Explore Tham Kong Lo Cave: A Hidden Gem in Central Laos

Introduction

Floating on a precariously-balanced wooden boat, apprehension sets in as your non-English speaking guide paddles the small skiff around a limestone corner. The sinister mouth of a cave swallows you into the darkness, and you realize the eerie nature of the adventure at hand – welcome to Tham Kong Lo Cave.

Tham Kong Lo Cave (sometimes spelled Konglor Cave), hidden deep in the Phu Hin Bun wilderness of central Laos, is one of Southeast Asia’s geological wonders. Otherworldly stalactites, spooky limestone formations, and ceilings over 300 feet tall make this flooded cave a highlight for many travelers in Laos.

The Nam Hin Bun River flows through the cave, making it only accessible by small boats which must be hired from one of the river villages. Boats do stop throughout the 7 km cave, allowing travelers to explore a little on foot. Colored lights donated by a French organization create a dramatic light show bouncing off the shadows.

The river passage through the cave is also used by locals for transporting goods; for example, the town of Nam Thone regularly delivers bulk tobacco down the river. However, traffic or overcrowding inside the cave is never a problem.

Entering Tham Kong Lo Cave

To explore the cave, you must hire a motorized boat from Ban Kong Lo village and chug the 7 km through the cave; boatmen usually charge around US $6 per person. The long, narrow boats are tricky to balance and, like the experienced men that paddle them, show their weathered age. A typical boat can carry up to five passengers plus two crewmen.

About five minutes into the journey, the boat will stop at an in-cave shore, where you can disembark and explore on foot. Moreover, the multicolored lights add drama and flair to what used to be a pitch-dark experience; paved walkways permit you to wander without slipping or tripping on wet limestone.

At its widest, Konglor Cave’s chamber rises over 100 meters above the water and spans 90 meters from wall to wall. The oddly-shaped, gleaming stalactites and stalagmites underscore the otherworldliness of Konglor Cave’s interior.

Subsequently, at the end of the ride, the boats emerge into a verdant hidden valley. You will spend a fifteen-minute break here (friendly vendors will sell you snacks) before riding the boat to float back the way you came.

Other Tham Kong Lo Tips

• Wear shoes that allow for scrambling on wet rocks and wading in water; sharp rocks will make short work of your soft flip-flop sandals.
• Confirm that your boat price includes the cave entrance fee (less than US $1).
• The landscape around the villages and cave is stunning, but bomb craters should remind you that millions of unexploded objects are still scattered throughout the region.
• Mosquitoes are notably aggressive and persistent around the river; therefore, use insect protection.
• The boatmen are experts of their craft; however, do your part by shifting around as little as possible inside the narrow boats.

Getting to Tham Kong Lo

Getting to Tham Kong Lo Cave is half the adventure, and many travelers following the Vientiane – Luang Prabang trail miss out. Many travelers crossing over from Thailand at Nakhon Phanom on the Mekong River use the tranquil town of Tha Khaek as a base to explore this rural part of Laos. Moreover, regular minibusses run a four-hour route down the winding road to Ban Khoun Kham.

Ban Khoun Kham (also known as Ban Na Hin) is nestled in the beautiful Hin Bun valley and is the largest town near the cave.

Consequently, Ban Kong Lo – the village closest to the cave – has undergone recent improvements; the 30-mile journey from Ban Khoun Kham now takes about an hour. Plentiful motorbike taxis and sawngthaews (pick-up trucks retrofitted for passengers) are the most economical options.

Accommodation near Tham Kong Lo

Thanks to a brief mention in guidebooks, a small trickle of backpackers do visit the cave, leading to a few guesthouses sprouting up in the surrounding villages. Sala Hin Boun is a popular residence with rooms priced around US $20.

Homestays: A more adventurous and memorable option is to stay in a homestay in Ban Kong Lo village, just 1 km from the cave. Homestays cost around US $5 – $10 and include family-style meals. While sleeping conditions might be rough and language could be a barrier, the opportunity to witness local life is well worth it.

To arrange a homestay, simply arrive in Ban Kong Lo and inquire locally; someone will inevitably offer you accommodation.

Although the cave can be explored as a long day trip from Ban Khoun Kham, it is better enjoyed with an overnight stay. Inthapanya Guesthouse in Ban Khoun Kham has English-speaking staff who can assist you with transportation arrangements.

When to Visit Tham Kong Lo

The best time to visit Tham Kong Lo is during the dry season in Laos, which spans from November to April. However, take care not to arrive during particularly dry seasons, as the boat may touch bottom if water levels are too low.