Southern Provinces Khammouane
Travel south from Vientiane for 350km and you will come to Thakhek, a small city with plenty of old world French colonial charm reminiscent of the early 20th century. Great architecture and beautiful houses make a walk around Thakhek really enjoyable. Not far is another spectacular view of more jagged limestone mountains offering great hiking opportunities.
The Nam Hin Boun river flows 7 km through the darkness of Tham Kong Lor cave. It is a gigantic tunnel through the cliff, as wide as 100m in places and sometimes just as high!
Tham Pha Pa Cave, located near Thakhek, recently came into the news following the discovery of 229 Buddha statues in a previously unexplored cave. In April 2004, a local villager by the name of Mr. Boun Nong entered the small cave opening 15m from ground level.
Vat Pha That Si Khotabong is also known as Wat Sikhotabun as well as the Pha That Meuang Kao. You can find this beautiful temple some 8 km south of Thakhek. It dates from the 19th century and boasts a large statue of a seated Buddha, which was commissioned by King Anouvong (Chao Anou).
The National Conservation Area comprises over 4000 km2 of untouched forest that boasts a diversity of flora and fauna that rivals the greatest rainforests the world over.
