Discover Nam Theun

Nam Theun is the focus of this travel guide. Regional highlights span two scales: activities in the wider surroundings of Nakai–Nam Theun National Park and attractions in the broader Khammuan travel region.

Nature activities in the wider regional surroundings of Nakai–Nam Theun National Park

Nam Theun Reservoir and Lan Hai are designated fishing and picnic spots in the national park. Mountain hikes and langur watching are offered in the Namchae–Navang area. This makes it easy to choose by activity: fishing and picnicking at the designated spots, or hiking and wildlife watching in Namchae–Navang.

In the Nam Xot–Nahao area, activities include beach camping, boat trips, nighttime wildlife watching, and hikes to Mai Hing Sam and Tad Yim Waterfall. A special permit is required for trips to other areas of Nakai–Nam Theun National Park. As current offerings may change, check their availability again before your trip.

Natural landscapes and caves in the broader Khammuan travel region

In 2025, Hin Nam No National Park was inscribed together with Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park as a transboundary natural World Heritage Site. The park includes pristine rainforests, waterfalls and complex cave systems. These natural features define the character of Hin Nam No National Park.

Xe Bang Fai Cave lies in the lush protected area and limestone karst region of Boualapha District in Khammouane Province. It is a large river cave carved through the limestone mountains by the Xe Bang Fai River over millions of years. Kong Lor Cave lies in Phu Hin Bun National Park in Khoun Kham District, also in Khammouane Province. At the cave, boat services and local guide offerings provide direct income for the local community; local arrangements may change.

Xiang Liap Cave and Nang Aen Cave also offer useful landmarks. The entrance to Xiang Liap Cave is 30 metres high; the cave lies about 14 kilometres northeast of Thakhek District. It is located on Route 12 near Xiang Liap village. Nang Aen Cave lies 18 kilometres northeast of Thakhek town on National Highway 12. There are stairs visitors can climb up and down to view natural rock formations. Check the condition of the stairs before visiting; road conditions may change.

Culture, hiking and travel tips in Khammuan

Tham Pa Fa Cave, also known as Buddha Cave, is a significant cultural and religious landmark in Khammouane Province. The Phou Tai people of Khammouane are also associated with traditional handicrafts and fine weaving. Another cultural landmark is That Sikhottabong, where the That Sikhottabong Festival is held each year in the third lunar month. The dates vary according to the lunar year, so check the date for your travel year.

For hiking enthusiasts, the wider Khammuan region offers several points of interest. Tad Sieng Leu lies within the national protected area and is considered a particularly important destination for people who enjoy hiking. Phou Pha Marn is considered the highest point and a gateway to Phou Hin Boun National Protected Area; it is also an important stop on the Thakhek Loop route. The two places therefore offer different kinds of travel experience: a destination of particular importance to hikers and a notable point along a travel route.

When looking for a holiday rental in Nam Theun, it helps to set your priorities first: Which activities in the wider surroundings of Nakai–Nam Theun National Park interest you, and which destinations in the broader Khammuan region would you like to include? This way, you can make your choice based on the experiences that matter to you, without treating different regional scales as though they were the same.

Discover more destinations

Ban Lao, Ban Namsanam, Ban Nakham, Na Hi, Thakhek

To the broader travel overview: Khammuan.