Tham Kong Lo Cave, hidden deep in the Phu Hin Bun wilderness of central Laos, is one of Southeast Asia's geological wonders. The 7.5 kilometers of Nam Hinboun flows through the cave of Kong Lo. It is the longest and greatest cave in Laos measuring up to 80-90 meters in some places. Climb to the dark summit to see the top of the waterfall. It is a true cave explorer’s experience complete with darkness and small spaces. When light shines on the water, you will be amazed by how clear it is.
Surrounded by luscious, tropical rainforests, and with the Nam Hin Bun River flowing straight through it, it is one of the most remarkable sights in Laos and the absolute highlight of the less-visited, southern half of the country.
Kong Lo Cave is the main highlight of the famed Thakhek Loop Route, which starts and end in the southern border town of Thakket and takes intrepid adventurous on a magnificent 200km loop through flooded limestone forests, tropical rainforests, and karst mountains.
There are waterfalls, lakes, and caves to discover, and a smattering of charming villages along the way boasting authentic guesthouses and eateries. The loop is best done by renting a scooter from town for 3-4 days and, thanks to a recent upgrade on the roads, is not nearly as hazardous as it once was. Only about 30kms of the entire journey is on unsealed roads. Being the less-visited part of Laos, you’re likely to come across less than a dozen tourists during the entire trip.
To explore the cave, you must hire a boat from Ban Kong Lo village. The long, narrow boats are tricky to balance and like the experienced men that paddle them, show their weathered age. A typical boat can carry up to three passengers plus two crewmen.
Although it’s possible to do the Thakhek Loop by public transport, it is neither easy nor convenient. Minivans and songthaews are available to Tham Kong Lo but you’ll need to change buses and directions several times. The lack of any kind of set timetables means that you’re likely to spend more time waiting for transport, rather than exploring the region. To add insult to injury, southern Laos also boasts the most decrepit buses in the country, with many 50km stretches taking more than 5-6 hours thanks to the incessant breakdowns. All in all, public transport is not a very recommendable option.
The best time to visit Tham Kong Lo is during the dry season in Laos from November to April.
