Ban Lao: Khoun Nam Kham Dip and the story behind its name

One way to get to know Ban Lao is through Khoun Nam Kham Dip, where outdoor leisure ideas meet a story about the place’s name passed down through generations. If you are looking for a holiday rental, these local features may help shape your choice of destination. They also offer different starting points for planning: spending time outdoors, playing games, going for walks and enjoying water activities.

Leisure ideas at Khoun Nam Kham Dip

Camping and pétanque are among the leisure activities associated with Khoun Nam Kham Dip; visitors can also walk through a botanical garden. The options range from spending time outdoors to playing a game or following a garden path. A report from 2024 also mentions swimming and boat trips. Before making plans, check whether these two activities are available on your travel dates.

Water activities offer a different focus from camping, pétanque and garden walks; this distinction can help you assess Ban Lao as a destination based on the leisure activities you prefer.

Getting there from Thakhek

A set of directions from 2024 takes you from Thakhek along Route 12: at kilometre 20, turn right and continue for about 900 metres. Check the route information before setting off, as directions may change.

A story about the name, passed down through generations

According to a local story passed down through generations, villagers found yellow stones in a stream that shone like gold, and this discovery gave Khoun Nam Kham Dip its name. As a local tradition, the story gives the name a narrative background and adds a cultural dimension to the leisure activities.

Choosing a holiday rental and destination

If the leisure activities at Khoun Nam Kham Dip suit your plans, include Ban Lao in your search for a holiday rental. You can then compare specific options based on your travel dates and personal preferences.

Khammuan in a broader context

Across the wider destination of Khammuan, nature and culture are represented in different ways. Hin Nam No National Park features pristine rainforests, waterfalls and complex cave systems. In 2025, it was inscribed together with Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park as a transboundary natural World Heritage site. Xe Bang Fai Cave is a large river cave that the Xe Bang Fai River has carved through limestone mountains over millions of years; it lies in the protected area and karst region of Boualapha District in Khammouane Province. At Nang Aen Cave, visitors can walk up and down stairs to view natural rock formations. Tham Pa Fa Cave, also known as Buddha Cave, offers another cultural perspective as an important cultural and religious landmark of the province. The Phou Tai people of Khammouane are associated with traditional handicrafts and are known for their careful weaving. The That Sikhottabong Festival is held annually in the third lunar month; its calendar dates vary from one lunar year to another. If you are interested, check the dates for the relevant year.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Nam Theun, Ban Namsanam, Thakhek, Na Hi, Ban Nakham

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Khammuan.