fascinating and amazing Resort that we have never staying before. The location of the Resort is at Ban Tiou, near to Kong Lor Cave, Khammoune Province, Lao. We booked a river view room and the room we get is exactly facing to stunning Spring River view, brought to us a really wonderful and unforgettable staying experience in this resort. We waked up in the very early morning catching up the beautiful village and sunrise scenery around the Resort, this is a shouldn’t miss activity during your stay in this resort. Another plus point for staying at this resort is, it is very close to Kong Lor Cave, it just took 15 minutes to drive there from our resort. Average price per room is $20 to $70 USD depends on the room view. #staycation

Thakhek is the main town of Khammouane province, Laos and means “visitors’ landing”. Take a short walk out from Thakhek’s tiny town square and you’ll find crumbling French villas, overgrown gardens, and an almost haunted atmosphere pervading the too-wide streets. Furthermore, looking through the Mekong river view, you can see the view of Nakhon Phanom, Thailand on the opposite bank.

#grouptravel Kong Lor Cave, Laos - One of Southeast Asia's Geological Wonders Tham Kong Lo or Kong Lor Cave is a karst limestone cave in Phu Hin Bun National Park, in Khammouane Province, Laos. It is located roughly 130 km north of Thakhek, on the Nam Hin Bun River, which flows into the cave. The karst formation is dramatic and the cave has been cited as a "one of Southeast Asia's geological wonders". The cave is deep (lasting about 7 km) and wide and as high as 300 feet in parts. The locals in recent years have set up vendors at the location to provide to tourists. Inside the cave is a pool which glows a bright emerald colour which locals hold as sacred, believing it to reflect the skin of the Hindi god Indra Address- TiouVillage, khunkham district, Khammouan province, Laos #laos##naturalwonders#cave

#staycation The Inthira Hotel is a nice colonial building hotel located in the city centre of Thakhek and just a minute’s walk to the Mekong River and local market. It is a friendly boutique hotel which provides us such a beautiful room, large and high-ceilinged with decorations teak furnishings and rain showerheads in a great bathroom. There are Café & Restaurant on the ground floor serve excellent traditional Lao dishes and international food. Our room is 40$ per night, breakfast included. We could say this is one of the night hotel we stay in Khammouan during our trip in the south of Laos. Address: Kham Houng Village, Thakek district, Khammouan province, Laos. #laos #staycation

Address - Thakhek, Khammouane Province, Lao PDR Atmosphere/Location - On the banks of the Mekong River, ferry pier to Nakhon Phanom Province Highlights - The largest hotel in Thakhek, next to Center Point Thakhek, which is a food source at night here Average price per person - Depending on the time of stay, around 250,000 kip Score - 8/10 because it is an old hotel that has been renovated (new air conditioner, new TV, new bed...)

