Kong Lor Cave
Kong Lor Cave
4.5
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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4.5
352 reviews
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HellsEzel
Noordwijkerhout, The Netherlands15 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Based on the reviews we had high expectations, but it was quite disappointing. First we were being yelled at by the parking spot to pay up, then commanded to put on flip flops. After a short walk and a two minute boat ride we were again yelled at (in Lao) to leave the boat. We could watch a well lit part, which was nice, but difficult to enjoy as there were 30 people walking around at once and dozens of motorboats were making noise. We slipped and fell, and still our boatman pulled our arms (very roughly) because we had to hurry. Then dropped in a desolate place where we were supposed to hang around for 2 hours. The staff at this cave is horrible, worst we have seen in Laos. Tourists are cash cows here and expect to be treated like cattle. Two stars because the cave was impressive, although not very beautiful. If you want to see a beautiful cave it's better to go to Tham Nang Aen... They also have boat rides there. Konglor is pretty expensive and nothing seems to be done to preserve the cave.
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patrick V
Manosque, France206 contributions
Nov 2019
Overall a rather disappointing experience. Most of the time you cannot see anything because it is very dark. We were lucky we had to get out only once. In the dry season it is happening many times we` ve been told. Approx. half way you have to disembark and you can take a short walk near a place were some stalactites are displayed with colored lights. Not the most beautiful cave I have aver seen
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pepca
slovenia166 contributions
Apr 2011
We visited Tham Kong Lo from Vientiane:
Hired a tuktuk in to the south bus station (cost us 50.000 kip, but I guess we didn't negotiate hard enough (an alternative would be a bus from morning market bus station, but am not sure if it starts before 6 am). At south bus station we got on the bus to Lak Sao (three departures at 5, 6 nf 7am), ours was the 6am bus which left Vientiane at 6.45 (loading of stuff, smoking, getting fuel, being Laotian.). The road was nice and we hopped of ath Ban Khoun Kham (aka Ban Na Hin) which was 12:15. Checked into a guesthouse, spoke to the owner and got his advice to visit the cave next day. OK, got a lunch and checked out the taxi-sttion in the middle of the town. It has a schedule of tuktuks to the cave (approx 40 km away on a nice road), they go at 10 am, 1 pm and 15:30 pm, so we could esily caught the 1pm, if we knew better (the cave boats operate until 5pm, so enough time for the cave, which takes 2.5h). Next day we arranged a tuktuk to pick us up at the guesthouse but that didnt happen because the owner forgot to call them (a trick to stay another night maybe). So we rented a motorbik from a GH on the main road, near the gas station and drove to the cave (1h, a nice drive). There is a sawng-thaew, going to the junction (30-50 km) on the main road Vientiane - Thakaek. at 5pm. We took it and then waited on the beforementioned main road for 15mins and caught a bus to Pakse (arrived 5am on the following day).
Allinall, the cave could (if youre in a rush and have luck with public transport) be done without overnight (sleep on the bus to Pakse. Easy. If umiss something, there are guesthouses around and busses Vientiane - Thakek are frequent In Thakaek you can catch an onward bus to Pakse, which run up to midnight (in Thakaek)
Hired a tuktuk in to the south bus station (cost us 50.000 kip, but I guess we didn't negotiate hard enough (an alternative would be a bus from morning market bus station, but am not sure if it starts before 6 am). At south bus station we got on the bus to Lak Sao (three departures at 5, 6 nf 7am), ours was the 6am bus which left Vientiane at 6.45 (loading of stuff, smoking, getting fuel, being Laotian.). The road was nice and we hopped of ath Ban Khoun Kham (aka Ban Na Hin) which was 12:15. Checked into a guesthouse, spoke to the owner and got his advice to visit the cave next day. OK, got a lunch and checked out the taxi-sttion in the middle of the town. It has a schedule of tuktuks to the cave (approx 40 km away on a nice road), they go at 10 am, 1 pm and 15:30 pm, so we could esily caught the 1pm, if we knew better (the cave boats operate until 5pm, so enough time for the cave, which takes 2.5h). Next day we arranged a tuktuk to pick us up at the guesthouse but that didnt happen because the owner forgot to call them (a trick to stay another night maybe). So we rented a motorbik from a GH on the main road, near the gas station and drove to the cave (1h, a nice drive). There is a sawng-thaew, going to the junction (30-50 km) on the main road Vientiane - Thakaek. at 5pm. We took it and then waited on the beforementioned main road for 15mins and caught a bus to Pakse (arrived 5am on the following day).
