Tha Khaek Travel Guide
Tha Khaekis a pretty town that has managed to retain its unique feel and identity, making it a great place to visit to discover more about the traditional Lao spirit and way of life.
- Worth It?
- Although not as exciting as other parts of Laos, this is a good place to relax for a while.
- What to Do
- take a boat trip down the river, explore the countryside by bicycle, chill out by the river, visit the area's caves.
- Best Time to Go
- November to March, when the weather is dry and cool.
- How Long?
- Two days is plenty.
- Trivia
- Tha Khaek means 'guest landing' in the Lao language.
This isn't the place to visit if you're looking for bright neon lights and dancing until dawn, but Tha Khaek has a gentle charm that can be quite addictive. Evening entertainment basically consists of gathering on the banks of the river to eat, drink and gaze longingly across the river at the bright lights of Thailand.
Walking around Tha Kaek is a rewarding experience as surprises wait around every corner. Explore the network of narrow lanes and you will soon come across the large open market, where it is literally eat or be eaten. Almost every type of animal seems to be on the menu here including snakes, squirrels, bats and frogs.
A good way to explore the countryside is to hire a bicycle or moped and simply cycle away. The roads are not too bad around Tha Khaek and you can follow Route 13 to the east and then cycle back up and around, returning to Tha Kheak on Route 12.
There are a good variety of restaurants located along the river. Another lively eating spot is the market, and among the assortment of crispy fried wildlife you will also find more familiar treats such as pancakes and stuffed French baguettes.
Travel to Tha Khaek - Getting There
The village of Tha Khaek can be reached easily by crossing the Mekong by boat from the town of Nakhon Phanom in Thailand.Unfortunately, there is no train station or airport nearby and the only public transport available is the bus. There are regular buses from the capital city of Vientiane to the north and the journey takes around six hours. Alternatively, Savannakhet to the south is about three hours away, while Pakse can be reached in about six hours.
Tha Khaek Things to Do
Tha Khaek Attractions
Best of the World 
Best in the Country 
Recommended 