#springitinerary Hey adventure junkies! 👋 Just got back from Thakhek, the ultimate playground for thrill-seekers and cave explorers. This place is Laos’ best-kept secret—think limestone karsts, hidden lagoons, and the legendary Thakhek Loop (spoiler: I survived!). Buckle up for my wild 3-day ride through waterfalls, pitch-black caves, and the most epic sunsets of my life. 🕳️ The Cave That Swallowed My Flashlight (And My Courage) Kong Lor Cave—7.5km of total darkness, waist-deep water, and a boat ride straight out of an adventure movie. Our tiny longtail boat puttered through echoing chambers, bats fluttering overhead, while I white-knuckled the sides. Pro tip: Don’t drop your phone. Just… don’t. 🏍️ The Motorbike Moment I Became a (Temporary) Badass Renting a semi-automatic bike for the Thakhek Loop was equal parts terrifying and liberating. Picture this: open roads, karst mountains, and me yelling "I’m alive!" after every pothole dodged. (Shoutout to the patient Lao grandma who helped me refuel when I panicked at the pump.) 🍜 The Noodle Soup That Saved My Soul (And My Sore Muscles) After a dusty ride, khao piak sen at Sabaidee Restaurant hit different—thick, chewy noodles, slow-cooked pork, and broth so rich it should be illegal. The owner laughed as I inhaled it in 3 minutes flat. "You ride loop? Need energy!" ⏳ My Epic 3-Day Thakhek Loop Itinerary Day 1 – Thakhek to Thalang (60km) 8:00 AM: Pick up bike (practice in parking lot first—trust me). 10:00 AM: Tham Nang Aen Cave (stalactites + underground lake swim). 1:00 PM: Lunch at Lak Sao (spicy papaya salad revival). 4:00 PM: Arrive in Thalang, swim at Blue Lagoon 1. 7:00 PM: Guesthouse BBQ + swap loop horror stories with backpackers. Day 2 – Thalang to Kong Lor (120km) 7:00 AM: Sunrise ride through Phu Hin Bun NPA (jungle + karst views). 12:00 PM: Kong Lor Village lunch (grilled river fish + sticky rice). 2:00 PM: Kong Lor Cave boat adventure (mind = blown). 7:00 PM: Homestay vibes + Lao-Lao whiskey under the stars. Day 3 – Kong Lor to Thakhek (150km) 7:00 AM: Early start (avoid afternoon heat!). 10:00 AM: Cool off at Tham Lot Se Bang Fai (if you dare—it’s huge). 2:00 PM: Final fuel stop + victory Beerlao in Thakhek. 5:00 PM: Return bike, collapse in a happy heap. 💡 Loop Survival Tips Rent from Wang Wang—they’ve got good bikes and emergency support. Pack light—a backpack is all you need (laundry stops exist!). Cash rules—ATMs are scarce after Thakhek. Learn basic bike repairs (flat tires happen!). Respect the road—go slow, enjoy the views, and don’t night ride. Thakhek isn’t just a stop—it’s a rite of passage. Ready to take the loop challenge? Drop a � below if you’d dare it! #ThakhekOrBust #CaveExplorer #MotorbikeDiaries

The school is quite far from the tourist attractions, just a short walk to the Mekong River. It is clean and mostly has foreigners staying there.

“Good people are not important by their appearance, but by their heart.” 🙏The most popular tourist attraction in Kham Muang right now is Tha Frang. They say it is very beautiful, but it is not suitable for monks like us because there are a lot of tourists. It is good that our Lao relatives brought us here in the morning, so there were not many people. It is a place to stay, a raft house, shops and restaurants all in one place. For those who want to visit Tha Frang, nowadays, traveling is easy. Just do the border crossing between Thailand Nakhon Phanom and Laos Tha Khaek, Kham Muang, cross the Mekong River and travel as you please. #Tha Frang #Tha Khaek #Tha Frang Wang Si Kham #Lao PDR🇱🇦 #Please follow #Dhamma Traveling Bhikkhu

There is a very famous motorcycle loop route in Thakhek in central Laos. It's called Thakhek Loop Usually we will arrange 3-4 days to complete this loop The scenery along the way is very spectacular There is a viewing point on the first day's route. I highly recommend you to go and see it if you have time. No tickets are required, and it takes about 30 minutes to climb from the foot of the mountain. You can enjoy the scenery of the entire plain, which is very spectacular Especially after riding for an hour or two. It is really healing to have a platform to climb up and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. Here is a warm reminder that you really need to pay attention to safety when riding a bicycle in Laos There are many large trucks and freight vehicles traveling between Laos and Vietnam on this loop line. #Laos #2月好地方2025

#favouriteitinerary Embarking on the Thakhek Loop in Laos was an absolute blast! The scenery was just insane—massive limestone mountains, winding roads, and these wide-open valleys that made me feel so tiny. Every turn had a new view that made me want to stop and just take it all in. The caves along the way were epic. It was cool exploring them, stumbling over rocks, and feeling the chilly air inside. Definitely got my adrenaline pumping a few times! The ride itself was a mix of fun and challenging. The roads could get pretty rough, with potholes and sharp bends, but that just made the adventure more exciting. And the villages along the way were a nice break—the locals were so friendly, and I got to try some awesome street food. By the end of the loop, I was exhausted but seriously happy.

