KHAMMOUANE & THAKHEK LOOP
Khammouane Province is the heart of Laos’s karst country, famed for its towering limestone mountains, ancient caves, and the legendary Thakhek Loop motorbike journey.
This remote region offers an unparalleled adventure into rural Laos, where you can explore hidden waterfalls, massive caverns, and authentic village life away from the tourist crowds.
Most Popular Attractions
The Thakhek Loop: Natural Wonders & Adventure
Kong Lor Cave (Tham Kong Lor): The iconic highlight of the loop, a 7.5 km long river tunnel running through a limestone mountain, navigated by long-tail boat.
Tham Nang Aen Cave: A massive, electrically lit cave with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, easily accessible near Thakhek.
Tham Pha Inh (Buddha Cave): A sacred cave near Thakhek containing an ancient, revered Buddha statue.
Tham En Cave: A smaller, wilder cave experience, often requiring a local guide and a headlamp to explore.
Khoun Kong Leng Lake: A stunning, naturally-colored blue-green spring-fed lake considered sacred by locals.
Limestone Mountains: The region’s defining feature, offering dramatic, photogenic karst landscapes throughout the loop.
Phou Hin Boun National Protected Area: The vast wilderness area that encompasses much of the loop’s natural beauty, including Kong Lor Cave.
Cool Springs (Hai Thong): A refreshing natural swimming hole along the route, perfect for a break from riding.
Viewpoint at the Gnommalat Rock Climbs: A scenic spot to admire the towering limestone pinnacles and observe climbers.
Tad Fan Waterfall: A powerful seasonal waterfall near the town of Mahaxai.
Pha Tad Ke (The Great Rock): A towering, prominent limestone peak visible from the plains, often a photographic subject.
Historical & Cultural Sites
Thakhek Town Riverside: The main town of the province, offering a pleasant promenade and views across the Mekong River to Thailand.
Wat Pha Sokkhamsen: An important local temple in Thakhek with traditional Lao architecture.
Old French Colonial Buildings: Historic architecture lining the streets of Thakhek, remnants of the French protectorate era.
That Sikhottabong: An important and revered 11th-century stupa (chedi) located south of Thakhek, a significant pilgrimage site.
The Ho Chi Minh Trail: Sections of the famous wartime supply route pass through the province, often marked by historical markers or remnants.
Local Rice Fields & Villages: The opportunity to witness traditional Lao farming life and authentic village interactions along the Loop.
Handicraft Villages: Small settlements known for local weaving, basket-making, or other traditional crafts.
The Memorial to the Fallen Soldiers (Near Laksao): A monument dedicated to those who died during the Indochina wars.
Market in Nakai: A bustling local market where you can experience the daily life and sample regional foods.
Don Deng Island (Seasonal): A Mekong river island near Thakhek, often accessible during the dry season.
Nam Theun 2 Dam & Reservoir: A massive hydroelectric project with a large reservoir, offering boat trips and an alternative route section.
Activities & Experiences
Ride The Thakhek Loop: Rent a semi-automatic or fully automatic motorcycle/scooter and spend 3-4 days riding the famous 450 km loop, which is the core experience of the region.
Explore Kong Lor Cave (Tham Kong Lo): Take a motorized long-tail boat ride through this spectacular 7.5 km long cave tunnel on the Hinboun River, emerging into a lush valley on the other side.
Swim in the Cool Springs (Khoun Kong Leng): Visit the stunning, crystal-clear, emerald-blue natural pool fed by an underground river, ideal for a refreshing swim and picnic.
Go Caving in Tham Nang Aen: Explore this impressive, illuminated cave near Thakhek town with large chambers, stalactites, and a small lake inside.
Climb at Thakhek’s Rock Climbing Crags: Head to the cliffs north of Thakhek, which offer world-class sport climbing routes for all skill levels, with guided tours available.
Hike to the Viewpoint at Phou Pha Marn: Take a challenging but rewarding hike to a high viewpoint on the loop to witness panoramic views of the karst landscape.
Visit the Buddha Cave (Tham Pa Fa): Discover this secret cave containing 229 bronze Buddha images, which was only rediscovered in 2004.
Take a Boat Trip on the Nam Theun 2 Reservoir: Experience the vast, artificial lake created by the dam, dotted with drowned trees and small islands.
Stroll Along the Mekong River in Thakhek: Enjoy the sunset views over the Mekong and across to Thailand, especially beautiful from the promenade in Thakhek town.
Discover the Limestone Karst Waterfalls (Tad Mouang, Tad Nam Keng): Find the hidden waterfalls that are often at their best during and shortly after the rainy season (June-October).
