Thakhek, Laos: travel guide
Mekong town and start of the Thakhek Loop through limestone caves
Mekong town in Khammouan province, starting point of the Thakhek Loop and the base for the provinces limestone cave country.
About Thakhek
Thakhek is a quiet Mekong town in Khammouan province, across the river from Thailand. It is best known as the starting point of the Thakhek Loop, a multi-day motorbike circuit through limestone country.
The province is dotted with caves, including Buddha Cave, Xien Liap and Tham Xang, the Elephant Cave, as well as springs and lakes for swimming. In town, the riverside promenade and That Sikhottabong stupa are pleasant stops.
Thakhek suits independent, adventurous travellers comfortable on two wheels and keen on caves and rural scenery. The cooler dry months from November to February are the best time to visit Thakhek.
- Country
- Laos
- Currency
- LAK
- Time zone
- Asia/Bangkok
Last updated
Top places to visit in Thakhek
Pha That Sikhottabong
Temple · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Xien Liap Cave
Nature · 4.1 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Paseum Cave -Tham Pa Sueam
Nature · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Buddha Cave
Nature · 3.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Tham Xang - Elephant Cave
Nature · 3.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Wat Nabo
Temple · 4.3 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Saint Louis Cathedral
Church · 4.1 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Tha Falang - Lake Falang
Cultural · 3.9 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Naga Stairs
Cultural · 4.0 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Tham Pha Nya In - Tham Sa Pha In
Nature · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
MAG UXO Visitor Centre
Museum · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Where to stay in Thakhek
Hotels
- Domea Thakhek | Urban Glamping USD 28 to USD 55 per night
- Le bouton d'or boutique hotel USD 28 to USD 55 per night
- Hotel USD 28 to USD 55 per night
Where to eat
- Le bouton d'or International
- Anuson's Restaurant Regional, Thai, Lao
- Shongtang Khong Restaurant Thai, Lao
- Soukjai Cafe Asian
- Six Friends Restaurant Street, Food
- Say Hi Lao, International
- Nongpa Lakxee restaurant Regional, Asian
- Vegetarian House Cafe
Getting to Thakhek
Nearest airport: Savannakhet (ZVK), about 93 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Walking
Best time to visit Thakhek
- Jan 27°C
- Feb 30°C
- Mar 33°C
- Apr 35°C
- May 34°C
- Jun 32°C
- Jul 31°C
- Aug 31°C
- Sep 31°C
- Oct 29°C
- Nov 27°C
- Dec 25°C
More in Laos
Frequently asked questions about Thakhek
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Thakhek?
- The highest-rated places in our Thakhek guide are Pha That Sikhottabong, Paseum Cave -Tham Pa Sueam, Wat Nabo, Xien Liap Cave, Saint Louis Cathedral.
- How do I get around Thakhek?
- Ways to get around Thakhek covered in our guide: Walking.
- What is the weather like in Thakhek?
- Average daytime highs in Thakhek run from 25°C in Dec to 35°C in Apr.