#favouriteitinerary The scenery is mostly wonderful, plenty of caves and other attractions along the route. The road surface is a combination of tarmac and concrete. The Thakhek Loop is an amazing experience that you really need to do if you are in Laos. I rented a scooter in Thakhek and made the loop. From my point of view, this was enough time but other people usually do it in 4 days. During the loop, you’ll see a lot of beautiful landscapes (and different!), you’ll cross many local villages (the real Laos!) and you’ll meet a lot of nice people. The Konglor Cave which is the highlight of the loop is listed as UNESCO World Heritage and is absolutely beautiful and astonishing (the cave in the pictures is not the Konglor Cave but the Dragon Cave, still incredibly beautiful). Don’t miss that if you’re travelling to Laos ;)

“Natti Loke Anindito - In this world, no one is free from criticism” 🙏 Wat Phra That Si Khot Bong is located on the riverbank in Thakhek, Lao PDR. It is a temple without resident monks, similar to Wat Phra Kaew in Thailand. However, the Lao authorities have arranged for monks from various temples to take turns serving and welcoming devotees who come to pay their respects and seek blessings. 🙏 Main attractions in the temple: - Entrance fee: 5,000 Kip per person (free for monks and novices) - Inside the temple's ordination hall, Lao people continuously come to make merit. - At the Phra That courtyard, you can offer flowers, incense, and candles, walk around the stupa, or meditate. - However, it is advised not to visit in the afternoon as it gets very hot.

“Sometimes it’s day, sometimes it’s night, sometimes it’s waking up, sometimes it’s bad, sometimes it’s good.” 🙏 Thakhek-Khammouan (By boat) - Make a temporary border pass, Nakhon Phanom Port (use only ID card) - Pay a fee of 30 baht per person - Buy a ticket from the Thai side to Laos, 50 baht per person - Submit documents through the Thai border - Wait to board the boat at the Thai border 🙏 Thakhek-Khammouan Port - Board the boat and dock at the Laos side - Submit documents through the Laos border - Pay a fee of 5,000 kip per person 🙏 Explore Laos - On the Thakhek-Khammouan side, there are many places to visit, whether it’s temples or caves, which are very beautiful. There are many caves because the Khammouan side has only mountains, so it’s very natural. #triptakesyoutoflyandaskfornewyearblessings #triptakesyoutoflyandtravelinChina #easytravellaoswithoutpassport #travellaosthakhek #thakhekkhammouaneprovince #pleasefollow #travelingdhammabhikkhu

It is a beautiful and ancient pagoda that is highly revered by the Lao people of Tha Khaek, which is located opposite Nakhon Phanom Province. If you want to come and pay homage, you have to leave Tha Khaek. You can come by car or motorcycle. There is a beautiful Buddha image in the chapel. The temple is peaceful and quiet, but there are always people coming to pay homage, both Lao and Thai people who have crossed over from Nakhon Phanom. If you have time to cross over to Tha Khaek, I would like you to come and pay homage at least once. #VisitLaos #Tha Khaek #NakhonPhanomCityOfHappiness

The day I arrived at Chunhe Resort, the sun was shining and the breeze was gentle. As soon as I entered the gate, I was greeted by the fresh air and tranquil atmosphere. The hotel lobby was warm and spacious, and the enthusiastic service of the lobby manager made me feel at home. Then it was time to check in. Everything went smoothly, with no waiting. My room was right by the lake, and outside the window was a peaceful lake. The room was well-equipped, with every detail thoughtfully considered. Lying on the bed, looking at the willows swaying gently in the wind and the rippling lake outside the window, I felt relaxed and happy. The dining service at Chunhe Resort was also a delight. Breakfast was a buffet with a wide variety of delicious food. Dinner offered a variety of specialties to choose from, whether it was seafood or local specialties, you could enjoy a feast. In addition to these, Chunhe Resort also offers a variety of entertainment activities. You can take a walk by the lake, go fishing, or choose some water activities such as boating or sailing. There are also yoga and meditation rooms for you to relax. Of course, if you like peace and quiet, then relaxing on the lawn by the lake is also a good choice. What impressed me most was the tranquility of the night. When night fell, the lights on the lake reflected in the water, as if entering a fairy tale world. Sitting by the lake, watching the twinkling lights and the ripples on the lake, I felt the whole world quiet down. Overall, Chunhe Resort left a deep impression on me. Every corner here is full of natural flavor and home warmth.

💞Reason for recommendation: I like that you can come and relax.

