Thakhek
Ultimate Guide - Best Things To Do
Thakhek, located on the banks of the Mekong River in central Laos, is a charming town that blends French colonial architecture with Lao culture. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, Thakhek serves as a gateway to the stunning limestone karst landscapes of the Khammouane Province.
Thakhek has gained popularity as a starting point for the Thakhek Loop, a scenic motorcycle route leading through dramatic limestone formations, caves, and rural villages. The nearby Kong Lor Cave, a colossal karst cave with an underground river, is a major attraction accessible from Thakhek. You will reach this during the Thakhek Motorbike Loop.
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✅ Best Things To Do
❗Other important things
1. Thakhek Loop
The Thakhek Loop is a popular motorcycle or scooter route that takes travelers through the breathtaking landscapes of the Khammouane Province in central Laos, with Thakhek serving as the starting and ending point. The loop is approximately 450 kilometers and typically takes several days to complete between 3 till 6 days.
Key highlights along the Thakhek Loop include limestone karst formations, rivers, many caves, traditional Lao villages, and the famous Kong Lor Cave. Travelers can explore the lush countryside, visit ethnic minority communities, and witness the rural way of life in Laos. The loop is well-known for its scenic beauty and provides a more off-the-beaten-path adventure compared to some of the more frequented tourist destinations in Laos.
It’s really a once in a lifetime experience. But it’s important that you feel comfortable driving a motorbike in an other country.
- 📍 Location: Start point in Thakhek City
- ⏱️ Opening hours: Every day
- 💰 Price: Free
Other activities
I visited Thakhek only for the Thakhek Loop. So I arrived 1 day early to arrange everything for the loop. But there is more to do in Thakhek. I did not do this myself. These are the following popular activities.
2. Rock Climbing
This is very popular in this area and there are many training camps for beginners and experts.
3. Kayaking
Create an incredible experience to kayak on calm rivers and through caves.
4. Trekking in the nature
In national protected areas to explore the fauna and flore. One of these area is: Phou Hin Boun National Protected Area
✈️ How to get there?
You can reach Thakhek with a seven-hour bus ride from Vientaine or Vang Vieng. A bus leaves here almost every hour every morning. From Pakse, Thakhek can be reached by local bus, which takes about 10 hours.
🛵 How to get around?
Thakhek is a really small town. So if you are staying in Thakhek before or after the Thakhek Loop you can do anything on foot. At some point you will rent a motorbike for the Loop.
Where to stay?
Probably you will come to Thakhek just to do the run. I stayed at La Casa Hostel. This is a social and clean hostel. The good thing about this hostel is that they help all travellers plan for the loop. They do this by giving a briefing every night. Here they prepare you for the loop and besides, it’s the off chance to meet fellow travellers. They also can arrange motorbikes for you.
Another guesthouse I can recommend is Lao home hostel. They saved us to get us a place late at night after we arrived late by bus and had not arranged a place to sleep.
☀️ Best Time to Visit Thakhek
The best time to travel to Luang Prabang is from November to February.
Food in Thakhek
- Song Fang Khong Restaurant
Six Friends Restaurant
Explore other Destinations in Laos
Vang Vieng is known for its beautiful scenery, adventure activities and party.
As the most atmospheric city in Laos, Luang Prabang offers plenty of fascinating sights.
