History: See remnants of the Sikhottabong Kingdom dating back more than 1,000 years, and view French colonial structures. Many historians believe Khammouane, meaning “happy gold”, was named after the gold deposits found in the area hundreds of years ago.
Ethnic Diversity: Meet Khammouane people. The large Phouthai population live in lowland river valleys. Bru reside in the eastern mountains. You’ll also find isolated settlements of rarely visited tribes. The province’s Phouthai often mix with the similar Tai people.
Things to Do: Head to Laos’ hottest new adventure destination, Khammouane, with something for everyone. Jump on “The Loop”, a provincial lap taking in Thakaek Town, Cave Alley, Limestone Forest, and the Nakai Plateau. The daring can head east into The Hinterlands for extreme adventures.
Top Attractions: Head to a mystical land with rivers running through secret tunnels that cut through limestone towers. The River Cave Capital is like another world. Ask fellow travelers why they came to Khammouane, and more than 90% will say, “Caves,” as caverns pock the limestone mountains.
Getting There: From Vientiane to Southern Laos, you’ll find a bus to Khammouane. And Thakaek is just a bridge away from Thailand. From Vientiane Capital’s Southern Bus Terminal, VIP (LAK100,000) and Express (LAK 120,000) coaches depart for Thakaek at 04: 00, 05:00, 06:00, 12:00, 13:00.
Getting Around: Tackle “The Loop” on a motorcycle or visit sites in a sawng taew. You find plenty of options for getting around “The River Cave Capital”. Tuk tuks are readily available for sightseeing around Thakaek. Some sawng taew (Pickup trucks with benches) drivers can be hired by the day.
Where to Stay: Make “Where you Stay” part of your Khammouane experience, whether you’re overnighting in Thakaek Town or venturing out on “The Loop”. In Thakaek, you can curl up in a renovated French colonial hotel or guesthouse, or soak up tranquility in the gardens of a Mekong Riverside .
Travel Guide: Khammouane is quickly growing in popularity due to its cave-filled limestone outcrops, remote rivers, and jungle activities just a five-hour drive from Vientiane. Thakaek, the provincial center, offers plenty of options for getting around on your own, as well as tours run by operators.
Khammouane Accommodation
In Thakaek, you can curl up in a renovated French colonial hotel or guesthouse, or soak up tranquillity in the gardens of a Mekong Riverside resort. The Loop lures travellers…
Getting to Khammouane
From Vientiane Capital’s Southern Bus Terminal, VIP (LAK80,000) and Express (LAK 70,000) coaches depart for Thakaek at 04: 00, 05:00, 06:00, 12:00, 13:00, and 17.15 for the five-hour ride.…
Khammouane Waterfalls
Tad Mouang Meander on a path along a narrow, lush-lined stream, as you follow Tad Mouang spilling down 18 slabs until dropping into a river in the Limestone Forest.…
Khammouane’s History
Many historians believe Khammouane, meaning “happy gold”, was named after the gold deposits found in the area hundreds of years ago. The province’s history dates back as early as…
Khammouane Ethnic Diversity
The province’s Phouthai often mix with the similar Tai people, and are usually considered a separate group. Though many practice Buddhism, they cling to their traditional animist beliefs. Each…
Getting around Khammouane
Tuk tuks are readily available for sightseeing around Thakaek. Some sawng taew (Pickup trucks with benches) drivers can be hired by the day for tourists who want to visit…