🌳🌳🌳 Hello, I had the opportunity to visit Thakhek, Khammouan Province, Lao PDR. The main purpose of the trip was to conquer the Thakhek Loop and relax, find a place to stay with a beautiful view and clear water, which is "Tha Frang Wang Si Kham". Let me tell you, the air here is the best. The real nature, the water is very clear, there are fish swimming in the water everywhere. There is also a food raft here to sit and eat. As for the accommodation, there are two zones: the raft zone and the zone on the shore. I chose to stay in the raft zone, priced at 520,000 kip or about 800 baht, plus there is an activity to go kayaking 🏊♀️. As for the food here, it tastes good 🍻 There are many menus to choose from. For anyone looking for a place to stay with a good atmosphere and nature, this is the place....Tha Frang Wang Si Kham 🫧🫧🫧 #Get a discount without relying on luck #Laos #Travel to Laos #Travel to Laos by yourself #Tha Khek, Khammouan Province #Tha Frang Wang Si Kham

Hello, ep.2 is here. As the title says, From home to Laos, that is, from Mukdahan to Savannakhet. First, I would like to recommend a riverside cafe in Mukdahan. The name of the cafe is 18 View Sweet Cafe. After that, let’s go to Savannakhet. First, we need to find a way to travel. You can travel by private car, bus (you can buy tickets at the Laos bridge), or go with a tour. Second, get a body pass (for those who don’t have a passport, but for those who have a passport, let’s go). Third, submit your travel documents to the officer and go through immigration. Finally, walk to the car you chose. Depart. When you arrive in Laos, submit your documents to the Lao immigration. There will be a land fee or toll fee, around 100-150 baht. I can’t remember how much. If you want to buy a Lao SIM card, they are available here. Before leaving Laos, the Thai immigration should have some for sale. After that, we got on the car and went. This trip started at Tham Nang Aen. It was very beautiful and cool, as shown in the picture. There was also a coffee shop. I recommend exchanging Lao money to pay because it will be cheaper. Then, we went to eat at Tha Frang. The food is sooo delicious. I'm from Isan already, so it's like Isan food. The taste is so delicious. And the trip ended with a rest at Dongsay Hotel. This episode will end here. I'll continue in the next episode. 🤣 #100TravelTips #DongsayHotel 📍Address: Mukdahan-Laos

🌟 Hotel Highlights 🌟 I've been wanting to stay at Suk Somboon Hotel for a long time, and I finally got the chance to experience it! The hotel is located in the center of Takua Pa, just 2 km from the airport, making it super convenient whether you're driving or taking public transportation. The hotel has a modern and minimalist exterior, and you can feel the warm atmosphere as soon as you walk in. 🛏️ Room Experience 🛏️ Although there aren't many rooms, each one is designed to be comfortable and spacious. The beds are soft and comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep. The rooms are well-equipped, with everything from air conditioning to a TV to free toiletries, making you feel the hotel's thoughtfulness and attentiveness. Plus, the rooms are well soundproofed, so you don't have to worry about being disturbed by outside noise. 🚗 Nearby Attractions 🚗 There are many attractions near the hotel, all within walking distance or a short drive. Popular attractions such as San Lak Muang Nakorn, Sorkeh Hesar National Park, and Nakhon Phanom Provincial Governor's Residence Museum are all nearby, allowing you to fully appreciate the unique charm of Takua Pa. Whether you're interested in natural scenery or cultural history, there's something here to satisfy your curiosity. 💁‍♀️ Service Experience 💁‍♀️ The hotel's service is also top-notch. The front desk staff are warm and friendly, always smiling and ready to answer any questions you may have. The room service is also prompt and attentive, making you feel at home while traveling. With its convenient location, rich tourism resources, and quality service, Suk Somboon Hotel has become a popular hotel in Takua Pa. If you're looking for a comfortable and convenient hotel, Suk Somboon Hotel is definitely your best choice!