Allinall, the cave could (if youre in a rush and have luck with public transport) be done without overnight (sleep on the bus to Pakse. Easy. If umiss something, there are guesthouses around and busses Vientiane - Thakek are frequent In Thakaek you can catch an onward bus to Pakse, which run up to midnight (in Thakaek)
Written 24 April 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris E
Vancouver, Canada28 contributions
Feb 2012 • Couples
I can't recommend going to the Kong Lor caves enough. It was the highlight of our trip to Laos. We'd been to a number of other caves in SE Asia, but they all were disappointing (especially that Buddha cave tourist trap in Luang Prabang. Skip that one for sure). To see the caves, you take a boat along the river that goes all the way through the caves to the other side of the mountain. Along the way you stop and take a walk through one section that they've lit up very tastefully. Once lit up, it feels like you're on another planet. Bring a tripod and a camera with a slow shutter speed to get some amazing pictures. Flash pictures will never do the cave justice. (if you don't have a tripod you can always rest your camera on a rock).
The caves close 4:00pm. Keep that in mind if you're trying to get there in one day! However, I would say you should plan at least two days to see the caves if you're coming from Vientiane, and I recommend taking three days with a homestay in Ban Kong Lor or Ban Natane (which is on the other side of the cave). Expect the homestay to be pretty rustic. There are also at least two guesthouses and at least one other one being built when we were there.
The trickiest part is getting there. It took a while to figure out how to do it online so I'm going to give a rundown of how to do it here.
Okay, so Kong Lor Caves is in a village called Kong Lor (hence, the name). It's about 40km from a town called Ban Na Hin which runs along Highway 8. There are guesthouses popping up every month, it seems, in Ban Na Hin as the caves become more popular. Ban Na Hin is a sort of the transit point / gateway to Kong Lor so you'll.
So, coming from the Vientiane SOUTHERN bus terminal, you have three options. Option B and C are on non-air conditioned overcrowded public buses so board early (15 mins or so should be enough) to get a seat.
a) Apparently there is bus that goes directly to Kong Lor. Potentially an air-conditioned VIP bus. Sometimes, however, they say it gets cancelled because of lack of people, but I'm not so sure this is true anymore. We met some people in Kong Lor who had taken this bus. My advice would be to ask at the bus terminal about a bus directly to Kong Lor first and just see what happens. Although if you want more of an adventure, try option b or c below!
b) You get on any bus going south along hwy 13 towards Tha Khaek, Savannakhet, Pakse etc. and you get off at the junction where hwy 8 meets hwy 13 (the bus is actually the same for all those destinations I think, so just get the ticket for Tha Khaek because it's the first town after the junction and will be the cheapest - 60,000 kip). The junction is pretty obvious and more than likely at least one local person on the bus will be getting off there, but to be safe, make sure to try and communicate that you wish to get off there. The town at the junction is called "" so in the very least just point to yourself and say "". I'll admit I was a bit freaked out that I'd miss it, but once we got there, about half the bus got off so I had nothing to worry about. Also, the bus ride takes about 6 - 7 hours depending on who you pick up on the way and how much stuff they need to put on the roof. From the junction, you can catch a Tuk Tuk (Sawng Thaew, technically) to Ban Na Hin (40km - 1hr). They leave every half hour or so and usually wait on the hwy 8 corner of the junction. Just say "Ban Na Hin?" to someone and they'll point you in the right direction.
c) You can catch a bus to Lak Sao which is actually on hwy 8 so you can bypass the whole Junction fiasco (The bus runs up hwy 13 and turns left at hwy 8). You will need to tell the driver to let you off in Ban Na Hin, but I get the feeling it might stop there anyway either to drop someone off or pick someone else up. This is a better option, I think, but the busses only leave every two hours from 6:00am (I believe).
Once you're in Ban Na Hin you can stay the night or, if you caught the really early bus, catch a Tuk Tuk directly to Kong Lor. Supposedly the Tuk Tuks to Kong Lor leave at 10:00ish, 1:00ish and 3:00ish. We caught the 10:00ish one which left at 9:55am. The Tuk Tuk driver should drop you off right at the parking lot for the cave. It's 2,000 kip to get in (which some people thought was weird, but seriously it's like $0.25). Boats are a flat rate of 115,000 kip and can take a max of three people so it's cheaper to try and fill up the boat.
