Just a few kilometers to the east of Thakhek in Laos, the mountain landscape with its amazing caves and clean rivers of Phou Hin Boun NPA begins.   The climbing area "Pha Tam Kam" is hidden at the backside of the beautiful Xiengliab Cave, 12 km away from Thakhek. On the road to Pha Tam Kam you pass the vast landscape of glimmering green paddies and sawtoothed karst hills, a perfect spot for rock climbing, caving and long walks in the countryside.

Thakhek, what stands for "Visitor's landing", is the capital of Khammouane province.   A wander around the streets leading out from Thakhek's tiny town square reveals French villas and shophouses. While in the daytime the town is a bit haunted, the atmosphere in the evening with all the restaurants and cookshops along the mekong are bustling.

 

 

From Bangkok:

By airplane:

From Dong Mueang Airport with the airline Nok Air www.nokair.com to

Nakhon Phanom (about 110 US$), 1:40 h

The airport Dong Mueang is 45 km away from the International Airport 

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, the transfer with the taxi takes about 50 min.

Then go on by bus from Nakhon Phanom to Thakhek.

Then take a Tuk Tuk directly to Green Climbers Home, 12 km outside Thakhek

(about 100.000 Kip during the day / 150.000 Kip by night), 20 min.

 

By bus:

Take a nightbus from the bus terminal Mo Chit 2 in Bangkok

(also named Chatuchak) to Nakhon Phanom (800 - 990 Baht),

11 hours (take warm clothes because the aircon is in full speed)

Then take a Tuk Tuk directly to Green Climbers Home, 12 km outside Thakhek

(about 100.000 Kip during the day / 150.000 Kip by night), 20 min.

      

 

From Vientiane:

Take a bus to Thakhek (about 130.000-160.0000 Kip), about 6 hours

 

From Pakse:

Take a VIP bus (about 130.000 Kip) or a local bus

(about 50.000 Kip) to Thakhek, about 7 hours

 

From Hanoi:

Take a bus (about 16 US$) to Thakhek, about 17 hours