Location
Thakhek is not
the famous tourist place for a long time like other destinations in Laos such
as Vientiane, Vang Vieng or Luang Prabang. This places is considered the new
attractive destination for tourists who to explore Laos in the recent years.
Thakhek is the
town of Khammouane province that located to central of the country. It is
considered that the town has its location opposite with Thai Land to the
northeast with the river as a natural border line in the Nakhon Phanom Province’s
area. Beside there is the railway from Thakhek connects the town with Quang
Binh Province, Vietnam through a pass named Mu Gia.
- Climate: The climate in Thakhek is harder than some other places in Laos because the temperature here is high. The rain time in Thakhek is from May to September, it is rain so much sometimes. The dry time is from October to April. The best time for travelling here is in April and January because it is considered two best months of the year with warmest or coolest state.
- Transportation: Travel conveniently by land, river way and railway to the town and from it to other provinces.
The distance (by
railway) is for reference as below:
From Thakhek to
Ha Noi, Vietnam: 606 km
From Thakhek to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: 925 km
From Thakhek to Quang Binh Province, Vietnam: 268 km
From Thakhek to Luangprabang:
649 km
From Thakhek to Luang
Namtha: 961 km
From Thakhek to
Pakse: 336 km
From Thakhek to Savannakhet: 129 km
From Thakhek to Vang
Vieng: 467 km
Landscapes
- The Old Thakhek: the important destination of Khammouane Province. From this place, visitors can understand more about the history of the town and how its important location. There are many features related such as the architectures in colonial French style from the 20th century with some old houses and buildings still be there.
- Kong Leng Lake: is called Khoun Kong Leng Lake also. The lake is located in the north of Thakhek. It is far from the town about 30 km. This is the amazing lake with the blue water and fresh atmosphere that attract all people who visit it.
- Tham Lot Se Bang Fai: this is one of the amazing caves in Laos. It is considered one of the largest river caves of the world. The best time for exploring the cave is in the dry time from January to March. And people can not conquer the whole cave in the rain time.
- Tham Pha: or called Tham Pa Fa Cave or Buddha Cave. It is located not far from Na Xang Village in Thakhek. The cave is found in 2004 by a local man. There are more than 200 Buddha statues in the cave. Till this time people have not known how can to be in the cave the statues.
- Tham Xang Cave: called Tham Pha Ban Tham Cave or Tham Nyai or Tham Phose. It is located in the north of Thakhek. It is far from the town nearly 10 km. The cave is well known with the sacred cave where people who to come pray for good health and peace.
- Tham Xienglieb Cave: the great cave is located in the northeast of the Thakhek. It is far from the town about 14 km. For the dry time, after conquering the cave, visitors will have an amazing view of the valleys outside. The attractive site fascinates anyone.
- Tham Nang Aen Cave: the cave is related to Tham Xienglieb Cave with its legend of love. This cave is located far from Thakhek about 18 km to the northeast of the town. The cave is 30 m high and 1.5 km long. It is the favorite place for weekend time of local people because the fresh place with the nice view.
Festivals:
- Boat Racing Festival: The local traditional festival that happened in the end of the year. It is usually happened from 27th to 31st of December of the year to welcome the New Year. The boat racing is the important event in the town on Mekong River.
- Lai Heua Fai: The light festival is happened in the end of October and the beginning of November of the year.
And there are
many other unique festivals in the city.
Local specialties
There are
different local specialties in the town such as fish in banana leaves, yellow
curry, fresh spring rolls, chicken lab and other typical specialties.