If you do a Homestay in Kong Lor, there is a 7:00 AM VIP bus that can take you back to Vientiane direct for 80,000 kip. At least there was when we were there. To go south, you can take a Tuk Tuk at 6:30am to Lak Sao and go from there. You might even be able to take a Tuk Tuk to Tha Khaek, but I don't know for sure.
You can also do a homestay in Ban Natane which is about 2km from the other side of the caves. Ban Natane just got electricity recently and I imagine a Homestay there would be quite an experience. There are some stories online that make it sound like a really good choice. If I had an extra day at the time, I would have done it there instead. Remember, you will need to pay another 115,000 kip for the boat to get back to Kong Lor the next day.
Hope this helps someone!
The caves close 4:00pm. Keep that in mind if you're trying to get there in one day! However, I would say you should plan at least two days to see the caves if you're coming from Vientiane, and I recommend taking three days with a homestay in Ban Kong Lor or Ban Natane (which is on the other side of the cave). Expect the homestay to be pretty rustic. There are also at least two guesthouses and at least one other one being built when we were there.
The trickiest part is getting there. It took a while to figure out how to do it online so I'm going to give a rundown of how to do it here.
Okay, so Kong Lor Caves is in a village called Kong Lor (hence, the name). It's about 40km from a town called Ban Na Hin which runs along Highway 8. There are guesthouses popping up every month, it seems, in Ban Na Hin as the caves become more popular. Ban Na Hin is a sort of the transit point / gateway to Kong Lor so you'll.
So, coming from the Vientiane SOUTHERN bus terminal, you have three options. Option B and C are on non-air conditioned overcrowded public buses so board early (15 mins or so should be enough) to get a seat.
a) Apparently there is bus that goes directly to Kong Lor. Potentially an air-conditioned VIP bus. Sometimes, however, they say it gets cancelled because of lack of people, but I'm not so sure this is true anymore. We met some people in Kong Lor who had taken this bus. My advice would be to ask at the bus terminal about a bus directly to Kong Lor first and just see what happens. Although if you want more of an adventure, try option b or c below!
b) You get on any bus going south along hwy 13 towards Tha Khaek, Savannakhet, Pakse etc. and you get off at the junction where hwy 8 meets hwy 13 (the bus is actually the same for all those destinations I think, so just get the ticket for Tha Khaek because it's the first town after the junction and will be the cheapest - 60,000 kip). The junction is pretty obvious and more than likely at least one local person on the bus will be getting off there, but to be safe, make sure to try and communicate that you wish to get off there. The town at the junction is called "" so in the very least just point to yourself and say "". I'll admit I was a bit freaked out that I'd miss it, but once we got there, about half the bus got off so I had nothing to worry about. Also, the bus ride takes about 6 - 7 hours depending on who you pick up on the way and how much stuff they need to put on the roof. From the junction, you can catch a Tuk Tuk (Sawng Thaew, technically) to Ban Na Hin (40km - 1hr). They leave every half hour or so and usually wait on the hwy 8 corner of the junction. Just say "Ban Na Hin?" to someone and they'll point you in the right direction.
c) You can catch a bus to Lak Sao which is actually on hwy 8 so you can bypass the whole Junction fiasco (The bus runs up hwy 13 and turns left at hwy 8). You will need to tell the driver to let you off in Ban Na Hin, but I get the feeling it might stop there anyway either to drop someone off or pick someone else up. This is a better option, I think, but the busses only leave every two hours from 6:00am (I believe).
Once you're in Ban Na Hin you can stay the night or, if you caught the really early bus, catch a Tuk Tuk directly to Kong Lor. Supposedly the Tuk Tuks to Kong Lor leave at 10:00ish, 1:00ish and 3:00ish. We caught the 10:00ish one which left at 9:55am. The Tuk Tuk driver should drop you off right at the parking lot for the cave. It's 2,000 kip to get in (which some people thought was weird, but seriously it's like $0.25). Boats are a flat rate of 115,000 kip and can take a max of three people so it's cheaper to try and fill up the boat.
If you do a Homestay in Kong Lor, there is a 7:00 AM VIP bus that can take you back to Vientiane direct for 80,000 kip. At least there was when we were there. To go south, you can take a Tuk Tuk at 6:30am to Lak Sao and go from there. You might even be able to take a Tuk Tuk to Tha Khaek, but I don't know for sure.
You can also do a homestay in Ban Natane which is about 2km from the other side of the caves. Ban Natane just got electricity recently and I imagine a Homestay there would be quite an experience. There are some stories online that make it sound like a really good choice. If I had an extra day at the time, I would have done it there instead. Remember, you will need to pay another 115,000 kip for the boat to get back to Kong Lor the next day.