Stop at a Local Salt Field: Observe the traditional Lao method of extracting salt from underground water, especially near the towns of Ban Bok and Ban Na Hin.
Local Tips & Transport
Motorbike/Scooter is Essential: The Thakhek Loop is primarily designed to be done on a rented motorcycle or scooter. Semi-automatic bikes (the most common type in Laos) are often recommended for their power and ease of maintenance on the varied road surfaces.
Safety First: Inspect your rental bike thoroughly before setting off. Roads, especially off the main highway, can be rough, pot-holed, or gravel. Always wear a helmet and protective clothing, and ride cautiously, particularly after rain or in the dark.
Buses for Long Distance: Inter-city buses and minivans connect Thakhek with Vientiane, Pakse, and Savannakhet. These are the main options for arriving at or departing from the region.
Fuel and Repairs: Fuel stations are available in the main towns (Thakhek, Na Hin, Kong Lor village), but fuel can also be bought by the bottle from roadside stalls in smaller villages. Minor mechanical shops are scattered throughout the loop.
Navigation: While the main route is well-marked, downloading an offline map app (like Maps.me or Google Maps) is highly recommended, as phone reception can be spotty in the mountainous areas.
The Loop Timeframe: The recommended time is 3-4 days to complete the loop comfortably, allowing time for the main cave and spring excursions. A 4-day itinerary is less rushed.
Accommodation: Lodging is generally simple but clean, consisting of guesthouses and bungalows. Bookings are not usually necessary outside of peak season, but accommodation in Kong Lor village (the end of the main cave trip) is limited.
Lao Time: Embrace the relaxed pace of life, often referred to as “Lao Time.” Service can be slow, and transport schedules are often approximate. Patience is key to a rewarding experience.
Respectful Dress: When visiting temples (Wats) or entering a private home, dress conservatively. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Always remove your shoes before entering.
Caving Etiquette: When visiting Kong Lor, be prepared to pay a fee for the boat and the national park entrance. Do not touch or damage any of the formations inside the caves.
Sim Cards: Purchase a local SIM card (e.g., Lao Telecom or Unitel) in Thakhek town. Unitel often has the best coverage, which is necessary for checking maps and information while on the loop.
Currency & ATMs: The local currency is the Lao Kip (LAK). ATMs are readily available in Thakhek but are rare once you are on the loop. Carry enough cash for your food, accommodation, and entry fees.
Top Restaurants
Song Fang Khong Restaurant [$5-$10] – A local favorite in Thakhek town, offering authentic and flavorful Lao cuisine with a lovely view over the Mekong River, popular for sunset dinner.
Nongpa Lak Xee Restaurant [$3-$7] – Highly regarded by locals in Thakhek, known for its delicious and authentic Lao dishes, offering a real taste of the region.
Sunset Restaurant [$5-$10] – While offering a beautiful sunset view over the Mekong (a tourist draw), the food remains authentically Lao and is frequented by locals for its fresh river fish and grilled items.
Bouton d’Or Restaurant [$3-$7] – Located in Thakhek town, this is a long-standing, well-known local eatery offering a reliable selection of traditional Lao dishes.
Ping Bae Mekong [$5-$10] – A riverside spot in Thakhek known for its Ping Bae (grilled goat) and other Lao barbecue, popular with local crowds in the evenings.
Sabaidee Thakhek Restaurant [$3-$7] – A simple, unassuming local spot in Thakhek town offering home-style Asian cuisine, highly rated for its value and authentic taste.
Deumoun Restaurant [$3-$7] – A genuine local restaurant in Thakhek where you can experience unpretentious and traditional Laotian cuisine, a true hidden gem.
Tha Khaek Mai Restaurants [$3-$7] – A collection of local eateries in the Ban Lao area of Thakhek that offer simple, authentic, and inexpensive Laotian meals.
Dim Sun [$3-$7] – A simple Asian spot in Thakhek, specializing in savory and traditional Asian dim sum and other small dishes, popular for a quick, filling meal.
Phubeer Restaurant [$3-$7] – A local establishment in Thakhek known for serving authentic and flavorful Laotian cuisine in a welcoming, traditional setting.
Tha Frang (Foreigner’s Landing) Eateries [$5-$15] – A collection of Lao-style recreation spots with overwater eating huts near Tha Frang, where locals and travelers alike enjoy fresh river fish and Lao feasts.
Very Good Restaurant for the Loop [$3-$7] – A small, unassuming roadside restaurant near Ban Nakok with a self-proclaimed name, popular among locals and travelers for cheap, good quality Lao food and a rest stop.
