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Kong Lor Cave: A Subterranean River Journey

Discover the beauty in the dark: Explore the depths of Kong Lor Cave, a Laotian natural wonder by boat.

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Kong Lor Cave, also known as Tham Kong Lo, is a 7.5 km long cave in Laos' Khammouane Province, carved by the Hin Bun River. Explore this geological wonder by boat, navigating through vast chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites.

A brief summary to Kong Lor Cave

Local tips

  • The best time to visit Kong Lor Cave is between November and March to avoid flooding and ensure sufficient water levels for the boat trip.
  • Bring a head torch or rent one, though one will be provided, to fully appreciate the cave's interior.
  • Consider staying overnight in Kong Lor village or Ban Natane to experience the local culture and explore the surrounding area.
  • Bring small denominations of Lao Kip for entrance fees, boat tickets, and snacks at the village.
  • Team up with other travelers to share the cost of the boat, as the price is per boat rather than per person.
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Getting There

  • Motorbike

    Most travelers access Kong Lor Cave by motorbike as part of the Thakhek Loop. From Route 8, turn off towards Ban Nahin and follow the signs for approximately 40 km to Kong Lor village. The road is mostly paved, but the final few kilometers can be rough with potholes, so exercise caution.

  • Public Transport

    From Vientiane, a direct bus to Kong Lor Village departs daily from the Southern Bus Station. The journey takes approximately 7-10 hours. Alternatively, from Thakhek, take a northbound bus to Vieng Kham, then transfer to a bus to Ban Nahin, followed by a minibus to Kong Lor. Check local schedules for up-to-date departure times. Bus from Vientiane to Kong Lor is around 100,000 LAK. The bus from Kong Lor to Thakhek is around 75,000 LAK.

  • Walking

    From Kong Lor village, the cave entrance is approximately 1 km away. Follow the road through the village towards the Phu Hin Bun National Park entrance. After paying the entrance fee, walk a short distance to the ticket booth to arrange your boat tour. Cost: * Phu Hin Bun National Park & Cave Entrance & Boat: 200,000 LAK per person.

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Discover more about Kong Lor Cave

Kong Lor Cave, or Tham Kong Lo, is a remarkable natural wonder in central Laos, specifically in Khammouane Province. The cave, formed by the Nam Hin Bun River over millions of years, stretches an impressive 7.5 kilometers through a limestone mountain. This creates a unique subterranean passage that has long been used by locals as a vital transportation route. Visitors embark on longtail boats, piloted by experienced local guides, to traverse the cave's winding river. The journey plunges you into darkness, with only head torches illuminating the way, revealing the cave's stunning interior. Prepare to be amazed by the sheer scale of the caverns, with some chambers reaching heights of up to 100 meters. The cave is adorned with breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites, formed over centuries by mineral-rich water. A stop inside the cave allows you to walk around and marvel at the impressive limestone formations up close. The boat trip continues to the other side of the mountain, where you emerge into a lush valley and the small village of Ban Natane. Here, you can experience rural Laotian life, explore the area by bicycle, and enjoy the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape. Legend says that the cave was discovered in the 16th century when villagers noticed an unusual duck swimming in the emerald pool outside the cave. Following the duck, they found goods that led them to discover the other side of the river. The cave opened to tourism in 2002 and has since become a highlight for visitors to Laos.

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