Hope this helps someone!
Written 7 April 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
megaworldasia360
Phuket, Thailand484 contributions
Feb 2017 • Solo
Khong Lor Cave is located in Khamouane Province in Central Laos and is one of the highlights of travel in Laos and is probably one of the best cave tours in the region in terms of accessibility and a sightseeing experience.
To get to Khong Lor Cave you will need to travel up from Thakhek or down from Vientiane. Those going there from Thakhek usually do so on a motorbike as part of the “Loop Trip.” To get there from Vientiane by bus you will need to use the dedicated Vientiane to Khong Lor bus which departs from Vientiane bus station at 10.00 am each day. If you pay for the ticket at the bus station the price is 80,000 LAK for the one way trip. If you book through a guesthouse in Vientiane the price is generally around 120,000 LAK. However, the guesthouse (or hotel) price also includes transfer to the bus station in a small bus. NOTE: the bus to Khong Lor Cave is a local bus and not a dedicated coach which means it will stop at least 50 times on route to allow locals to board and alight. The distance from Vientiane bus station to Khong Lor Village is approx. 250 km and will take 7 – 8 hours of travel on the local bus. NOTE: the bus does stop twice for meal and toilet breaks. Arrival time in Khong Lor village is approx. 5.30 PM and the bus drops everyone at the ECO-LODGE GUEST HOUSE. For those departing from Kong Lor Village, the bus to Vientiane leaves the Eco-Lodge premises at 07.00 AM. NOTE: if you are travelling south to Thakhek, and not going back to Vientiane, the bus will drop you at the junction of Hwy’s 13 & 8. For those going by bus to Khong Lor, from Thakhek, you will be dropped off at the same junction and will need to wait for the Khong Lor bus coming down from Vientiane.
Khong Lor Village is approx. 1 km form the cave entrance and is an easy walk along a sealed road to the kiosk and departure area. The operating times for the boat trip through the cave are 08.00 – 17.00 daily. The tours are done in wooden, flat bottomed, long-tail boats (similar to the ones in Thailand but with a much smaller draft). The prices currently are as follows: 1 person = 110,000 LAK; 2 people = 120,000 LAK; 3 people = 130,000 LAK. The maximum number of paying customers per boat is 3 people. Tickets can be bought at the kiosk at the departure area which overlooks the freshwater lagoon. NOTE: it is compulsory to wear a life jacket for the entire duration of the trip through the cave, and these are provided for the price of the ticket. NOTE: miners style headlamps can also be hired for the tour, for an additional 5000 LAK. These are highly recommended as the cave is dark with high ceilings and without a light you won’t see very much. The traverse distance is 7.5 km and the run in also includes 20 – 30 minute stop at the formations plateau to view to beautifully illuminated stalactite’s and stalagmites. During the dry season, when river levels are low, the boat may scrape along the bottom in some places and the boat driver may ask you to alight to allow the boat to move off its grounding. This is actually another reason why a head lamp is highly recommended; so you can see the bottom through the clear water and be sure of your foot placement as you wade through knee deep water. With the stop at the formations plateau the run through to the upstream entrance generally takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. You will then exit the cave into a thick jungle, mountainous area and go to a landing where you can alight for a break and stretch your legs.
To get to Khong Lor Cave you will need to travel up from Thakhek or down from Vientiane. Those going there from Thakhek usually do so on a motorbike as part of the “Loop Trip.” To get there from Vientiane by bus you will need to use the dedicated Vientiane to Khong Lor bus which departs from Vientiane bus station at 10.00 am each day. If you pay for the ticket at the bus station the price is 80,000 LAK for the one way trip. If you book through a guesthouse in Vientiane the price is generally around 120,000 LAK. However, the guesthouse (or hotel) price also includes transfer to the bus station in a small bus. NOTE: the bus to Khong Lor Cave is a local bus and not a dedicated coach which means it will stop at least 50 times on route to allow locals to board and alight. The distance from Vientiane bus station to Khong Lor Village is approx. 250 km and will take 7 – 8 hours of travel on the local bus. NOTE: the bus does stop twice for meal and toilet breaks. Arrival time in Khong Lor village is approx. 5.30 PM and the bus drops everyone at the ECO-LODGE GUEST HOUSE. For those departing from Kong Lor Village, the bus to Vientiane leaves the Eco-Lodge premises at 07.00 AM. NOTE: if you are travelling south to Thakhek, and not going back to Vientiane, the bus will drop you at the junction of Hwy’s 13 & 8. For those going by bus to Khong Lor, from Thakhek, you will be dropped off at the same junction and will need to wait for the Khong Lor bus coming down from Vientiane.
