Sharing a friendship bridge with Thailand, the capital of Khammouane province is a city lost-in-time with colonial-era buildings and declining French villas by the banks of the great Mekong river.
Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge. Photo from Adobe Stock
How To Get There
As a center point between Vientiane in the north and Pakse in the south, Thakhek is highly accessible through buses departing from both major cities. If you’re coming from Nakhon Phanom in Thailand, the border is easy to cross through the third Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge which is just 13km north from Thakhek.
What To Do
Thakhek is a small commercial town with budding tourism for travellers. Go for an architectural tour around the tiny town square and live in the atmosphere. Also, one of Laos’ holiest pilgrimage sites, Wat Pha That Sikhottabong, can be easily reached by tuk-tuk from town.
Khoun Kong Leng, the Blue Lagoon. Photo from www.traveltechie.de
Thakhek’s best features lie in Phou Hin Poun National Park. There are many trekking routes to explore that lead to Khoun Kong Leng, known as the Blue Lagoon, for a cool dip. While you’re at the park, a trip to Konglor Cave is a must. The ride on the longboat will bring you to see caverns and huge limestone formations.
Le Bouton D’or Boutique Hotel
Where To Stay
Upon a sight, Le Bouton D’or Boutique Hotel has the best location by the Mekong riverfront offering a view for sunset from the French architecture building. It is also adjacent to the tourist center and night market. Meanwhile, Thakhek Travel Lodge is a popular backpacker place to crash for the night.
Feu is a long-simmered Lao stew or noodle soup. Photo from Adobe Stock
What To Eat
There are plenty of food stalls by the waterfront selling snacks and local cuisine. Thakhek Market has a large food section for sumptuous meals in the morning and finds BBQ meats and sweet treats at the town square night market. Laos noodle soup, mini sandwiches and pork pasties are worth the bite in Thakhek.
Good To Know
- “Thakhek” means “Visitor’s Landing”, a reference to the town’s importance and relations to the Chenla and Funan empires since the 8th century.
- Tours around Thakhek can be booked directly at Khammouane Tourism Information Centre, located 2km away from the main town.
- Thakhek Loop in Central Alos has an adventurous route for a 3D2N motorcycle journey and be surrounded by mountain sights and farmlands.
Text Jessy Wong
