Thakhek Travel Guide: A Must-Visit Elegant Town

Thakhek, situated in the central region of Laos, was once a bustling trading port. Positioned near Thailand, it sits on the banks of the Mekong River. The historic district showcases architecture reminiscent of the French colonial era in the early 1900s. To the south of the city center, you'll find the ancient Sikhottabong Stupa with its golden tip, believed to enshrine sacred Buddhist relics. On the northern side of the town, there is the imposing Kampaeng Yark sandstone wall, possibly constructed as a defensive fortification in bygone times.

For nature enthusiasts, Thakhek offers a plethora of captivating places to explore, including caves and waterfalls that are definitely worth a visit.  In this comprehensive Thakhek travel guide, we will explore the must-visit attractions, exciting things to do, and how to get to this enchanting destination from various cities in Laos.

Thakhek, situated in the central region of Laos, was once a bustling trading port

How To Get To Thakhek

Thakhek, a historic French colonial town with a view of the Mekong River in Central Laos, is well known for the Thakhek Moto Loop. It might be one of the best sites in Laos for the daring traveler looking for something unique.

Below is how to get to Thakhek from various Laotian big cities.

Vientiane to Thakhek

Travelers can easily reach Thakhek from the capital city of Laos, Vientiane. From Vientiane to Thakhek, there are methods to travel there via bus, automobile, or airplane.

The most common options include taking a comfortable VIP bus that runs daily between the two cities, offering a scenic journey through the Laotian countryside. The bus journey takes around 7-8 hours and is a great opportunity to witness the beauty of rural Laos.

Vang Vieng to Thakhek

If you're exploring the adventure-packed town of Vang Vieng, reaching Thakhek is a breeze. Regular buses connect the two towns, and the journey typically takes 4-5 hours, showcasing picturesque landscapes along the way.

Pakse to Thakhek

For travelers coming from the southern city of Pakse, Thakhek is within reach by bus. The bus Pakse to Thakhek ride may take around 6-7 hours, depending on the route and road conditions.

Luang Prabang to Thakhek

Although Thakhek is located quite far from Luang Prabang, adventurous travelers can opt for a scenic but long bus journey to reach Thakhek. The trip can take around 15-18 hours, so it's advisable to plan for stops along the way.

For nature enthusiasts, Thakhek offers a plethora of captivating places to explore

Savannakhet to Thakhek

Savannakhet, another charming town in Laos, provides bus connections to Thakhek. The journey typically lasts around 3-4 hours, offering a chance to admire the rural beauty of the region.

In addition, taxis and cars are other means of transport you can choose to travel from Savannakhet to Thakhek.

Things To Do In Thakhek

In contrast to many other lively and bustling areas in Laos, Thakhek has a charming, ancient ambiance characterized by its French colonial architecture. The city offers a blend of captivating natural landscapes and impressive man-made attractions. When exploring Thakhek, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Khammaounae Museum, That Sikhot, Wat Si Khottabong Pagoda, and various other captivating sights and landmarks.  

Konglor Cave

A visit to Thakhek is incomplete without exploring the mesmerizing Konglor Cave.  Konglor Cave presents an excellent opportunity for tourists to enjoy an exciting exploration. Stretching almost 4km in length, the cave offers a unique experience as the river flows through its interior. Visitors will be treated to breathtaking limestone formations, and they have the option to explore the cave either by boat on the river or by walking along its shores.

Another remarkable cave formation in the area is the Buddha Cave. Inside this cave, you'll find stunning limestone statues and enormous Buddha carvings embellishing the cave walls, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight to behold.

A visit to Thakhek is incomplete without exploring the mesmerizing Konglor Cave

That Sikhot

Explore That Sikhot is one of the top things to do in Thakhek. It is a sacred place in Laos. That Sikhot boasts enchanting and holy caves that offer stunning views of the majestic Mekong River. This prominent attraction in Thakhek is easily accessible by tuk-tuk. According to historical accounts, That Sikhot dates back to the 15th century and enshrines the relics of Chao Sikhot, a local hero who played a pivotal role in founding the old town.

At this site, you'll also encounter a grand 29-meter-tall gold stupa standing proudly on a plinth. That Sikhot attracts a considerable number of visitors during the annual festivals in July and February. The place is highly revered for its spiritual value and offers picturesque landscapes, especially mesmerizing during sunset. 

Tham Xang (Elephant Cave)

Tham Xang holds great importance as a significant Buddhist sanctuary that evokes a sense of prosperity and good fortune among its visitors. Within the shrine resides a revered Buddha statue, and there are beliefs that it also contains calcium deposits resembling an "elephant head." During the Lao New Year, it is customary for local people to sprinkle water on these deposits, as it is considered to bring luck and good health.

A breathtaking view of the plains and limestone mountains may be seen from the cave and during sunsets. Parking, restrooms, and shops selling mementos and beverages are all located at the ticket entrance. Moreover, you can go to Pho Sii stupa, the temples, and Ban Tham village.

Tham Nang Aen Cave

Tham Nang Aen, situated 15 km to the east of Thakhek and south of Route 12, is a vast cave that stands alongside the Alley Cave. This breathtaking cave, featuring a central chamber soaring 30 meters high, is named in honor of the legendary figure, Nang Samounta, who was an orphan. During your visit, the guide will recount the poignant tale of her ill-fated love story with ex-Xieng.

After the adventure, you can relax and unwind on the shaded lawn of the cave, indulging in a refreshing drink, delicious meal, or having a pleasant picnic amidst the serene surroundings.

Tham Nang Aen is situated 15 km to the east of Thakhek and south of Route 12

Wat Si Khottabong Temple

The temple was originally a great tower from the ninth century, built during the reign of King Nanthasen. It was later rebuilt in the 18th century. The Si Khottabong Temple remains magnificent. Both locals and numerous tourists from other countries visit this hallowed location for worship. You might come here to request tranquility and good fortune for your family and yourself.

Khammouane Museum

A sizable collection of Laotian cultural artifacts may be found in this museum. In the 20th century, the French constructed the museum. About 2000-year-old collections of firearms, porcelain, and rattan may be found inside the museum. Also, it preserves a great deal of priceless mementos that are representative of Laos culture and history.

Thakhek Travel And Things You May Not Know

Best time to visit Thakhek

The best time to visit Thakhek is from October to April. There is a wet season from roughly May to September (June to August are the wettest months). Instead of continuous downpours, many parts of Laos get brief, intense downpours throughout the day.

You can see more information about the Discovering The Best Time To Visit Laos

Where to stay in Thakhek

Although some lodging is available near the Mekong River, where the town center is located, the majority of low-cost options are dispersed across the town. The well-known backpacker location Thakhek Travel Lodge is three kilometers from the river and far from any amenities. In Thakhek, the nightly average fee for hotels is USD 59. This pricing is just provided as a guide because hotel rates frequently change.

How to apply for a Laos visa

For all international travelers planning a vacation in Thakhek, obtaining a visa is a crucial step. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, it is essential to apply for a Laos e-visa. Familiarize yourself with the visa requirements to understand the application process and the necessary documents needed for the e-visa procedure.

With the comprehensive guidelines we have provided, you can have a wonderful experience exploring the stunning Thakhek town. If you have any inquiries or need further assistance regarding the visa process or your Laos visa status, please don't hesitate to reach out to us through Laos Immigration Services. We are here to help you have the best possible journey.