Khong Lor Village is approx. 1 km form the cave entrance and is an easy walk along a sealed road to the kiosk and departure area. The operating times for the boat trip through the cave are 08.00 – 17.00 daily. The tours are done in wooden, flat bottomed, long-tail boats (similar to the ones in Thailand but with a much smaller draft). The prices currently are as follows: 1 person = 110,000 LAK; 2 people = 120,000 LAK; 3 people = 130,000 LAK. The maximum number of paying customers per boat is 3 people. Tickets can be bought at the kiosk at the departure area which overlooks the freshwater lagoon. NOTE: it is compulsory to wear a life jacket for the entire duration of the trip through the cave, and these are provided for the price of the ticket. NOTE: miners style headlamps can also be hired for the tour, for an additional 5000 LAK. These are highly recommended as the cave is dark with high ceilings and without a light you won’t see very much. The traverse distance is 7.5 km and the run in also includes 20 – 30 minute stop at the formations plateau to view to beautifully illuminated stalactite’s and stalagmites. During the dry season, when river levels are low, the boat may scrape along the bottom in some places and the boat driver may ask you to alight to allow the boat to move off its grounding. This is actually another reason why a head lamp is highly recommended; so you can see the bottom through the clear water and be sure of your foot placement as you wade through knee deep water. With the stop at the formations plateau the run through to the upstream entrance generally takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. You will then exit the cave into a thick jungle, mountainous area and go to a landing where you can alight for a break and stretch your legs.
Written 12 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
naiad17
Brisbane, Australia152 contributions
Sept 2014 • Couples
Having made the mistake of reading the guide book and not researching more online, we took a direct bus from Vientiane to ThaThek, thinking this is the place to start for the cave. Well it is, if you go with Green Discovery or other tour companies. And let's not forget that companies pay advertising money to be in Lonely Planet and other guide books - why some ads are much larger than others and are pushed more.
Anyway, From Thathek, there's 2 ways you can do the cave independently and we calculated at a quarter of the tour prices:
1. Hire a scooter and do "The Loop" - you don't need a Trails' bike for this (met many people that did it this way and is cheaper).
2. Local transport - catch the straight through 7:30am bus (60,000K) from Talat Phetmany to Khoun Khan. Arrived at Khoun Khan at 11.30am and had to wait an hour for the Sorngthou (25,000K) to Kong Lor village. As our vehicle was very loaded down with people and items (a fridge, 2 water coolers, and everyone's luggage, chicken, live fish in plastic bags), the trip took 1.5 hours.
From the village, it's a kilometer walk to the park entrance (2,000K) then about a 300 metre walk in the park and to the river and the boat ticket seller. As we were 3 people, the boat cost us 130,000K.
Return journey to Thathek (we stayed the night but you coudl do this in one long day):
Catch the Sorngthou (25,000K) from the road anywhere in Kong Lor village, it starts at 8am so be a little earlier. This only took 1 hour to Khoun Khan and got straight on the connecting bus to Thathek (50,000K), which only took 3 hours this time as the driver thought he was driving a Ferrari! Not sure why the bus was cheaper going back.
Tip: In Thathek, you should only pay 10,000K for a Sorngthau to anywhere in town (apart from the International Bus Station - not sure what that is yet).
Hope this review helps you to save some money as we were quoted US$141 per person (Green Discovery) and 800,000K by the Tourism Info place, for a 1-day tour!
Oh and if you're travelling from Vientiane, it's better to stop at Vieng Kham then get a connecting bus but not sure of prices and times.
Anyway, From Thathek, there's 2 ways you can do the cave independently and we calculated at a quarter of the tour prices:
1. Hire a scooter and do "The Loop" - you don't need a Trails' bike for this (met many people that did it this way and is cheaper).
2. Local transport - catch the straight through 7:30am bus (60,000K) from Talat Phetmany to Khoun Khan. Arrived at Khoun Khan at 11.30am and had to wait an hour for the Sorngthou (25,000K) to Kong Lor village. As our vehicle was very loaded down with people and items (a fridge, 2 water coolers, and everyone's luggage, chicken, live fish in plastic bags), the trip took 1.5 hours.
From the village, it's a kilometer walk to the park entrance (2,000K) then about a 300 metre walk in the park and to the river and the boat ticket seller. As we were 3 people, the boat cost us 130,000K.