Sanhak Guesthouse Restaurant [$3-$7] – Located in Thalang, this guesthouse restaurant is famous for its evening barbecue, known to attract locals and offer a great social atmosphere.
Rice View Restaurant [$3-$7] – A simple restaurant on the Loop near the caves, offering traditional Lao food with a stunning view of the mountains and rice fields.
The Best One Restaurant Konglor Cave [$5-$10] – A rustic restaurant near Kong Lor Cave that serves great, hearty Lao food, famous for its curry and stunning views from its bamboo stilt platforms.
Khounthavy Restaurant & Guesthouse (Na Hin) [$3-$7] – A local stop in Na Hin, known for serving authentic Lao food and acting as a common rest and refueling point for locals traveling through the area.
U-Turn Restaurant (Somewhere on the Loop) [$3-$7] – A traditional Lao restaurant on the loop known for its local flavors and traditional culinary style, catering to the rural community.
Kounmee Restaurant (Ban Gnang/Konglor area) [$3-$7] – A local spot near Konglor, known for its pancakes in the morning but also serving reliable and inexpensive local Lao curries and stir-fries.
A La Carte (Ban Gnang/Konglor area) [$3-$7] – A small, authentic eatery in Ban Gnang offering a la carte Lao dishes, focusing on traditional methods and flavors.
Come to our Hut restaurant (Nakai District) [$3-$7] – A family-friendly, local restaurant in the Nakai area, offering delicious, home-cooked Lao food and warm hospitality.
Kaames’s Noodle Soup, Coffee & Beer Cafe (Nam Theun) [$3-$7] – A small, multi-purpose local stop on the eastern side of the Loop, offering authentic Lao noodle soup and a chance to rest with a local brew.
Xaychalern Guesthouse and Restaurant [$3-$7] – A guesthouse restaurant often recommended by locals on the Loop for a good-value private room and a simple, satisfying Lao meal.
Thakhek Night Market [$1-$5] – Not a single restaurant, but a collection of vendors along the Mekong riverfront offering cheap and cheerful Lao BBQ, grilled fish, sticky rice, and local snacks.
Laos Noodles Soup restaurant (Xiangliab) [$1-$3] – A simple, roadside noodle shop, a staple in Laos, specializing in authentic and satisfying Lao noodle soups like khao piak sen.
Bánh Mỳ Ngon [$1-$3] – A popular street food stall in Thakhek town specializing in Vietnamese-style sandwiches, a legacy of the region’s history, and a staple for a quick breakfast or lunch.
Crispy Pork Noodles [$1-$3] – Found at various small stalls in Thakhek town, this is a simple, delicious, and common dish, often served with a savory broth or dry.
Morning Market Stalls [$1-$3] – Various stalls at the Thakhek Morning Market where locals gather for breakfast, offering everything from fresh fruit, Lao snacks, and bowls of soup.
Fried Rice Stalls [$1-$3] – Simple roadside stands throughout the Loop and Thakhek town focusing on classic Lao-style fried rice with various proteins, an inexpensive and reliable meal.
Roadside Noodle Soup Stalls (Lak Sao) [$1-$3] – Unnamed, ubiquitous stalls in the Lak Sao area offering simple, cheap, and fortifying bowls of noodle soup, often a lunch stop for long-distance drivers.
LAKXAO Coffee & Noodle Stall [$1-$3] – A popular stop in Lak Sao for a quick break, offering strong local coffee and authentic breakfast noodles from the lady next door.
Inthira Thakhek Restaurant [$10-$20] – The dining option at the main mid-range hotel in Thakhek, offering a good mix of Lao and Western cuisine in a comfortable, colonial-style setting.
SpringRiver Resort & Restaurant [$10-$20] – Located near Kong Lor Cave, this resort restaurant offers a “farm-to-table” focus on fresh, healthy Lao cuisine, often with stunning views of the river.
Green Climbers Home Restaurant [$5-$15] – A popular spot near Thakhek for rock climbers, offering good value, hearty portions of both Lao and simple Western meals (like pizza and pasta).
Phosy Thalang Restaurant [$5-$10] – A clean, friendly guesthouse restaurant in Thalang, offering standard Lao and some Western dishes, often serving as a community hub for Loop travelers.
Konglor Cave Resort-Riverside Restaurant [$5-$15] – A clean and newly renovated resort restaurant in Kong Lor village offering a variety of food, including Lao dishes, with a lovely view over the river.
