It comes as no surprise that those undertaking the Thakhek loop often make a detour to Kong Lor's caves. These caverns remain one of the geological treasures of Laos, if not Southeast Asia itself. They represent one of the finest jewels within Phou Hin Bun National Park. Here you'll find karst formations, an underground river, interplays of light and reflection, birds, bats and other curiosities well worth the visit.

Spelunking enthusiasts will find their paradise here. History buffs too, as this was one of the Lao refuges during the Indochina War. A visit here also means enjoying the comfort of guesthouses in Kong Lor village and discovering Lao nature at its most captivating.

Kong Lor Today

Being one of Laos's most coveted tourist attractions, this site has rapidly become a hub for the local economy, particularly for the village it adjoins.

The Village

In many respects, the hamlet of Kong Lor or Kong Lo resembles any typical Laotian settlement. Yet it attracts numerous visitors for the caves situated less than a kilometre away. These caverns stand out especially for their stunning geological heritage.

This village is located in Khammouane Province in Laos, along Route 8 southeast of the capital Vientiane. It is surrounded by a mantle of karst formations and lush vegetation.

You'll find a handful of guesthouses and homestays here, along with the warm hospitality of local residents. It's one of those corners of the country where the warmth and kindness of the Laotian people truly shine. A genuine haven of peace, you'll encounter that unhurried, authentic Lao atmosphere. Passersby greet you with a welcoming "Sabaidee". Everyone goes about their day at their own pace: women with their daily tasks, children at play, men engaged in a game of Kataw (footvolley), and so on. The ambiance of leisurely living is easy to succumb to.

Kong Lor Caves

These caves remain among the natural treasures of Khammouane Province. They nestle in the heart of Phou Hin Bun National Park. These karst caverns rank among the geological wonders of the country and Southeast Asia, and served as refuges from bombing during the Indochina War.

They are traversed and flooded by the Nam Hin Bun River. They extend for approximately 7.5 km in length. They can reach 100 metres high and 90 metres wide at their upper chamber.

Inside, there is an underground pool with a shimmering emerald-green hue. This pool holds sacred significance for the inhabitants. They believe it reflects the skin of the Hindu deity Indra. Countless strange limestone formations, stalagmites and stalactites scatter throughout its depths.

The entire cave system is plunged in darkness except for a small illuminated beach area. Birds, bats and insects inhabit the space. With a bit of luck, you may encounter one of the world's largest spiders: the harmless cave-dwelling Heteropoda maxima.

Exploring the cavern's recesses is accomplished by traversing calm, flat waters aboard a small motorised longboat. Don't forget your headlamps. Throughout this speleological expedition, numerous stops are scheduled to allow boat passengers to see everything: both on foot and from the vessel.

Note: during the dry season, the low river level requires excursionists to carry the boat to progress as far as possible.

Fees and Access

· Phou Hin Boun National Park entrance fee: 2,000 kips

• Cave entrance ticket: 10,000 kips

· Boat to traverse the caves (with operator): 100,000 kips for approximately 3 people (including headlamp rental)

• Hours: daily, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

· Visit duration: 2 hours round trip

Useful Information

• During the rainy season, bring waterproof clothing and protection for devices.

· Wear appropriate footwear: with good grip for wet terrain and water immersion.

· Protect yourself against mosquitoes. These insects are very aggressive around the Nam Hin Bun River.

• Consider bringing your own torch if needed.
• Some guesthouses provide headlamps free of charge to their guests.

You can walk around Kong Lor village on foot. The place is small and can be explored quickly.

As for the caves, they are located approximately 15 minutes' walk from the village. You can also reach the site by bicycle. Several guesthouses in the village rent them.

In the Village

• By motorcycle: those undertaking the Thakhek loop often stop at the village and its caves. They typically travel by motorcycle.
• By bus: from Vientiane, you can take a local bus heading to the village. To board, go to the Northern bus station of the capital. A ticket costs 80,000 kips (October 2016 prices). The bus departs the city at 10:00 AM and travels via the recently constructed Route 13. Only one departure occurs daily. Allow 7 hours to cover the 300 km separating the two locations.

To the Caves

Since these caverns are located not far from Kong Lor village, you can easily reach the site on foot. Head to the end of the village, at the far end of the main road. Then follow a sand trail to arrive at the bank of a turquoise river. It takes approximately 15 minutes to walk the 1 km distance. This is where the entrance to these famous caves awaits.