Tham Kong Lo, Khammouane Province Travel Guide

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Explore the depths of Tham Kong Lo, a 7.5km river cave in Laos' Phu Hin Bun National Park, for an unforgettable subterranean adventure.

Tham Kong Lo, also known as Kong Lor Cave, is a 7.5 km long karst limestone cave in Phu Hin Bun National Park, Laos. The cave is carved by the Hin Bun River, which flows through the mountain, creating a unique and stunning natural wonder.

A brief summary to Tham Kong Lo

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tham Kong Lo.

Wear appropriate footwear for scrambling on wet rocks and wading in water.
Confirm that the boat price includes the cave entrance fee.
Bring mosquito repellent, as mosquitoes can be aggressive near the river.
Pack a headlamp or flashlight for better visibility inside the cave, in addition to the boatman's light.

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Book tours without entry

Private tour Vientiane to tham kong lor, Phonsavan, Luang prabang

$2,660.00

Getting There

Bus

From Vientiane, a direct bus departs daily at 10:00 AM from the Southern Bus Station to Kong Lor Village. The journey takes approximately 7-10 hours and costs around 100,000-200,000 LAK. Alternatively, take a bus to Thakhek and ask to be dropped off at Vieng Kham, then hire a songthaew to Kong Lor.
Motorbike

Many travelers access Kong Lor Cave via the Thakhek Loop. From the main highway (Route 8), turn towards Kong Lor, following signs through Ban Nahin. The road is mostly paved, with a short rough section. Motorbike rentals in Thakhek cost around $3 per day, excluding petrol.
Boat Tour

Once in Kong Lor Village, head to the cave entrance. Boat tours are arranged on the spot and cost approximately 200,000 LAK ($10 USD) per person if you are a group of 2 or 3. If you are going solo, the cost is 300,000 LAK ($15 USD). The price includes the boat and the cave entrance fee. Parking near the cave costs 5,000 kip.

Discover more about Tham Kong Lo

Tham Kong Lo (Kong Lor Cave) is a geological wonder in Southeast Asia, hidden in a remote valley in central Laos. The cave, part of the Phu Hin Bun National Park, stretches for 7.5 kilometers, formed by the Nam Hin Bun River as it cuts through a limestone mountain. This creates a natural tunnel, with sections reaching up to 100 meters high.The cave is accessible by a longtail boat. The boat journey takes you through the darkness, only lit by the boatman's headlamp, adding to the sense of adventure. Approximately five minutes into the ride, there is a stop where you can get out and explore a small, artificially lit section of the cave on foot, showcasing stalactites and other formations. The boat then continues through the cave to the other side, emerging into a remote valley. Here, you can take a break and purchase snacks from local vendors.Local legends tell of how the cave was first explored after villagers noticed unusual items floating out of its mouth. Seven brave men ventured into the darkness with torches and bamboo rafts, emerging three days later on the other side, having traversed the 7.5 kilometers underground.Today, Tham Kong Lo offers an unforgettable experience, combining natural beauty with a sense of exploration. The sheer scale of the cave, the darkness punctuated by the glimpses of light, and the knowledge of the river's relentless work create a humbling and awe-inspiring journey.