Thakhek
The main town of the Khammouane Province, Thakhek is a town blessed with the best views that highlights the beauty of nature. Khammouane features many grandiose caves, mighty mountains, and flowing rivers, the right location for those seeking to do wellness travels or an escape from the world.
Without a doubt, the best thing one can do here would be to embrace nature and all it has to offer. Caving, climbing, swimming, kayaking, each day would be filled with adventure that gets your blood pumping. Check out the famous Thakhek Loop that has been well loved by bikers around the world. There will never be a dull day in Thakhek.
What to do in Thakhek
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Bike through the challenging Thakhek Loop
Conquer The Thakhek Loop as you ride hard, through 450km, making pit stops at some of the attractions Thakhek has to offer. Through gravel, soil, and roads, you will get a full treat of the jaw-droppingly beautiful landscape. As one of the most popular activities to do, riding the Thakhek Loop should definitely be a notch on your bucketlist for all bikers out there.
Conduct some caving in some of the most spectacular caves you will ever see …
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especially the popular Kong Lor Cave and Xe Bang Fai Cave. Standing in all its grandiose and extravagance, the caves should not be miss. Admire the stalagmites and stalactites adorning the cave walls of one of the longest caves in Laos, the Kong Lor Cave.
Rock climbers can take on the karstic limestone mountains with the Green Climbers Home …
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who opened the first routes in Laos. With routes from various grades to select from, push yourself as you make your way to the top, where the magnificent view rewards you for your hard work. Also a resort, relax yourself and interact with the rock climbing community gathered there.
reate some unforgettable memories as you kayak through the caves of Thakhek.
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Surrounded by limestone mountains and dense forests, navigate your way through the cooling river. As you make your way to the caves, put on your headlights while admiring the caverns and reflect on how wonderful nature is.
Stop by The Rock Viewpoint at Phou Pha Marn located at the Phou Hin Boun National Protected Area …
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whilst on the Thakhek Loop as you take a break and have a meal. Most importantly, venture out to explore the area as never before. Fly high up between limestone mountains on ziplines, climb the via ferrata, and walk on a spider net as you immerse yourself in nature and take in the birds eye view of this dense and magical jungle.
Home to a few national protected areas, you can trek through jungles at Thakhek as you learn about the different animals living there and interesting fauna and flora in the forest. Some of these national protected areas includes the Phou Hin Boun National Protected Area and the Nakai-Nam Theun National Protected Area.
Have a splash in the lakes and rivers here, specifically, the famous Tha Falang and Khun Kong Leng. Popular amongst the French during the colonization, Tha Falang is now a spot commonly visited by locals. Cool down in the sparkling lake with rocks littered around. At the mystical Khun Kong Leng, the emerald green coloured river simply takes your breath away with its beauty.
Popular amongst the French during the colonization, Tha Falang is now a spot commonly visited by locals. Cool down in the sparkling lake with rocks littered around. Though not the best place to visit during the rainy season, do make a trip down other times and have a whale of a time splashing around and hanging out with your family and friends.
Vang Vieng’s Blue Lagoon sure is popular, but have you heard of Khun Kong Leng? A sight for sore eyes, the spring water of Khun Kong Leng simply takes your breathe away with how clear it is. Have a picnic and take a dip in this undeveloped local spot. The emerald green coloured river is said to have a mystical legend, where a gong would ring in the dead of the night on full moon.
That Sikhottabong is an important aspect of Laos history and culture. Built more than 500 years ago, the bones of Buddha are said to be housed within the temple. During the Sikhottabong festival, thousands would travel to pay respects at this temple. Standing at 29metre high on the east bank of Mekong south of Thakhek, this stupa is one of the most sacred sites in Laos.
Follow the path of an old railway track built by French colonials as you move towards different attractions in Thakhek. From caving, to swimming, to learning about life in the small remote villages, there will never be a dull moment. Cycle past towering limestone peaks and farmlands as you jump from stop to stop, exploring what Thakhek has to offer.
Thakhek by night
Enjoy a relaxing Lao massage at Thakhek. After cavings, kayaking, climbing, and more, you might end up feeling a little sore the next day. Why not head over to a Lao massage place to stretch and give your muscles a treat? A recommended Lao massage parlor would be.
When to go to Thakhek
There are two distinct seasons in Laos, which is the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season is from May to October, where you can partake in some activities that are especially amazing for this season. For example, you can kayak along the rivers and enjoy the sight of lush green farmlands and fields. However, it might not be the best season for you to visit the Kong Lor Cave, and take on the Thakhek Loop.
During the dry season, you can experience winter in Laos from November to February, and summer from March to April. It may drop to approximately 15 degrees during winter and can go up to the 30s in the summer, so make sure to prepare well for these temperatures.
The weather today in Thakhek
How to get around Thakhek
In the city
Walk
The central area of Thakhek is small enough for you to wander around its streets as you head from place to place. However, there are still places that may be too far for you to walk.
Tuk-tuk
The friendly Tuk-tuk drivers would be more than happy to bring you around Thakhek and are located in many places. If there is no rate stated on the tuk-tuk, do try to bargain for a cheaper price and make sure that the driver is clear of the bargained price.
Motorbike
Rent a motorbike at a rental shop and whizz your way through town. However, make sure that you are allowed to legally drive a motorbike in Laos and always wear a helmet before deciding on riding the motorbike.
Bicycle
The bicycle is a lovely way to explore Thakhek, whereby you can cycle several kilometers between the place of interests. Not only is it a healthier way, it also allows you to stop when you want to check out a certain place or observe an event.
Tours
Join tours where guides will bring you around Thakhek, feeding you with all the information you would need on the history, culture, and traditions of Thakhek and its people. One of the best ways to experience the city, check out the tours offered now!
Out of the city
Shared/Private Minivan
Take a minivan out of Thakhek, to numerous exciting tourists spots. You can also take the minivan to a different province or city in Laos. You may grab a shared or private minivan there. You can book through transportation or tour companies.
Bus
There are bus services, heading out of Thakhek to other cities and provinces, by some transportation companies. These buses area scheduled to go several times a day, so do check the schedule and prices before hand and book a ticket.
Tuk-tuk
There are some tuk-tuks that would bring visitors to tourist spots out of Thakhek. These tuk-tuks may be located around the city, or under some transportation companies.
What to eat in Thakhek
Some ways to get to Thakhek
*price range is according to price for one-way
*disclaimer: the prices are approximate
*LEGEND:
$: 0-25
$$: 26-50
$$$: 51-100
$$$$: >100
| Bus |
| Bus from Vientiane
7 hour Bus from Pakse 6 hour Bus from Nakon Phnomh 1 hour 30 minutes |
What bring to Thakhek
Tips
Money exchange
It is ideal to use USD as the currency to conduct your currency exchange here. Some of the recommended money changers would be -.
Health care
If you feel uncomfortable or have fallen sick in Vientiane, you can head over to the French Clinic and Allianz Clinic Vientiane, where there are English speaking doctors working.