Tso Moriri is a beautiful town hidden in the mountains, with picturesque scenery and rich culture. It's a must-see treasure on your journey! Let's take a look at the attractions worth visiting in Tso Moriri!✨ 🌊 Lake Tso Moriri 🌊 Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Lake Tso Moriri is a dreamlike plateau lake with clear water reflecting the blue sky and white clouds. It's a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Bring your camera and capture the beauty of this pure land!📸🏞 🏔 Nima Monastery 🏔 This Tibetan Buddhist monastery is located in the mountains, tranquil and sacred. The murals and sculptures in the temple are full of artistic sense, making you feel like traveling through time and space. Don't forget to take some time to feel the atmosphere here!⛩🧘‍♀ 🌟 Shigatse Market Here, you can experience the rich local culture, taste authentic food, and buy handicrafts. The market is bustling with various colors and flavors intertwined, definitely a feast for the senses!🛍🍜 🐏 Unique Tibetan Culture Tso Moriri is one of the important origins of Tibetan culture. Communicate with local residents, learn about their customs, and feel the rich cultural heritage. Don't be shy, try to greet them in Tibetan, and they will surely respond warmly!👥💖 🍽 Taste the Food In Tso Moriri, try authentic Tibetan cuisine, such as Thukpa, barley wine, and butter tea. These delicacies will bring you a different taste experience!🌾🥘 Tips: Best travel time: Summer and early autumn, with pleasant weather suitable for outdoor activities. Transportation: Self-driving is recommended, and the scenery along the way will intoxicate you! Tso Moriri is a town where you can slow down and enjoy nature and culture.

Thafalang Wang Si Kram | Khammouane Province, Thakhek, Lao PDR 🇱🇦 🌲 Thafalang Wang Si Kram offers a natural atmosphere surrounded by mountains. It takes just over an hour to cross from Nakhon Phanom. You can either stay overnight or make a day trip. 🚌 When we visited, we opted for a day trip. We took a bus from Nakhon Phanom to Laos and then hired a van to Thakhek checkpoint. After that, we had lunch, swam, and took some relaxing photos. 🌲 The water is very clear and refreshingly cool, you can see the fish swimming. You can swim or kayak, and there are rafts for dining by the water. Nearby, you can visit Nang Aen Cave and enjoy ziplining. 🏖️ Environment/Facilities: Easy to walk around, just 1 hour from Nakhon Phanom. 🗓️ Travel Planning: 1. You can use either a passport or a border pass. 2. The border pass is valid for 3 days and 2 nights. There is a border pass issuance point right at the pier checkpoint. 3. Regular boat trips are available every half hour, starting around 8:30 AM and the last trip around 6:00 PM. 4. For bus travel, you can take a bus from the checkpoint to Thakhek checkpoint and hire a van there, or you can purchase a tour at the checkpoint.

The Mekong River is the mother river of Laos, nurturing the Lao people! When traveling in southern Laos, you can witness the sunrise and sunset over the Mekong River every day. 🏡 This is a nice little town with many old French buildings and a night market. If you're heading south, it's a good place to stay for a night. The riverside is also a great place to stroll and have dinner in the evening. 💖 The French killed many people to occupy this place, and the buildings in the last two pictures commemorate this. 😰

🏖️Environment/Facilities: Affordable hotel, shuttle service to the port, Tha Khaek city. The hotel will arrange around 10.00 am or depending on the time you negotiate with the hotel. The bedding is not very clean. It is recommended to go in early winter, about 1 month after the rain because during the rainy season, there is some garbage flowing in with the water, but the water is clear and clean. 💰Average price per person: 500-1000 baht

#backpacking For adventurous backpackers, the Thakhek Loop in Laos offers a thrilling #backpacking experience. This 450-kilometer motorbike loop through the central part of the country showcases some of Laos’ most breathtaking landscapes. Travelers embark on a journey through remote villages, karst mountains, lush jungles, and hidden caves. The highlight of the loop is the massive Kong Lor Cave, which you can explore by boat. Along the way, you’ll find waterfalls, temples, and local guesthouses offering a chance to experience authentic Laotian hospitality. The journey is perfect for those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures, providing a true sense of exploration and connection with nature.

When it comes to tranquility and comfort, Luang Prabang is definitely the center of attention in Southeast Asia! 👑 Westerners love it here because of its originality - it's as simple as a mountain spring, clean enough to intoxicate people, and there's a tranquility that goes to the bone, coupled with picturesque scenery, it's absolutely amazing! 🖼️ Walking on the stone road of Luang Prabang, you can meet backpackers at the corner, all of whom are fascinated by the more than 30 temples here, full of mystery! 🏯 There is no noise in the city, only whispers and ancient buildings quietly telling stories, embraced by the lush nature. 🌳 Tak is like a hermit in the deep mountains, far away from the hustle and bustle, that kind of romantic leisure, is simply a paradise for the petty bourgeoisie! 💖 I don't want to leave when I come! Tak·Kampong Province