Sern Sap Restaurant (Nakai District) [$5-$10] – An authentic Laotian restaurant in the Nakai area, slightly off the main Loop, providing a good quality local dining experience in a comfortable setting.
Six Friends Restaurant (Thakhek) [$5-$10] – A comfortable mid-range spot in Thakhek town, offering a good selection of traditional Lao flavors in a slightly more modern dining environment.
Khop Chai Deu Thakhek [$5-$10] – A spin-off of a popular Vientiane spot, offering a mix of authentic Lao cuisine and international dishes in a setting aimed at a slightly higher-spending local and traveling clientele.
Tha Frang Restaurant (Thakhek District) [$10-$20] – While the local food stalls here are cheap, the main restaurant areas offer a more substantial, formal Lao dining experience focused on grilled meats and fresh fish.
The Rock Viewpoint Restaurant [$10-$20] – Located at the viewpoint, this is a more modern cafe/restaurant with a variety of offerings, known for having better coffee and views than most other spots on the Loop.
Patalai (Thakhek) [$10-$20] – Mentioned as a Western-style option in Thakhek, suggesting a comfortable environment and more familiar international dishes alongside Lao options.
Lao & Vietnamese Cuisine (Thakhek) [$5-$10] – A simple restaurant in Thakhek specializing in both Lao and Vietnamese dishes like Pho and fresh spring rolls, popular for its fresh and light food.
Enjoy Boy Guesthouse (Ban Gnang) [$5-$10] – The restaurant at this guesthouse in Ban Gnang is known for serving authentic Lao food in a friendly, cozy guesthouse environment.
DD Bistro and Cafe (Thakhek) [$5-$10] – A bistro and cafe in Thakhek that offers a mix of local and possibly some Western cafe-style food, a good choice for a casual, comfortable meal or coffee break.
Organic Cafe’ (Thakhek) [$5-$10] – A cafe in Thakhek town focusing on fresh, potentially organic ingredients, offering a healthier or lighter option compared to the typical fried and grilled fare.
Natoung Restaurant [$5-$10] – Located in Thakhek, this restaurant is known for its authentic local cuisine and is frequented by locals looking for a reliable and good-quality meal.
Memory chillbar (Thakhek) [$5-$10] – Likely a bar/restaurant in Thakhek offering a relaxed atmosphere and a menu that blends simple Lao dishes with popular “chill bar” comfort food.
Yo & Ko Cafe (Thakhek) [$3-$7] – A popular spot in Thakhek for coffee and possibly light meals or snacks, catering to those looking for a modern cafe experience.
Via Thakhek Hostel & Café [$3-$7] – A café connected to a hostel in Thakhek, known for offering good coffee and simple meals, perfect for a budget-friendly and social atmosphere.
Konglor Eco Lodge Restaurant [$5-$10] – The restaurant at this well-regarded lodge in Kong Lor Village offers reliable and clean food, focusing on local dishes and catering to travelers.
Nakai Resort Restaurant [$5-$15] – The dining option at the resort in Nakai, providing a comfortable setting and a menu that balances traditional Lao food with international favorites.
Luna (Thakhek) [$5-$10] – A restaurant in Thakhek offering a mix of Laotian and international dishes in a cozy setting, a good option for a diverse menu.
Xai Lue Di Restaurant (Thakhek) [$5-$10] – A local restaurant in Thakhek town known for its reliable and traditional Lao food, a good choice for an authentic, low-key meal.
Mithuna Restaurant (Ban Gnang) [$5-$10] – A local spot in the Konglor area known for its authentic Laotian flavors and a culinary experience focused on local tradition.
Lao Restaurant (Thakhek) [$5-$10] – A simple, classic name for a restaurant in Thakhek, indicating a focus on unpretentious, authentic Laotian cuisine for the local community.
Nhà hàng Phét Lệ (Ban Khounkeo) [$5-$10] – A family-friendly restaurant that serves authentic Laotian and Vietnamese cuisine, a great place to sample traditional dishes.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Thakhek’s Secret Bar: A beloved, cozy spot in Thakhek town that lives up to its name, offering a friendly atmosphere and one of the best selections of innovative cocktails and local brews in the area, perfect for unwinding pre- or post-Loop.
Bongao Bar: A vibrant bar nestled in the heart of Thakhek town, known for its welcoming ambiance, colorful lighting, and late-night opening hours, making it a great spot for both refreshing drinks and an energetic social evening.
La Casa – Thakhek: Located in Thakhek town, this popular hostel and restaurant has an on-site bar with a great vibe for meeting fellow backpackers, often serving simple cocktails and cold Beer Lao with a rooftop area for relaxing.
