Kong Lor Cave
The Tham Kong Lo karst limestone cave is one of the geologic wonders of the Far East, located in the Phu Hinboun National Park of Khammouane Province, about 180 km north of the Thakhek main town.
This cave is 7 km long and formed by the Nam Hinboun River which runs through it all year round. Thanks to this, tourists could explore the 7 km of the cave by a small boat. From the outside, it is surrounded by luxuriant vegetation. This is what makes it more mysterious and wild.
Inside, the space is infinitely spacious and airy because the cave is 90m high, and lit by beautiful rays of very blue light. The stalactites are rugged with many miraculous shapes. The blue lake in the cave is a very sacred place and important for local people because they believe that the blue color of this lake reflects the skin color of Indian Indra deity.
There are restaurants around this cave with plenty of good food and specialties where you will have the opportunity to taste the marvellous suckling pig on a spit.
In addition, you will find below some tips before exploring this cave.
- The lifejacket and the electric torch must be prepared, especially having a well - experienced guide before entering the cave is indispensable.
- You should wear the sport shoes because they allow easier movement on the slippery rocks.
- Apply insect repellent because there are probably insects due to the humidity.
- Do not forget to bring extra clothes to change in case you are wet.
As for the means of transport, it will take about 5 hours to go there by car through Route 13 from the capital Vientiane.
Related Attractions
Pha That Luang
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Pha That Luang</strong> means in laotian the "<strong>Supreme Stupa</strong>" (Buddhist funerary monument) is one of the 10 most famous Buddhist temples in the world. It presents the national symbol, printed on paper money and on the national emblem of Laos. This temple is infinitely large and beautiful, so it would be a pity if you make a trip to Laos without visiting Pha That Luang.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Located about 3km north of the capital Vientiane, this temple was built on the ruins of a 13th century Indian temple during the reign of King Setthathirat in 1566.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">From the outside, Pha That Luang is huge and has the shape of a quadrangular calabash 45 meters high and surrounded by a square cloister, with two entrances and two pavilions (on the four roots.), next to it are four Buddhist temples.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">In addition, there is a large ground where you can go for walks, or look around. Besides the main stupa, there are still 30 smaller stupas. This symbolizes the 30 years of difficult religion of Gautama Buddha. On these small stupas are braille balinese letters which express the Buddha's word. Legend says that, That Luang is one of few Buddhist temples in the world which contains a Buddha's hair.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">In 1828, this temple had been destroyed by the Siamese and then restored in the original state in 1866. There are many statues and exhumed objects inside. Its ceiling is decorated with colorful flower and Buddha paintings.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Every year in November (according to the lunar calendar), the inhabitants celebrate the Boun Pha That Luang (tribute and devotion to the stupa) with the great participation of Laotians, Thais, Cambodians. It is also an opportunity to express their respects to the geniuses and King Fa Ngum.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">During those days, many grocery stores, shops and handicrafts are opened. Other activities are putting fireworks, dancing or singing, lighting lanterns, playing folk games, parading in traditional costume.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Pha That Luang is open every day from 8am to 12pm, 1pm to 4pm to welcome visitors.</p>
Wat Simuang Temple
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Wat Simuang</strong> is one of the most ancient Buddhist Temples in <strong>Vientiane</strong>, the capital of Laos. According to local legend, when it was being built in 1563, a young pregnant woman named Si sacrificed herself to appeased the angry spirits by jumping into a hole in the ground, that is why this temple is known as the Mother Temple of Vientiane.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The temple is located in the city centre, between Sethanthirath and Samsenthai Roads. It is open daily from 6am till 8pm and the price to access this site is only 3,000 Kip (about US 35cents). The temple is considered a powerful protector of the city and is known to locals as a most sacred temple. Local Buddhists come here anytime to pray for good luck and happiness for their families, especially during the New Year Festival.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The temple represents classical Laotian architecture, with a curved roof reaching down almost to the ground. You can walk around the temples main campus and contemplate the Buddha statues, all of differing shapes and sizes. Inside the Wat is divided into two distinct rooms; the front is for the monks to give blessings to visitors, and the rear room there is a number of statues and images of Buddha’s life time. For a more comprehensive explantation we invite you to discover the Wat with us, it is truly a treasure not to be missed.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
Buddha Park
<p style="text-align: justify;">This famous <strong>Buddha Park</strong> (also called <strong>Wat Xieng Khouane</strong>) is located 25 kilometers south from Vientiane capital and 4 kilometers from <strong>Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge</strong> which connects Northeast Thailand with Laos.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">From Vientiane city, Buddha Park can be reached by tuk tuk or public bus. This garden is open to the public everyday from 8am to 6pm and the entry fee is 10.000 KIP per person, but you must add 3000 KIP if you come there with a camera.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The park was built in 1958 by the monk Bunleua Sulilat who integrated both Buddhism and Hinduism. After going to Thailand in 1975, this creator opened a similar park known as Sala Kaew Ku in Nong Khai.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The park is filled with more than <strong>200 artistic statues</strong> linked to Buddhism and Hinduism, including an enormous 40-meter-long reclining Buddha. All these works of art are mostly made from concrete or from bricks coated with cement. Among these sculptures, you could see some impressive statues such as a deity with 12 faces and the Indra, the king of the buddhist gods, sitting on a three-headed elephant.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Near the entrance is a 6-meter-high building, called the Pumpkin Tower, divided into 3 levels: Hell, Earth and Paradise. At the top of this tower, you will have a great panorama of Buddha Park.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">With a tranquil setting and shady surroundings, Buddha Park is definitely worth a visit during your tour to the capital of a million elephants.</p>
