Summary of Thakhek,Laos & Thakhek Loop Experience

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🚌 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.
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