Things to see and do Central

The impressive Kong Lor cave is located in the protected forest of Hin Boun, 170 km north of Thakhek. It stretches over 7 km in this central region of Laos and is one of the geological wonders of Southeast Asia. Stalactites, limestone formations, and high ceilings (from 10 to 90 m high) make this flooded cave a site not to be missed. The best time to go there is during the dry season between November and April.

Indeed, the Nam Hin Boun river flows through the cave, making it accessible only by boat (pirogue). Inside it is dark (and cool), most of the trip will be in near darkness and only the boatman's lamp will light up the immensity of the cave. A few minutes after departure, you will be taken off the boat. You will walk for a short while in a well-lit part of the cave where you can admire the abstract forms of stalactites and stalagmites. Outside the cave, you will sail through a landscape of mountains, forests, clear sand beaches and rocks.

Bring a headlamp; clothing that is not afraid of water (and possibly a k-way or sweatshirt as it is cool in the cave); waterproof footwear. Namely, the surrounding scenery is beautiful, but don't forget that the Khammouane area was bombed; there are still UXOs buried in the ground today.

Located a few kilometers west of Mahaxai, Xieng Liap Cave takes its name from the novice Xieng and the tragic romance of the legendary Nang Samounta. The cave, which is about 200m long, has impressive limestone formations on the ceiling and is said to contain many historical drawings. During the dry season, you can walk for 10 minutes to the river that exits the cave and cross it with a village guide. During the rainy season, you can take a boat trip through the cave.

One of the most visited caves of the circuit and also the largest. The largest room reaches 30 m high! The site is perfectly (too much?) arranged with stairs, restaurants, shops, but also toilets. Colourful lighting spoils the natural aspect of the cave. It is possible to hire the services of a guide for a boat tour of the cave. Some parts of the route are very dark, a flashlight is essential. At weekends, many locals come to picnic here.

Or "cave of the Elephant" (Tham Kitsch). This cave houses a large statue of golden Buddha. She is famous for her elephant head who formed in the stalagmites (behind the golden buddha) in 1956. It is a place of worship for the villagers. Provide a torch lamp.

The "Buddha Cave" was discovered in April 2004 by a villager named Boun Nong, who had observed bats entering the cave. Nestled in the hollow of a cliff, it is located in Ban Na Khan Sarng, and takes its name from Lake Nong Pa Fa, "the lake of soft-shelled turtles". There are two caves one above the other. The upper cave houses 229 bronze Buddha statues whose age is yet to be determined, but they are believed to be over 300 years old. These statues measure from 15 cm to 1 m high. Historians agree that some date from the Sikhottabong and Lane Xang periods, while others are of Khmer and Vietnamese origin. It also contains manuscripts on palm leaves. These manuscripts are religious texts. Today it is a true sanctuary where the faithful come to deposit offerings. It is accessed by a large concrete staircase. It is unfortunately forbidden to take pictures... It is a sacred place, so ladies it is necessary to cover oneself (possibility to rent sarongs at the entrance). Inside the lower cave which extends over 500 m there is the Nong Pa Fa lake which you can cross by dugout canoe to observe stalactites and stalagmites. Please bring a headlamp. At the entrance of the cave there are stalls selling snacks, fruits, drinks and also incense from the village of Na Khang Xang. Namely: the tourist office of Thakhek organizes a day trip to these caves (with swimming).

Also called Tham Sa Pha In, it is one of the smallest and least visited caves in the loop. The place exudes calm and serenity, and was once a retreat for hermits. Surrounded by mountains, it is difficult to spot. Inside there is an altar dedicated to Buddha and a vast pond. Its sacred water is said to have healing properties, but unfortunately bathing is forbidden. This cave is conducive to meditation, do not hesitate to stop there for a little introspection!

The city of Sepon, or Xepon, is one of the starting points to cross the Ho Chi Minh trail. The many debris still visible are minute compared to the countless anti-personnel mines hidden by the surrounding vegetation and scattered throughout the territory. To really understand the extent of the bombings and this period of history, one must get off the beaten track and follow a local guide. The accommodations and restaurants of the circuit are present but sketchy.
The Ho Chi Minh Trail is a complex network of trails and dirt and gravel roads linking Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. In Laos, it starts east of Savannakhet and runs along the Vietnamese border. Used in particular by the Viet Minh in the 1950s to infiltrate the south of the territory occupied by the French, this trail is mainly associated with the Indochina War (1963-1974) and the Vietnam War (1955-1975). The Vietnamese long denied its existence, even when the Americans were continuously bombing the region. It was used by the Vietnamese People's Army to supply South Vietnam. It passed through the areas that were then under the control of the Pathet Lao. The Ho Chi Minh Trail, also known as the Truong Son Trail, has a total length of over 2,000 km.

Recommendation: Never venture off the tracks alone! Because many unexploded bombs on impact (UXO) are still buried in the ground and could explode. Extreme caution must be exercised.

This cave is covered by large trees and procedurally. The artisans of Ban Taad's village manufacture traditional musical instruments for their quality.