Kong Lor Caves
Overview
Venture off the beaten track to one of Southeast Asia’s most remarkable natural attractions: the Kong Lor Cave. The adventure starts with a road trip through rugged eastern Laos to the Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area. Then travel along an underground stream to discover the 7-kilometre cave, passing ancient limestone formations on the way.
Trip Highlights
Discover vibrant landscapes
Drive through Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area, one of Laos’ most beautiful natural areas.
Explore Kong Lor Cave
Travel by long tail boat for more than 7 kilometres, cutting through limestone mountains to view the spectacular Kong Lor Cave.
Visit rural villages
Walk through rural villages and learn about the traditional ways of life in the Laos countryside.
Itinerary
Vientiane – Ban Kong Lor
Vientiane – Ban Kong Lor (290 km): 5 hours
Begin the morning in Vientiane with a pick up from the guide and driver at the hotel. Set out for the 3-hour journey south, making a quick stop at Wat Prabath Phonsane (‘Temple of the footprint of Buddha’).
Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.
After lunch, drive further down Route 13 until entering the Phou Hin Poun NPA (National Protected Area). Entering the designated area, the scenery becomes increasingly more spectacular, featuring limestone karsts, forests and rice paddies. From leaving the main road to reaching the final destination will take approximately 2 hours.
Upon arrival to the small town of Ban Kong Lor, the rest of the day is at leisure to admire the views.
Overnight in Ban Kong Lor
Exploring Kong Lor Caves
Ban Kong Lor – Kong Lor Caves (8 km): 5-10 min
After breakfast, join the guide and driver for a short drive (5-10 minutes) towards the Kong Lor Caves. After a briefing, life jackets and headlamps will be given before entering the cave. Upon entering, board a longtail boat which will cruise through the length of this spectacular cave along an underground section of the Hin Boun River. A length of 7.5km will be traveled before daylight is seen again!
Discover stalactite and stalagmite formations while partially exploring the cave on foot. In some places, the cave is up to 90m wide and 100m high. Upon reaching the other side of the cave, stop for refreshments and walk to local villages, enjoying the scenery and observing a simple way of life.
Return by boat, travelling ‘downstream’ through the cave, to Ban Kong Lor.
Later this afternoon, head on a guided walk through the villages surrounding Ban Kong Lor. The soft light of the late afternoon is arguably the most photogenic. With villagers walking home from the fields, markets and schools, there’s a photo opportunity around every corner.
Overnight in Ban Kong Lor
Ban Kong Lor – Vientiane
Ban Kong Lor – Vientiane (290 km): 5 hours
For early risers, we recommend a walk at around 06:30 to explore the villages as they wake up and prepare for the day.
After breakfast, begin the drive back to Vientiane, taking approximately 5 hours. Upon arrival to Vientiane, enjoy a chance to indulge in the abundance cafes and restaurants in the capital.
Important Information
Our Services Include:
- Hotel accommodation based on sharing a twin/double room
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Tours and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicles
- English speaking local guide (for other languages supplements apply)
- All entrance fees as indicated in itinerary
- Life jackets and head torches for Kong Lor Caves
Our Services do not Include:
- International and domestic flights (quoted separately)
- Meals other than mentioned above
- Camera/video entrance fees
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance, tips, visa
- Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above
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