Return journey to Thathek (we stayed the night but you coudl do this in one long day):
Catch the Sorngthou (25,000K) from the road anywhere in Kong Lor village, it starts at 8am so be a little earlier. This only took 1 hour to Khoun Khan and got straight on the connecting bus to Thathek (50,000K), which only took 3 hours this time as the driver thought he was driving a Ferrari! Not sure why the bus was cheaper going back.
Tip: In Thathek, you should only pay 10,000K for a Sorngthau to anywhere in town (apart from the International Bus Station - not sure what that is yet).
Hope this review helps you to save some money as we were quoted US$141 per person (Green Discovery) and 800,000K by the Tourism Info place, for a 1-day tour!
Oh and if you're travelling from Vientiane, it's better to stop at Vieng Kham then get a connecting bus but not sure of prices and times.
Written 1 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
crilly6453London
Melbourne, Australia269 contributions
Dec 2010
This place was so good we returned twise during our month in Cambodia. Hot tip though - don't bother with public transport. The number of bumbling oldies we saw waiting by the roadside hoping a bus/tuk tuk/car that they hear in the distance will be their saviour was not fun to watch.
here's what to do. In town hire a scooter for 2-3 days, leave your big bags and pack for overnight and head out with your partner on your backseat. less than $10 per day and I promise you will email me saying thanks for the hot tip. The roads are dead quiet and it will be the most fun thing you do on your trip
here's what to do. In town hire a scooter for 2-3 days, leave your big bags and pack for overnight and head out with your partner on your backseat. less than $10 per day and I promise you will email me saying thanks for the hot tip. The roads are dead quiet and it will be the most fun thing you do on your trip
Written 27 February 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eastridinglass
York, England35 contributions
I stayed overnight in the village of Ban Kong Lor, in a special house built by the villagers for visitors. After presenting alms at the village monastery in an early-morning ceremony, we went by motorised canoe up the river to the amazing Tham Kong Lor, a 7 km long tunnel beneath a mountain. The boatmen don headlamps and forge their way upriver, stopping half-way to let passengers off the boats and on to a sandy beach. Clambering up the beach, you enter caves of strange limestone formations and peer around at them before carrying on up the river. Daylight approaches, and you emerge through the cave entrance into a beautiful gorge, then walk to another village for lunch.
It's possible to hike back across the mountain to Ban Kong Lor, but we opted out of the tough hike and returned the same way, through the cave.
It's an experience well worth having - especially since in 2008 the government finished a new road to the village and it's no longer the tough, bumpy journey it used to be.
It's possible to hike back across the mountain to Ban Kong Lor, but we opted out of the tough hike and returned the same way, through the cave.
It's an experience well worth having - especially since in 2008 the government finished a new road to the village and it's no longer the tough, bumpy journey it used to be.
Written 4 December 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
careergappers
Greater London, UK109 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
We just visited Kong Lor Cave in early April 2018. Note that the prices have just changed for entrance to the caves and a boat ride.
We read the reviews that referred to the previous structure, which was 110,000 kip for one person, 120,000 kip for two people or 130,000 kip for three people to take a boat ride (maximum three people in a boat).
They have now standardised the cost so it is 65,000 kip per person, regardless of the size of your group. This seems fairer. As we were in a couple it cost us 10,000 kip more, but oh well.
Note that when we visited there were still some signs referring to old prices that hadn't been taken down yet. We saw one saying there would be a 10,000 kip entry fee, but we didn't have to pay it. The only cost was 65,000 kip each, which covered everything. We also gave the boat driver a 20,000 kip tip at the end.
The trip itself was wonderful. Part-way through the boat ride, we got out to have a walk through a section of rock formations (stalactites, stalagmites etc), which were well lit. The walkways were all very securely built and safe. As your torch lights up the brilliant views inside the cave, you also get a really cool reflection on the water.
A bit further along, as it was during dry season, we had to get out and help the driver pull the boat over a shallow section. Whenever we got in and out, we had to walk in shallow water. Make sure you wear sensible footwear that you don't mind getting wet (and make sure they are secured to your feet).
We didn't get wet above the knees at any point and had no problems having our camera and phones with us. I would recommend using a waterproof bag to carry them in though, and only keep them out when you're using them.
You can borrow a headtorch and footwear at the entrance point for a deposit payment, which you get back at the end when you return them. It's 50,000 kip for a headtorch or 20,000 kip for footwear.
