Summary of Thakhek,Laos & Thakhek Loop Experience

#citypassguide #laos #thakhek 🚌 Getting to Thakhek from Vientiane * Left Vientiane around 9:30 AM; the bus had several stops and long breaks. * Arrived in Thakhek around 4 PM. * Recommended: Buy your bus ticket directly at the terminal. * Local bus (with AC) cost: 150k kip. VIP bus: 200k kip. * Paid 260k kip via hotel, which included hotel-to-terminal transfer. * To reach the Thakhek bus terminal from Vientiane city center, take bus number 29. 🛺 From Thakhek Terminal to City Center * Took a tuk-tuk to city center. * Cost: 50–75k kip. Paid 75k kip as a solo traveler. With others, you can pay 50k kip per person. 🛵 Motorbike Rental & Loop Planning * Rented a motorbike for the 3-day Thakhek Loop: 180k kip/day → Total 540k kip. * Recommended rental: Mixay Motorbike Rental 2 (reserve a few days in advance). * Stayed at Naga Hostel & Café before starting the loop—more expensive but offers great info. Thakhek Loop Itinerary Day 1 * Xieng Liap Cave: Not very big but a good starting point. * Thafalang: Not much here—just coffee or riverside bungalows. * Tham Nang Ene Cave: Entry 50k kip. Well-lit cave; boat tour inside is optional (extra fee). * Pha Katai Viewpoint: Entry 10k kip. 15-min hike, nice views. * Nam Theun 2 Visitor Center: Info about hydroelectricity, but not essential. * Song Sa Waterfall: Skipped due to low water levels. * Sabaidee Guesthouse: Stayed overnight. Popular BBQ dinner: 130k kip. Vegetarian options available. Day 2 * Flooded Forest Viewpoint: Beautiful and unique—worth photo stops. * Sandstone Buddha Sculptures: Buddha carvings on roadside rocks; quick 5-minute stop. * Dragon Cave: Entry 50k kip. Cave with viewpoint at the end. Free cold water included. * Cool Pool: Skipped due to low water; entrance 40k kip. * Road Warning: Roadworks after Nong Coc. Open only from 11:30–13:30 (valid as of Dec 2024). * Thongdam Guesthouse: Stayed here, close to Kong Lor Cave. Cheapest option nearby. Day 3 * Kong Lor Cave: Entry 200k kip. Explored the cave by boat with two stops. * You can take your motorbike across the river or rent a bicycle on the other side. * The Rock Viewpoint: Had lunch here, then rode back to Thakhek (arrived around 4 PM). * Optional: Zipline or hiking here if you stay an extra day. * Returned to hostel to pick up luggage and take a shower (20k kip). * Took a night bus to Pakse—uncomfortable experience. #citypassguide