Epic Travel → Asia & the South Pacific → Laos → Thakhek

Location: Western Khammouane Province, Laos

Time Required: 1 hour to walk along the river

Red Tape/Notes: The closest airports are in Sakon Nakhon, Thailand (~1 hour, 45 minutes drive) and Savannakhet, Laos (~2 hour, 15 minutes drive)

What’s Nearby?: Ban Nakhang Xang Trekking and Caves, Tham Nong Pa Seuam, Tham Pa Fa (Buddha Cave), Tham Pha Nya In, Green Climbers Home, Phou Hin Boun, Xe Bang Fai River Cave (close-ish), Kong Lor Cave (close-ish)

A former trading port on the Mekong River, most visitors to Laos won’t even know Thakhek exists, which is a shame because it’s a gateway to some of the best real adventures Laos has to offer (and its most beautiful scenery, in my opinion). Traveling east of town, you immediately see the karst mountains of the Phou Hin Boun National Protected Area beckoning you to come and explore them – and once you’re on road 12 you’re greeted with various signs pointing the way to caves of varying interest. Thakhek itself isn’t so much a destination on its own, but it is a nice base for travel in the area. The whole town is easily walkable, and a sunset stroll along the Mekong is always a pleasant option. Various restaurants and cafes are available, but it’s more fun to just wander around and hope you’ll stumble on a street fair on something else pleasantly local.

Epic Travel → Asia & the South Pacific → Laos → Thakhek