When you exit the other side of the cave, there is a nearby village where you can rent bikes. If you want to stay, you might need to negotiate with your boat driver on how much time you are allowed to explore before you return back through the cave. Our driver only gave us ten minutes, while others were given an hour or two. We didn't bother staying around as we wanted to get back, but if you do want to stay, I am sure it's possible to come to an arrangement.
A quick note on the village of Kong Lor: it's a lovely little place with lots of friendly locals. There are guest houses or homestays for accommodation, which are all very cheap. There are also a handful of places to eat, with prices a little more expensive than other areas in Laos, but the standard of food is very high. There is no ATM in the village, so bring enough cash with you.
All considered, it was a fantastic experience, and we were very glad we made the journey to see the caves.
We read the reviews that referred to the previous structure, which was 110,000 kip for one person, 120,000 kip for two people or 130,000 kip for three people to take a boat ride (maximum three people in a boat).
They have now standardised the cost so it is 65,000 kip per person, regardless of the size of your group. This seems fairer. As we were in a couple it cost us 10,000 kip more, but oh well.
Note that when we visited there were still some signs referring to old prices that hadn't been taken down yet. We saw one saying there would be a 10,000 kip entry fee, but we didn't have to pay it. The only cost was 65,000 kip each, which covered everything. We also gave the boat driver a 20,000 kip tip at the end.
The trip itself was wonderful. Part-way through the boat ride, we got out to have a walk through a section of rock formations (stalactites, stalagmites etc), which were well lit. The walkways were all very securely built and safe. As your torch lights up the brilliant views inside the cave, you also get a really cool reflection on the water.
A bit further along, as it was during dry season, we had to get out and help the driver pull the boat over a shallow section. Whenever we got in and out, we had to walk in shallow water. Make sure you wear sensible footwear that you don't mind getting wet (and make sure they are secured to your feet).
We didn't get wet above the knees at any point and had no problems having our camera and phones with us. I would recommend using a waterproof bag to carry them in though, and only keep them out when you're using them.
You can borrow a headtorch and footwear at the entrance point for a deposit payment, which you get back at the end when you return them. It's 50,000 kip for a headtorch or 20,000 kip for footwear.
When you exit the other side of the cave, there is a nearby village where you can rent bikes. If you want to stay, you might need to negotiate with your boat driver on how much time you are allowed to explore before you return back through the cave. Our driver only gave us ten minutes, while others were given an hour or two. We didn't bother staying around as we wanted to get back, but if you do want to stay, I am sure it's possible to come to an arrangement.
A quick note on the village of Kong Lor: it's a lovely little place with lots of friendly locals. There are guest houses or homestays for accommodation, which are all very cheap. There are also a handful of places to eat, with prices a little more expensive than other areas in Laos, but the standard of food is very high. There is no ATM in the village, so bring enough cash with you.
All considered, it was a fantastic experience, and we were very glad we made the journey to see the caves.
Written 8 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Satyabrata Dam
New Delhi1,760 contributions
Dec 2017 • Solo
First how to reach the village of Kong Lor. I took the 10am bus from Vientiane South Station (there's only one direct bus) at 70Kkip, which drops you at the bridge, since it is now old and the bus cannot cross it. From there you get a tuk tuk for 25Kkip per person that gets you further into the village. I reached the village around 5pm.
Now for the cave. First it opens at 8am, pay 2Kkip as entrance to the park then cave entrance fee of 10Kkip and then hiring a boat for 100,000 Kip that takes max 3 tourists and the boatman. I joined two people and split the cost. Life jacket is provided. First you walk across the river on a bridge then go to the cave entrance with boats tied up. The boatman helps you in the boat then pushes off and the adventure begins. Please get head torches as it is completely dark inside. Or hire from the ticket office. They also have lockers in case you want to keep your valuables etc. The boat goes through 7 km cave in about 45 min emerging on the other side to beautiful limestone cliffs and an area in forest with restaurants and locals doing handicrafts. In between, you also do a brief walk through the cave with lights. Please wear sandals or water shoes. You will have to get into the water for sure. At places might need to shove or pull the boat across shallow patches. The cave is huge and cavernous and the feeling of zipping through a dark tunnel with serpentine turns all aided by the boatman is a unique experience. On way back you can go for a swim in the pool at the cave entrance. It is most relaxing.
