3 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
10 hours by bus from Vientiane
When to go
From March to June
Minimum stay
One day
Thakhek (Laos)
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Romain Beuvart
Practical information about Thakhek
Reviews of Thakhek
Thakhek is a small town in southern Laos. It is of no particular interest other than as the starting point of a 3-day motorcycle tour!
My suggestion:
Don't plan to spend more than a day at Thakhek. In contrast, the surrounding region is magnificent!
Summary:
Thakhek is an old colonial city of Laos. There's not much to visit there apart from the small local market, which will provide you with the opportunity to get out and meet the locals. In short, it is not an essential element of a trip to Laos but it is a good place from which to discover its region.
The only real interest of Thakhek is as the starting point for a large motorcycle tour to explore the beautiful region of Khammuan that you can complete in a few days. This circuit contains a concentrate of the natural landscapes of Laos: lakes, lagoons, mountains and caves are all present in this region.
Take warm and waterproof clothing if you decide to do it, as you will often get caught in the rain!
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Maryam Josheni
Thakhek is a small town beside the Mekong n the centre of Laos. It's the departure point for those who want to do a trip round the area exploring the numerous caves.
My suggestion:
Renting a motorbike is the best way to explore the surroundings and probably the least expensive as well!
Summary:
Thakhek is the sort of place I like, few tourists and grandiose countryside, full of typically Laotian mountains and scenery. I took off by motorbike to go and visit the dozens of caves hidden inside the cliffs.
If you have a good map it's not difficult to find out where you are and I had enough time to visit the essential things in a day. Thakhek is the sort of place where you combine a slightly energetic holiday (a motorbike on ground that is not really very flat and very dry!) with experiences that are off the beaten path and trips full of encounters. And you do meet lots of people - like these children playing with cute puppies in front of their house, or this family picnicking on the path to a cave who invited us to have a drink with them!
The town itself, like the rest of Laos, is quite peaceful, although there are some things going on along the bank of the Mekong where they face Thailand. You can eat well there (I had this chocolate mousse which still makes my mouth water) - it would be a pleasure to go back!
©
Romain Beuvart
©
Romain Beuvart
100 travellers' photos
