THAM KONG LOR

The impressive Kong Lor cave is located in the protected forest of Hin Boun, 170 km north of Thakhek. It stretches over 7 km in this central region of Laos and is one of the geological wonders of Southeast Asia. Stalactites, limestone formations, and high ceilings (from 10 to 90 m high) make this flooded cave a site not to be missed. The best time to go there is during the dry season between November and April.

Indeed, the Nam Hin Boun river flows through the cave, making it accessible only by boat (pirogue). Inside it is dark (and cool), most of the trip will be in near darkness and only the boatman's lamp will light up the immensity of the cave. A few minutes after departure, you will be taken off the boat. You will walk for a short while in a well-lit part of the cave where you can admire the abstract forms of stalactites and stalagmites. Outside the cave, you will sail through a landscape of mountains, forests, clear sand beaches and rocks.

Bring a headlamp; clothing that is not afraid of water (and possibly a k-way or sweatshirt as it is cool in the cave); waterproof footwear. Namely, the surrounding scenery is beautiful, but don't forget that the Khammouane area was bombed; there are still UXOs buried in the ground today.