Now for the cave. First it opens at 8am, pay 2Kkip as entrance to the park then cave entrance fee of 10Kkip and then hiring a boat for 100,000 Kip that takes max 3 tourists and the boatman. I joined two people and split the cost. Life jacket is provided. First you walk across the river on a bridge then go to the cave entrance with boats tied up. The boatman helps you in the boat then pushes off and the adventure begins. Please get head torches as it is completely dark inside. Or hire from the ticket office. They also have lockers in case you want to keep your valuables etc. The boat goes through 7 km cave in about 45 min emerging on the other side to beautiful limestone cliffs and an area in forest with restaurants and locals doing handicrafts. In between, you also do a brief walk through the cave with lights. Please wear sandals or water shoes. You will have to get into the water for sure. At places might need to shove or pull the boat across shallow patches. The cave is huge and cavernous and the feeling of zipping through a dark tunnel with serpentine turns all aided by the boatman is a unique experience. On way back you can go for a swim in the pool at the cave entrance. It is most relaxing.
Written 3 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I am a bit claustrophobic...need suggestions as to whether I should go through this cave. I know it is big but dark. Thanks
Written 10 February 2019
The river through the cave is wide and the ceiling is tall. You shouldn’t feel claustrophobic in there.
Written 5 May 2019
We plan to take a car and driver from Vientiane to Kong Lor, stay overnight, visit cave next day, stay overnight again and then return to Vientiane the next day.
This is a question on how to get back to Vientiane. I am not sure that we will find a car and driver around Kong Lor to drive us back to Vientiane - correct me if I am wrong. So as a backup we need to plan to take the bus back. Does anyone know what time the bus leaves Kong Lor to Vientiane? Does it run every day, as we plan to return on a Saturday? Any advice would set my mind at rest, thanks!
Written 31 January 2019
TO be honest you'd be better off taking the dedicated KONG LOR bus from Vientiane Bus station. It leaves at around 10 am each day. The trip takes about 8 hours and goes directly to the ECO LODGE GUESTHOUSE in KONG LOR VILLAGE. If you use the bus you'll need to stay 2 nights in KONG LOR as the departure time for the bus back to VIENTIANE is 7 am each morning. At least you'll have a full day to do the cave without feeling rushed.
Safe travels,
MEGA
Written 6 February 2019
Hi,
Can we rent motos in Kong Lor? Hoping to see the cave half a day, and also go for a moto ride for just part of the Thakek Loop for another 1.5 days. Thank you!
Written 3 December 2018
When we were there two months ago, I don't remember being able to rent any. I think I remember being able to rent bikes.
Written 9 December 2018
Hi,
Can we rent motos in Kong Lor? Hoping to see the cave half a day, and also go for a moto ride for just part of the Thakek Loop for another 1.5 days. Thank you!
Written 3 December 2018
No I guess. when I went back in 2017 it was not available.
If you can check with guest house they might arrange it for you,
I stayed in Chantha owner was friendly.
Written 6 December 2018
Does anybody know if the cave is open at the moment, given there has been a lot of rain? Does it flood completely after heavy rain? We also wonder if the road to the cave might be flooded?
Written 17 July 2018
Hi, it wasn't open yesterday and not this morning. Not sure this afternoon. The river level isn't the issue, it's the driftwood.
Written 18 July 2018
Hi all, we are planning on visiting konglor cave with our children (7 and 9 yo) in december. Is it doable (and safe) to visit konglor cave with our family. I understand you spend most part on the boat and no climbing is involved. Is this correct? And how about rapids? Many thanks!!
Written 25 February 2018
Yes it's doable but the maximum number of sightseers in one boat is 3 so you'll probably need 2 boats. December is the dry season when river levels are lower so you may be required to alight from the boats at shallow spots in the river.
Written 5 March 2018
Hi, do you know if there’s a way to reach Pakse from the cave without coming back to Vientiane? Thank you very much
Written 17 February 2018
Hi
Could you give me a price of what you paid per person
Thanks
Written 8 September 2017
The prices as at feb 2017 were as follows: i person = 110k LAK (Loatian Kip), 2 persons = 120k LAK, 3 persons = 130k LAK. Obviously for one person it is the most expensive. If you have 3 people it only costs you 20K more than 1 person. A head lamp is an additional 5k LAK per person. It's well advised to take one as the cave tunnel has high ceilings in some places and is a often a dark void. Without a light you won't see much.
Written 14 September 2017
Ist die Kong Lor Cave geöffnet oder wegen der Regenzeit jetzt geschlossen?
Written 7 August 2017
Toujours ouvert, quand il y a peu d'eau il faut descendre du radeau pour le pousser.
Written 30 August 2017
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