At 29 years old, my favorite compliment is being told that I look like my mom. Seeing myself in her image, like this daughter up top, makes me so proud of how far I’ve come, and so thankful for where I come from.
Explore Khammouane, Laos: Top 10 attractions, caves, waterfalls in a karst landscape. Your ultimate travel guide.
10 Epic Adventures to Have in Khammouane Province This Year
Explore Tham Konglor Cave
One of Khammouane province's top attractions, Tham Konglor cave is a 7.5km long limestone cave that you can explore by boat. Formed by the Nam Hinboun River flowing underground, the cave contains dramatic stalactites, stalagmites and lighting effects. See more.
As you drift through the cave on a traditional wooden boat, you'll be awed by the scale and natural beauty. Sections of the cave reach up to 100m high, creating magnificent chambers. The lighting creates striking effects as shafts of light pour through openings in the ceiling, illuminating the rock formations. See more.
The best way to experience Tham Konglor is on a slow boat trip down the river running through the cave. The boat gently drifts with the current, allowing you to gaze up at the cave walls and take in the atmosphere. The occasional patches of darkness contrast with the illuminated sections for an atmospheric journey. See more.
Tham Konglor is located in a remote part of Khammouane, adding to its adventurous appeal. After journeying down dirt roads, you'll arrive at a peaceful riverside spot where wooden boats await. The traditional boat ride through the cave is an unforgettable experience and one of the top attractions in Khammouane. See more.
Trek to Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a stunning turquoise pool surrounded by towering limestone cliffs located near the famous Konglor Cave in Khammouane Province. This natural wonder can be reached by boat from inside Konglor Cave, taking you through the 7.5km long cavern until you emerge at the lagoon. See more.
For the more adventurous, the Blue Lagoon can be accessed by a 3-4 hour scenic trek through lush jungle and across rice paddies from the village of Konglor. This moderate hike passes over streams and through bamboo forests until you arrive at a viewpoint overlooking the lagoon. From here, you can descend down to the crystal clear waters for a refreshing swim. See more.
The Blue Lagoon is an idyllic spot to relax and snap some Instagram-worthy pics. Paddling around in a kayak or swimming under the towering cliffs is an unforgettable experience. The cool waters provide the perfect refreshment after a hot hike through the Laotian countryside. Don't forget your swimsuit when visiting Khammouane Province so you can fully enjoy the natural beauty of the Blue Lagoon! See more.
Visit That Phanom Temple
That Phanom Temple is an important Buddhist temple and pilgrimage site that dates back to the 5th century. It is located in That Phanom district in the province of Nakhon Phanom, northeastern Thailand. See more.
The temple is set on an island in the Mekong River and is home to a highly revered Buddha image known as Phra That Phanom. This sacred Buddha statue stands at 16 meters tall and is covered in gold leaf. It is believed to have miraculous powers and is the most important Buddha image in northeast Thailand. See more.
The temple has an impressive architecture, with several ornate buildings, shrines, and monuments spread across the complex. The ubosot, or main ordination hall, features a soaring roof decorated in traditional Lao motifs. Other highlights include a museum displaying Buddha images, and a tall Lao-style stupa covered in golden mosaic tiles. See more.
Inside the temple's wihan, or sanctuary, devotees can view the Phra That Phanom Buddha statue up close. This ancient statue combines Buddhist and Hindu Khmer artistic styles, with the Buddha's facial features resembling the Bayon style of the Khmer empire. See more.
In addition to the famous Buddha statue, That Phanom Temple houses hundreds of other Buddha images in various poses, sizes and materials. The temple is considered one of the most beautiful and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in Thailand. See more.
Relax at Nakai Nam Theun Reservoir
The Nakai Nam Theun Reservoir is a large man-made lake that was created after the construction of the Nam Theun 2 hydroelectric dam. Spanning 450 square kilometers, it is the largest body of water in Laos. The expansive reservoir provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and taking in the beautiful scenery. See more.
