The capital of the Khammouane province in central Laos is the city of Thakhek. This city is a popular spot for curious travelers, surrounded by the limestone Karst mountains. Alluring its visitors with the promise of a range of activities guaranteed to leave one exhilarated, it is a visitor’s paradise. In this blog, we have listed down versatile activities that you can find in Thakhek that can keep you occupied for up to four whole days! So save some space in your itinerary.
Best of Thakhek: Top 7 Places to Visit
Table of Contents
How to Reach?
From Vientiane
You can catch a direct bus from Southern Bus Terminal Vientiane to Thakhek. The most convenient option is to opt for a sleeper bus for an overnight journey, which costs 240,000 KIP or $12 USD. Minivans are also available during the day.
From Pakse
To reach Thakhek from Pakse, you can take a direct overnight sleeper bus. Alternatively, if you choose a minivan, you must transfer to Savannakhet. The cost is 240,000 KIP or $12 USD per person.
Best Time to Visit Thakhek
The best time to visit Thakhek is from October to February, after the monsoon season. This period offers a favorable weather for exploration and driving. March to May is the hottest period. Thakhek experiences rainfall from June to September, making road conditions poor and slippery.
Network Availability
Unitel and Lao Telecom have strong networks in Thakhek, but the signal may be intermittent in remote areas. For reliable navigation, we suggest downloading offline maps from OSMAND and maps.me.
Where to Eat?
Thakhek offers a variety of restaurants serving Indian, Lao, Italian, French, and Thai cuisine. For an authentic street food experience, head to the riverside restaurants along the Mekong River or the night market in the evening.
Where to Stay?
Thakhek offers various accommodation options to suit every budget and preference, from hostels to riverside villas. We chose Bami Thakhek Hostel during our stay, but here are some other recommendations in the area.
- Bike & Bed ($)
- Bamboo Hostel ($)
- Song Lao Guesthouse ($)
- Nana Bungalows ($)
- Villa Thakhek ($$)
- Le Bouton D’ or Bourtique Hotel ($$)
Commuting Around
While you can easily walk to city attractions, major sights are far away. Renting a two-wheeler is the ideal choice. Mixay Thakhek Motor Rental and Pokemon Go Motorbike Rental are recommended options. If renting from Wang Wang Motor Rental, opt for a new bike for safety. For groups, consider using Songthaews. Be cautious when driving on unpaved roads, and drive slowly.
Best Places To Visit in Thakhek
1. The Night Market
Also known as Center Point on Google Maps, the daily night market is a popular local spot. From 6 PM onwards, it buzzes with eateries serving various Lao specialties, such as Lao beer and hot pot. The kid-friendly market also offers games and activities for children to enjoy.
2. The Mekong River
The Mekong River, which runs nearby, acts as the border between Laos and Thailand. Enjoy delicious food at the riverside restaurants while overlooking Thailand. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the river with the locals. You’ll pass temples, street shops, riverside hotels, and locals fishing or celebrating special occasions. These sights and sounds will immerse you in the area’s vibrant atmosphere.
3. Thakhek Loop
The Thakhek loop, a popular motorbike route, begins and ends in Thakhek. If you have 3-4 days, it’s worth considering. We’ve written separate guides covering everything you need to know before embarking on the Thakhek loop and an ultimate itinerary. Check them out for more details.
4. Kong Lor Cave
Kong Lor Cave is a vast system stretching about 7 Km, linking two remote villages, Konglor and Natane. It’s located 181 Km from Thakhek and can be visited on a day trip. This cave is among the country’s best, featuring impressive stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and draperies. It’s a must-see highlight in the region. Check out our detailed guide on Kong Lor Cave, covering how to get there, its history, entry fees, timings, and more.
5. The Cave Alley
The Cave Alley in Thakhek is filled with numerous caves nearby. You can rent a motorbike and explore them at your own pace. One notable cave nearby is Tham Nang Aen Cave. Other caves in the area include Elephant Cave, Xieng Liap Cave, Tham Nong Pa Fa, and Phaya In Cave (Tham Pha Nya Inh). Take caution when driving on the unpaved dirt roads to reach the caves. Each cave in the area has its own entry and parking fees.
6. Thafalang
Thafalang is a serene picnic spot with free entry, featuring huts along the river. You’ll spot many large and small fish swimming around. While swimming isn’t recommended, visitors enjoy kayaking and tubing here. You can also rent a cottage for a night for 50,000 KIP ($2.5 USD). If you prefer a more local experience, check out Thabanthok instead.
7. A Different Kind of Fishing
While exploring Xieng Liap Cave, we saw locals relaxing by the pond. Intrigued, we approached and discovered a unique fishing method. Through Google Translate, we learned that locals fish here daily, but many gather for communal fishing events on special occasions, like the day we visited. Don’t miss witnessing this unique fishing experience when you visit Xieng Liap Cave.
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