Chill-Chill Restaurant and Bar: Situated in Thakhek town, this venue is noted for combining delicious food with a lively bar atmosphere, offering a great space to relax and socialize in the evening.
Sabaidee Guesthouse Bar: This is the quintessential first-night stop on the Thakhek Loop in the village of Nam Theun (or Thalang). It’s an essential social hub, famous for its nightly BBQ, bonfire, and cheap Beer Lao—the main “cocktail” here is the communal atmosphere.
SpringRiver Resort Riverside Lounge: Near Kong Lor Cave, this resort offers a more upscale, tranquil experience. The Riverside Lounge features comfortable seating by the river, serving signature cocktails and cold drinks with a chill ambiance surrounded by nature.
Inthira Thakhek Bar: Located on the riverfront in Thakhek town, this boutique hotel offers a stylish bar and restaurant with views of the Mekong River, perfect for a sunset drink or a more relaxed, upmarket cocktail experience.
Cool Pool (Na Hin Area): A popular stop on the Thakhek Loop near Na Hin, this resort features a bar alongside its lagoon-style pool. It’s a great spot to relax with a cold Beer Lao or a simple mixed drink after a long day of riding.
Thakhek Night Market Stalls: Not a dedicated bar, but along the Mekong Riverfront in Thakhek town, numerous cheap and cheerful stalls sell cold Beer Lao and simple local whiskies, creating a vibrant, local, and highly social drinking atmosphere at sunset.
Memory Chillbar: A relaxed and inviting spot in Thakhek town, offering a low-key environment for a casual drink and socializing.
Cool789: A vibrant and modern spot in Thakhek town known for its lively atmosphere, offering a wide range of beverages from local brews to cocktails.
Le Bouton D’or Boutique Hotel Bar: A refined option in Thakhek town, the hotel’s bar offers a clean, stylish setting for enjoying a quiet drink, often with a view of the river.
Konglor Cave Guesthouse Bar: In Kong Lor Village, right next to the famous cave, this guesthouse’s bar is a major social spot for Loop riders staying overnight, serving basic drinks and providing a crucial meeting point.
Phousy Guesthouse Bar: Located across the road from Sabaidee in Nam Theun (or Thalang), this guesthouse offers a similar but often quieter atmosphere, with a communal fire and bar perfect for meeting people on the Loop.
RIVERIA HOTEL Bar: A more formal hotel option in Thakhek town near Center Point, providing a clean, air-conditioned spot for a relaxing drink.
HongYen Club: One of the most prominent nightlife spots in Thakhek town, this club is known for its energetic ambiance, blending modern and traditional décor. It often features live music or DJs and is popular with both tourists and locals looking to dance.
TonTan Karaoke Bar: A classic local-style venue in Thakhek town. Karaoke is a massive part of Laotian nightlife, and this is a premier spot for a night of singing, drinking, and high energy.
Cool789: While listed above as a lively bar, after hours in Thakhek town it transforms into a bustling hotspot with raised music and a late-night crowd, acting as a vibrant club-like environment.
Hom Mouang Restaurant (Karaoke): Located in Thakhek town, this venue is known for combining dining with a lively karaoke experience, drawing a significant local crowd for evening entertainment.
ຮ້ານເກສອນ ຄຳມ່ວນ (Gaysorn Khammouane Bar): A popular local bar/club in Thakhek town that embodies the local nightlife scene, offering a lively atmosphere and a place to immerse yourself in local music and socializing.
BONGAO BAR: Although primarily a bar in Thakhek town, its extended hours (until 2 AM) and energetic atmosphere with music make it function as a smaller, highly social club where people gather to drink and hang out late.
ຮ້ານ 3 ສ່ຽວ karaoke (3 Siaw Karaoke): Found further afield in Mahaxay, but popular in the province, this is a dedicated, high-energy karaoke establishment that attracts a significant local crowd.
High five & Bamboo Hostel Bar: Situated in Thakhek town, this hostel’s bar area often hosts parties and gatherings, providing a vibrant, social club-like atmosphere for backpackers focused on the Loop.
เรือน BING เอง (Ruan Bing Eng): A lively spot in Thakhek town noted for its dynamic nightlife and local entertainment.
SKYTEK Bar: Located in the town of Nakai (on the Loop), this venue offers a different vibe from Thakhek, with refreshing drinks and a spot for travelers staying overnight in this section of the Loop.
Thakhek Travel Lodge Bar: Known as the main social hub for many before and after the Loop in Thakhek town, the bar provides a simple, cheap, and very friendly place to hang out, eat, drink, and meet fellow riders.