The Patuxay
<p style="text-align: justify;">The <strong>Patuxay</strong> is a Mekong version of the <strong>Arc de Triomphe</strong> in Paris. Its construction took place somewhere between 1957 and 1969 in order to dedicate it to the unknown soldiers who fought for the independence of Laosunder French dominance. This is why this place is also called the Victory Gate or Anousavary.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The monument stands in the heart of the capital, at the end of Lane Xang Avenue. It is therefore one of the most distinctive buildings in the center of Vientiane. The Patuxay is open from Monday to Saturday, from 8 am to 4:30 pm and the entrance fee is 5000 KIP per person.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Although the architecture of the Patuxay resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the monument still follows laotian architecture with all sculptures typiques of Laos. The Patuxay has on, each side, 4 large arch gateways whose corners are decorated with statues of Naga, a mythical symbol of the country.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">On top of the Patuxay, there are 5 towers representing the 5 Buddhist principles: prosperity, honesty, honor, flexibility and thoughtful amiability. Among these 5 towers, the largest one is in the center of the terrace, with a spiral staircase.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">This arch has 3 floors with 2 concrete staircases crossing each of these floors to the top. Inside the Patuxay, you can buy a gift for friends or family from the kiosks on the first floor and on the second floor houses a museum of artistic statues of the heroes of Laos. From the terrace on the top floor, you will have an excellent panoramic view of the entire Vientiane city.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">This nice monument is surrounded by Patuxay Park where there is a magnificent system of fountains. In the evening, you can come here, and take a walk to relax after a long day of visiting Vientiane.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">If you want to cultivate the history of Laos, it is best to visit the Patuxay on the spot, as it is undoubtedly a must-see landmark not to be missed during your trip to Vientiane, capital of the Land of a million elephants.</p>
Wat Sisakhet Temple
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Wat Sisakhet</strong> is the oldest buddhist temple still standing in <strong>Vientiane</strong> city. This temple was built in 1818 by Chao Anouvong, the last king of the Kingdom of Lan Xang.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Wat Sisaketse stands in the heart of the capital, near the Presidential Palace. Considered as one of the most important temples in Laos, this place of worship plays a very important role in the spiritual life of Laotians.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">It’s the only temple in Laos that had been spared by the Siamese army when it was ransacked in 1827. Although Wat Sisaket has been restored twice, it is still in its original form over the years.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">This sanctuary also possesses a gallery of beautiful scultures mostly made from wood and bronze. In its inner façade, there are nearly 7000 Buddha statues of different sizes and styles.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Wat Sisaket has not only a collection of Buddhist statues, but also a library containing ancient books and manuscript. Everything reflects the authentic culture and the history of Lao’s capital.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">If you are spending time in Vientiane, Wat Sisaket temple will definitely be your should-not-miss. Enjoy your discovery on this magnificent site to slow down a little bit and find peace of mind...</p>
Kong Lor Cave
<p style="text-align: justify;">The <strong>Tham Kong Lo</strong> karst limestone cave is one of the geologic wonders of the Far East, located in the Phu Hinboun National Park of Khammouane Province, about 180 km north of the Thakhek main town.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">This cave is 7 km long and formed by the Nam Hinboun River which runs through it all year round. Thanks to this, tourists could explore the 7 km of the cave by a small boat. From the outside, it is surrounded by luxuriant vegetation. This is what makes it more mysterious and wild.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Inside, the space is infinitely spacious and airy because the cave is 90m high, and lit by beautiful rays of very blue light. The stalactites are rugged with many miraculous shapes. The blue lake in the cave is a very sacred place and important for local people because they believe that the blue color of this lake reflects the skin color of Indian Indra deity.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">There are restaurants around this cave with plenty of good food and specialties where you will have the opportunity to taste the marvellous suckling pig on a spit.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">In addition, you will find below some tips before exploring this cave.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">- The lifejacket and the electric torch must be prepared, especially having a well - experienced guide before entering the cave is indispensable.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">- You should wear the sport shoes because they allow easier movement on the slippery rocks.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">- Apply insect repellent because there are probably insects due to the humidity.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">- Do not forget to bring extra clothes to change in case you are wet.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">As for the means of transport, it will take about 5 hours to go there by car through Route 13 from the capital Vientiane.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>