The calm, clear waters of the reservoir are ideal for boating, kayaking, and fishing. Many outfitters and tour companies offer boat rentals and guided tours to help visitors make the most of their time on the water. Slowly paddling across the lake by kayak allows you to take in the sights and appreciate the scale of this man-made wonder. Fishing is also popular, as the reservoir is home to several species of fish. See more.
Dotted with forested islands and secluded coves, the reservoir has an almost mystical beauty. As you explore the many inlets and channels, you’ll feel worlds away from civilization. The islands provide sheltered spots ideal for swimming, picnicking, and camping. While boating around the islands, keep an eye out for some of the diverse wildlife that calls the reservoir home. Birds, monkeys, and other animals can often be spotted on the shorelines and in the forest. See more.
With its incredible scenery and variety of activities, the Nakai Nam Theun Reservoir is the perfect place in Khammouane Province to immerse yourself in nature and leave the stress of everyday life behind. Spending a day kayaking, fishing, or simply appreciating the views will rejuvenate your mind and spirit. See more.
See Waterfalls
One of the top things to do in Khammouane is to visit some of the province's scenic waterfalls. Here are some of the best options:
Tad Xay Waterfall
This impressive 15-meter high waterfall is located near Thakhek. The powerful cascade drops into a large pool that's perfect for swimming on hot days. There are food stalls nearby and the falls make for a refreshing break during a road trip. See more.
Tad Leuk Waterfall
Considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Laos, Tad Leuk is located in the Phou Hinboun National Protected Area. The multi-tiered falls cascade down a lush, forested hillside. There are pools below for swimming and the scenic surroundings make it great for picnics. See more.
Other Waterfalls
Two other noteworthy waterfalls in Khammouane include Tad Fane and Tad Yuang. Tad Fane is another multi-tiered cascade with turquoise pools. Tad Yuang is known for its thundering power and also has pools for swimming. Both make for great side trips to cool off and appreciate the province's natural beauty. See more.
With its limestone mountains and monsoon climate, Khammouane has no shortage of spectacular waterfalls. Visitors can choose from plunging single-tier or multi-tiered falls, many with swimmable pools tucked into the forest. See more.
Visit Local Villages
One of the best ways to experience traditional Lao culture is by visiting local villages in Khammouane province. Many villages remain relatively untouched by modernization, providing a window into traditional ways of life that have endured for centuries. See more.
A highlight is seeing the local weaving traditions. Khammouane is known for its handwoven textiles made from silk and cotton, which villagers produce using traditional wooden looms. You'll likely see women weaving under stilted homes, or find fabrics for sale at village markets. See more.
Rice farming also remains integral to daily life. Take boat rides along rivers to reach remote farming villages dotting the riverbanks. Witness farmers tending to verdant rice paddies using techniques passed down through generations. Don't miss the photogenic water buffalo bathing in the fields!
Village markets also showcase local handicrafts and produce. Browse stalls piled high with handmade baskets, mulberry paper, and other wares. Observe villagers bartering and socializing during their daily shopping. The markets provide a lively hub of community activity. See more.
Immersing yourself in the local villages allows you to experience the rhythms of rural life largely untouched by outside influence. It's a highlight of any trip to Khammouane. See more.
Shop Handicrafts in Thakhek
Thakhek is the provincial capital of Khammouane and is known for its handicraft production. The town has a long tradition of weaving, pottery making, and wood carving.
The night market in Thakhek is a great place to shop for local handicrafts. Vendors line the streets selling their wares in the evening hours. You'll find beautiful woven textiles in vibrant colors, handmade pottery items like cups and bowls, and intricate wood carvings. See more.
Many of the vendor stalls allow you to watch artisans at work on their craft. It's fascinating to see the entire process from start to finish. For the weavers, you can see them work the large floor looms threaded with colorful strings. Potters shape clay on spinning wheels and carve final designs into the fired pieces. Woodworkers chisel intricate patterns into hardwood pieces like decorative boxes and figurines.
Purchasing handicrafts directly from the artisans is a meaningful way to support local culture and traditions. The crafts make for wonderful souvenirs and gifts to take home from your travels in Khammouane province. The night market in Thakhek offers a wide selection of quality handicraft items and a glimpse into this important creative industry. See more.
