What to do and see in Thakhek, Laos: The Best Places and Tips

January 5, 2018 Major Galusha

Thakhek (Lao language: ທ່າແຂກ) is a town in south-central Laos on the Mekong River and facing Nakhon Phanom across the river in northeastern Thailand. It is the capital of Khammouane Province.
Restaurants in Thakhek

1. Mad Monkey Motorbike

Fountain Square, Thakhek, Laos +856 20 23 477 799
Excellent
64%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
20%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 29 reviews

Mad Monkey Motorbike

Reviewed By Tony L

I don't write reviews but had to warn others about this place. I work in the region and have led dozens of groups around the loop. I wanted to check out Mad Monkey and start an on going business relationship when they first opened. We rented two 250 CC Honda's. Had a couple spills going up Mountains and off road - hey it happens.
When we returned the bikes the German owner (who was drinking) went into a fit of rage, spewing profanity and throwing tools on the ground. I was willing to pay for damages because that is fair. He threatened to call the police on me and reluctantly handed over my passport after I paid him for damages.
The next day they called me and wanted more money for repairs. I was like "No way!"
Also he showed great disrespect for my Lao friend who was with me. In fact their policy is not to rent to local people. He was extremely rude and did not reflect the laid back attitude of Laos.
The other bad reviews of people who rented the 250 CC's only validate my experience.

2. Tham Nang Aen Cave

Route 12 | 18km northeast of Thakhaek, Thakhek 1200, Laos
Excellent
25%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
38%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 24 reviews

Tham Nang Aen Cave

Reviewed By zuppiat - Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The cave starts with a lot of ugly christmas like decorations and coloured lights. I cant imagine anyone likes this. Further up the cave there are less of these and you can see the actual beauty. When we came out we noticed a lot of trash lying around the area with 3 staff members doing nothing at all. If they would clean the place up and lose all the ugly lights this couls be great

3. Lao Souvenir MT

Thakheak Kang Village Rd, Thakhek 1200, Laos +856 20 55 477 441
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 5 reviews

Lao Souvenir MT

Lao Souvenir MT was born out of the vision to promote and preserve indigenous cultures and local handicrafts.All of our products are made by hand and sourced from villagers in central Laos from ethnic groups such as the; Lao, Tai Muey, Pu Tai, Kalung, Baw, and So people. When you buy a product you support the preservation of local culture and create sustainable livelihoods for families.

Reviewed By southotter47 - Nakhon Phanom, Thailand

The owners of Lao Souvenir MT speak English well and were very friendly. They explained where several items came from as we browsed. The store had a nice selection of handicrafts from Khammoune Province - things easily stowed and packed. The home made bread and cookies were a real treat after several days of travelling. The store is only 20-30 meters east of Inthira Hotel.

4. That Sikhottabong

Khammouane Province, Thakhek, Laos
Excellent
25%
Good
75%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

That Sikhottabong

Reviewed By Adam_the_bookworm - Prague, Czech Republic

If you stay in Thakhek make a short trip to Sikhottabong stupa located some +-4 km from the city center. Beautiful and tranquil place with rich history.

5. Green Discovery

Thakhek, Laos
Excellent
51%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
33%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 6 reviews

Green Discovery

Reviewed By Chris H - Nottingham, United Kingdom

This trip included commentary on important places whilst travelling, cultural visits to places, a boat trip on the dam with lunch, visits to local markets and a salt producing factory.

6. Tha Falang Lake

Thakhek, Laos
Excellent
34%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
33%
Poor
33%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 3 reviews

Tha Falang Lake

Reviewed By Henry A

I would not recommend visiting Falang Lake in rainy season. If water is high, it can only be reached by boat, because the road turns into a stream. Next to that it's not really a lake, but merely a part of the river with a nice view where you could swim (which is bloody cold if it rains). Although the boat-ride is nice, you better save the money for the Konglor cave boat or a nice meal!

7. Wang Wang Motor Rental

Unnamed Rd, Thakhek 1200, Laos
Excellent
27%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
5%
Terrible
58%
Overall Ratings

2.5 based on 18 reviews

Wang Wang Motor Rental

Reviewed By Katinka v

I could not find Wang Wang on tripadvisor, so added them just to say this: be very careful renting here. Mad Monkey was closed when we were here so we didn’t find an alternative, but got a lot of bike trouble here.
The scooters we reserved almost a week in advance weren’t there. Instead we could get worse/older ones for the same price or pay extra for better/newer ones. I think the two of us tried 5 bikes before we left feeling that we had a bike that could actually finish the Loop before breaking down. We were wrong: my boyfriend had to get back twice (we stayed at Green Climbers Home the first two days) because both his scooters had overheating / break problems (slowing down to 25 km/h top speed and blocking while driving).
We felt so unsafe after that that we asked for a new(er) scooter for the same price. This seemed quite fair to us since we had to go all the way back there with faulty bikes several times over two and a half days... But no: rude female manager, basically said take it or leave it, whole process took very long. Other staff there was very friendly, but couldn’t help us out either.
I would never rent here again.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.