For more info:Khammouane Provincial Tourism Information

Vientiane Road, Ban Phonsanam, Thakhek,Khammouane, Laos

T/F: +856-51-212512 | M:+856-20-5575-1797E: somkiad@yahoo.com

www.khammouanetourism.com

www.tourismlaos.org

9

8

Tha Lang

Nakai

Konglor Natan

Nahin

Viengkham

Gnommalat

Mahaxay

Xebangfai

Nakhok

The Limestone Forest

12

The Nakai Plataeu

Cave Alley

Giant Wall

to Savannakhet

to Pakxan Karst Corridor

Lak Xao

NangAen Cave

Muang Phone Stupa

Pa Chan Cave

7

2

3

4

6

Boulapha

Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge

Nam Don Resurgence

Nam Theun 2 Dam

Nam Saman Waterfall

Konglor Cave

Xieng Liab Cave

Nam Xebangfai

Nam On

Nam Hinboun

Mekong

Nam Xo

t

Nam Theun

Nam Th

eun

1E

8

13

i

i

i

Sala Viewpoint

Sala Viewpoint

Naphao - Chaloborder crossing

i

9 Nakai Nam Theun NPA

9

5 Xebangfai Cave

Xang Cave

Pha Nya In Cave

Buddha Cave

Hinboun

Tha FalangPa Xaem Cave

Thakaek

i

Xaybouathongy

10

Sikhottabong Stupa1

Tin Mines

Hin Nam No NPA

Phou Hin Phoun NPA

Nongbok

Kong Leng Lake

Khon Keo Rapids

Khammouane ProvinceAs Laos prepares for greater integration into the ASEAN community, it is receiving expert help from various sources to develop its tourism potential. With assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the geo-graphical splendours of Khammouane Province are being made increasingly accessible. For the traveler interested in more than just Luang Prabang and Wat Phou, the stunning karsts and magnificent caves of Khammouane will leave you wide-eyed and breathless.

“Happy Gold”A Community-based Tourism

Khammouane

Tips:Best time to visit the place is on mid of January where weather is not too hot and tropical fruits are for sale and scattered along the roads.

Experience pure adventure and fun- try “The Loop”.

Laos Pilot Program for Narrowing theDevelopment Gap Towards

ASEAN Integration

created by insmai.com

KONG LOR REGIONIn the northeast of the province these mysterious caves have been dubbed the ‘Beauty in the Dark’. The 7.5 km subterranean cave, pristine lake, mag-nificent limestone karsts and serene environment are ideal places to un-wind and enjoy what nature has to offer. An early morning boat ride is the best time to enjoy the silence and feel the eerie ambience of the cave. It’s also the best time if you want to avoid the midday tourist rush.

THAKHEK REGION

Ban Tham ViewpointOn the way to the cave is the newly-erected 100 metre-high observation point offering pan-oramic views of Thakhek and the surrounding countryside.

Khun Kong Leng Lake in Ban NakheuThe emerald green Khun Kong Leng, or “Good Evening” Lake, is where villag-ers believe, that on every full moon night, the sound of a gong can be heard ringing across the water. The lake changes colour from blue to green to or-ange or pink every two months. Researchers who have studied the lagoon, have concluded that emerald to blue hues are caused by the bedrock and the surrounding limestone, while the colour changes are because of the plants around the lake and the sometimes heavy downpours that stir up the waters. Fishing and swimming are only allowed in the outflow stream of the lake and the shady areas are perfect for picnics.

Elephant Cave (Tham Xang)About 8 km from Thakhek, the pro-vincial capital, is the Tham Xang (El-ephant Cave). Legend has it that the local people were spared from an ep-idemic after making offerings to the elephant head rock formation inside. During the war villagers also took refuge in the cave from American warplanes. Recently, villagers living nearby excavated a gong, some jars, Buddha statues and other antiques.

Trekking from Ban Phalem to Ban Nakhou An easy to moderate trek is now be-coming popular in the province. The 13-km walk starts from the village of Phalem and ends in karst stone- walled village of Nakheu. Dry rice paddies, thick green rainforests and several mountains are the courses included in the trek. Depending on the time of the day, and the season, trekkers might see monkeys and other wild animals and various species of birds native to Laos.

By Bus:Daily from Southern Bus StationVientiane- Thakhek6-7 hours travel time

Entry from Thailand via Nakhon Phanom (visa on arrival)Entry from Vietnam via Cha Lo (obtain visa before arrival)

Where to Eat:The Kitchen at Inthira ThakhekLao, Vegetarian & Non-VegetarianAnou Road+856-51-251237

Where to Stay:Thakhek Travel LodgeBan Viengvilay+856-30-5300145

Inthira HotelAnou Road+856-51-251237

Getting Around:Mr. Ku’s Motorbike RentalsBan Viengvilay+856-20-557-56787

Getting There:

Mekong View Restaurants & Food Stalls

Don’t miss

ed

Ban Phalem Homestay & Eco LodgeAnother 30 km away from Thakhek town center is an eco-lodge in the village of Ban Phalem.. However, for those keen to experience authentic village life, a homestay is a socially responsible option. This, and the tours they provide, allow villagers to supplement their meager farming and for-est incomes.

Ban Tham Women’s Weaving AssociationBefore arriving at the viewpoint, one can buy traditional hand-woven scarves and skirts from the village women. Profits go directly to the weaver with a small per-centage being contributed to an emergency fund.

BolikhamxaiProvince

Vientnam

Thailand

to Vientiane

to Savannaket

PhouHin Boun

NBCANakai-Nam Theun

NBCA

Hin NamnoNBCAElephant Cave

(Tham Xang)

Khun Kong Leng Lake

Kong Lor Cave

Thakek

Ban Tham Viewpoint

Ban Phalem Homestay & Eco Lodge

Ban Nakhou