Try Local Cuisine
Khammouane is known for its delicious Lao cuisine, with several dishes you must try when visiting the province.
One signature dish is larb - a spicy meat salad made with minced pork or chicken, chopped herbs, roasted ground rice, lime juice, fish sauce, and chilies. The meat is mixed together with the aromatic ingredients to create a zesty, flavorful salad. Larb is often served over lettuce leaves which you use to grab the meat and herbs. See more.
Another famous dish is tam mak hoong, a green papaya salad made with shredded papaya, tomatoes, chilies, lime juice, fish sauce, and peanuts. It offers a nice balance of spicy, sour, and nutty flavors. Tam mak hoong is a great accompaniment to larb or sticky rice. See more.
In the former French colonial city of Thakhek, you'll find bakeries selling freshly baked baguettes - a tasty fusion of French and Lao food cultures. Locals often hollow out the bread to make sandwiches with larb or other fillings.
Don't forget to try Lao coffee, a dark roast coffee with sweetened condensed milk for a strong and sweet caffeine kick. Sip coffee at the many riverside restaurants in Thakhek while taking in views of the Mekong River. See more.
With its mix of spicy, herbal salads, French bakeries, and strong coffee, Khammouane's cuisine offers adventurous eaters many new flavors to discover.
Relax at Local Hot Springs
Khammouane Province is home to several natural hot springs that provide a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for visitors. One of the most popular is located near the village of Tad Leuk, where you can soak in a series of warm mineral water pools of varying temperatures. The hot springs emerge from the ground into a shaded forest area, creating a peaceful natural sanctuary to unwind. See more.
The Tad Leuk hot springs feature several pool options, with the hottest reaching temperatures of 50°C. There are also cooler pools more suitable for lounging and swimming. The mineral-rich waters are believed to have healing properties, especially for skin conditions. After soaking in the pools, you'll feel refreshed and revitalized. See more.
Another scenic hot springs option is Pha Bang Hot Springs, located near lush forest. Here the hot spring waters fill three concrete pools near the Xe Bangfai River. In addition to soaking in the soothing waters, visitors can explore nearby caves and waterfalls.
Khammouane's natural hot springs provide the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate during your travels through this picturesque province of Laos. Spend a day soaking in the mineral-rich waters amidst tropical forests and emerge feeling restored. It's an experience not to be missed. See more.
Explore Phou Hinboun NPA
Phou Hinboun National Protected Area (NPA) is one of the most biodiverse and scenic natural areas in Laos. Spanning 222,000 hectares, the protected area contains dense forests, winding rivers, and extensive wetlands that provide habitat for a wide diversity of plant and animal species. See more.
One of the main draws of Phou Hinboun is the opportunity to see Asian elephants in the wild. Several family herds inhabit the protected area, roaming through the forests and grasslands. If you're lucky, you may spot these gentle giants while trekking or boating through the area. See more.
Gibbons are another iconic species found in Phou Hinboun NPA. You're likely to hear their haunting calls reverberating through the jungle canopy as you explore. Other wildlife includes sambar deer, serow, wild boar, and over 200 species of birds. See more.
The best way to experience the biodiversity of Phou Hinboun is by trekking through the forests with a local guide. They'll point out wildlife and lead you to scenic spots along the way. For a different perspective, you can tour the rivers and wetlands by boat. This allows you to spot birds and other animals coming to the water's edge to drink. See more.
With its unspoiled wilderness and abundance of wildlife, Phou Hinboun NPA is a must-visit for any nature lover visiting Laos. The opportunities for trekking, boating, and birdwatching ensure you'll have a memorable adventure while supporting the conservation of this precious ecosystem. See more.
Jone Doe
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Fatima Jane
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Jone Doe
Duis hendrerit velit scelerisque felis tempus, id porta libero venenatis. Nulla facilisi. Phasellus viverra magna commodo dui lacinia tempus. Donec malesuada nunc non dui posuere, fringilla vestibulum urna mollis. Integer condimentum ac sapien quis maximus.