17° 57′ N, 104° 44′ E
Overview
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About Kong Lor Cave
The Kong Lor Cave, sometimes written as Konglor Cave and also known as Tham Kong Lo, is an impressive karst limestone cave in Phu Hin Bun National in Laos.
It is considered one of Southeast Asia’s geological wonders and definitely worth this title. The Kong Lor cave is about 7;5 kilometers long and up to 92 meters high in parts. It was created by the river Nam Hin Bun River, which runs through the entire cave. This means it is only accessible by small boats.
The Kong Lor cave goes straight through the limestone mountains and thus provides a connection with the village of Ban Natane higher up the river on the other side of the mountain.
Note: Currently, fuel-powered motorized boats are used to explore Kong Lor cave. In order to better preserve the inside of the cave and to reduce pollution caused by the engine, a new model of electric motor is under research and development. This boat will also reduce noise during the crossing. Let’s hope they have it ready soon!
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Visiting Kong Lor Cave
As the Kong Lor Cave is only accessible by boat, you have to take a Kong Lor Cave tour by boat.
After buying your tickets at the entrance gate, you’ll have to walk for about 5 minutes to the next ticket booth, where you’ll get your life jacket and meet your guide. He will take you over a bridge over the river to the entrance of the cave. Here, you’ll embark on a small wooden boat with an outside motor and sail into the darkness of the Kong Lor cave.
Practical
Kong Lor Cave Boat Tour:
- 1 person: 300.000 kip per person
- 2 - 3 people: 200.000 kip per person
Bike rental in Ban Natane:
- 80.000 kip per bike
Daily: 08:00 am - 05:00 pm
During the first part, you can disembark your boat and explore a huge illuminated chamber full of impressive rock formations, stalagmites and stalactites. Not much further, you’ll have to get out the boat again for a short illuminated walking section, while the boat is being dragged up a rapid in the water inside Kong Lor cave.
The second part of the boat ride winds through complete darkness with only your headlamp illuminating the way, until you see daylight appear again at the end of the cave. During dry season, you’ll have to get out the boat one more time, so they can pull the boat up another rapid. This time, no walking sections, so your feet will get wet here.
Not much further, you arrive in the village of Ban Natane. You can choose to walk around here a bit or you can rent a bicycle and explore the area along a mapped out cycling route.
After your visit to Ban Natane, your guide will bring you back through the cave to Kong Lor the same way. Depending on how long you take in Ban Natane, a tour takes about 3 hours.
Note: It is also possible to take a scooter or bicycle in a boat through the Kong Lor cave. This may be necessary if you want to take a shortcut at the Thakhek Loop. However, this is not entirely without risk and is often not allowed by motorcycle rental companies. In addition, the road between the original Thakhek loop and Ban Natane is very bad for riding a motorbike. Therefore we do not recommend this.
How to get there
Most people visit the Kong Lor Cave by motorbike during the Thakhek Loop. If you prefer not to drive this loop or don’t want to drive a motorbike yourself, there are a few other options. You can ride the loop with an easyrider, or you can just visit the cave during a tour or by public transport.
By motorbike
On the main road (Road 8), you can either turn off tho Kong Lor in the village of Na Hin or in Ban Khounkeo. From there, it is another 40-kilometer drive until you reach the cave. Most of the road is paved, except for one short gravel section. Be careful because even in the paved road, there might be some big potholes.
By Tour
We noticed that it is hard to find tours to Konglor cave online. However, we are sure you can book a Kong Lor cave tour at various companies and accommodations in either Thakhek or Vientiane.
By Public Transport
It is possible to reach the Kong Lor Cave by Public Transportation. On the website of Spring River Resort, you find all information on how to get from Thak Hek, Lak Sao and Vientiane to Kong Lor and back by public transportation. There is for example a direct bus all the way from Vientiane to Kong Lor cave.
Tips for visiting Kong Lor Cave
Water Shoes
Your feet will get wet, so bring or wear water shoes. You can borrow flip-flops at the cave (included in the price), but they are anything but comfortable and probably not your size.
You might get wet
You might get splashed or wet in the cave, so make sure you are prepared for that.
Protect your belongings
As you might get wet, you also have to protect your belongings that are not water proof with a dry-bag or leave them in one of the lockers at the entrance.
Headlamp
You will be given a headlamp to look around the dark cave. It is not the brightest light, so if you have one that is brighter, be sure to bring it with you.
Bring water
From the moment you embark the boat, until you reach the Ban Natane village, takes approximately one hour. So be sure to take some water with you for the journey. In Ban Natane, you can also buy a drink for the return journey, which is usually a bit shorter.
Best time to visit
Laos knows two seasons: dry season between November and March and wet season, between April and October. You can visit the cave all year round, although the best time to visit the Kong Lor cave is at the beginning of the dry season. The water level is then most favorable for sailing through the cave. By the end of the dry season, the water level might be very low and you’ll have to get out of the boat a few times to walk some sections.
During the wet season, the cave might flood after extreme rainfall. This can result in the cave being inaccessible or too dangerous too visit.
Where to stay
Kong Lor is not only known for its unique cave but also for its cheap accommodations with beautiful views. You will find a handful of beautiful accommodations such as guesthouses and resorts. Be sure to book in advance because the rooms with the best views often sell out quickly.
There are a few guesthouses with a balcony and hammock, from where you can enjoy the surrounding mountains and beautiful green landscape. We stayed at Konglor Khamchalern Guesthouse and paid 300.000 kip per night. This price is slightly higher than the other guesthouses, but still cheap and the view was priceless.
Also Thongdam guesthouse and Konglor Eco-Lodge offers cabins with some spectacular views!
Hotels in Kong Lor
Our recommendations for an overnight stay in Kong Lor!
Kong Lor
Kong Lor
Kong Lor
via Booking.com
Other things to do at Kong Lor Cave
Another experience near the Konglor Cave is river rafting with a car tire. You can raft down the Hin Bun River rapids in a tire together with a guide. It’s a fun experience to explore the river. However, you do not go through the cave. This experience costs 50.000 kip per person.
If you want to explore more of the Kong Lor Area, you can go hiking and trekking.
- In Phu Hin Bun National Park, you can hike along a well-marked trail, that winds up the hill, with some spectacular views, peaks, and cliffs along the way.
- You can also go trekking in the beautiful nature around Kong Lor village and visit some famous places from the past, such as Kaxong Cave, Tham Pha Cave, and Khy Pher Cave.
You can visit the Kong Lor Cave as part of the Thakhek Loop. During this 3-4 day motorbike run, you can visit many other caves and unique places. You will find out all about it in our Thakhek Loop Guide.
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
