1 Day Tour Buddha Cave
Thakhaek Tours
Difficulty: Moderate (Requires hiking and some swimming - Trekkers must be in good physical shape)
Trip Overview
Enjoy one day of trekking tour from Thakhek to the Buddha Cave.
Itinerary
Morning:
Depart Thakhek by tuk tuk and follow an old French railway track destined for Vietnam but never finished. We then continue through impressive scenery, and arrive in Ban Nakhang Xang to meet the village guides, who lead the trek.
We then trek through secondary forest. Meanwhile, the guide points out forest products that provide the local people with significant food resources. The trail later passes through a cave that exits into a striking valley surrounded by towering cliffs and forest.
The trail then follows the shoreline of Nong Thao Lake, where trekkers can see local fishermen at work. At Tham Nong Paseum Cave, the adventurous can also swim into the 400-metre-long cavern and explore its dramatic stalactites and stalagmites.
Back in daylight, the trip continues to Khammouane's famous Buddha Cave for a traditional Lao lunch of Mekong fish, sticky rice and spicy papaya salad.
Afternoon:
After lunch, climb a bamboo stairway to the Buddha Cave, which was rediscovered in April 2004. The cave contains 229 bronze Buddhas that are said to be over 300 years old.
If time permits, travel by local canoe into the water cave below. The guide will then escort trekkers back to the village following a different route through the forest, before returning to Thakhek in the late afternoon
Facilities & Food
- Common bathroom facilities available in the village only (not on the trail).
- Local Lao cuisine. Typical meal includes chicken, soup, sticky rice, vegetables and chili.
- Vegetarian food is available upon request.
Prices
Prices on demand
Included: Local meal, water, transport to/from Khammouane, local guide(s) & English speaking guide, entrance fees and life jacket
What to bring
Good shoes for hiking, mosquito repellent, headlamp, sunscreen/hat, camera, money to purchase handicrafts. Please wear long pants and shirt with sleeves during the trek.
