Ban Nakham and the New Nam Hai Bridge

Ban Nakham is in Khounkham District, Khammuan Province. The New Nam Hai Bridge, also known as Khounkham Bridge, is a specific local landmark. Its official opening ceremony took place in Ban Nakham on March 9, 2021. This named structure and its location provide a way to situate the town when choosing where to stay. Other nature and cultural topics offer a broader view of Khammuan as a travel destination.

New Nam Hai Bridge: Dimensions and construction

The New Nam Hai Bridge is 50.6 meters long and 7.5 meters wide. It consists of I-shaped steel girders, has a reinforced concrete deck, and is designed for a load of 43 tons. Its length and width describe its dimensions; the girders, deck, and load capacity are separate details of its construction. These details provide a more precise description of the structure than its name alone. The ceremony dates the official opening, while the dimensions and construction describe the bridge itself.

There is also a specific route-planning reference: On a motorcycle route, after reaching Ban Nakham, there is a road section about 10 kilometers long that runs almost due south and is nearly straight. Check current road conditions before setting off.

Khammuan: Landscapes and caves

Khammuan offers a range of landscape-related attractions. Hin Nam No National Park encompasses 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 offers a different focus, set amid the lush protected area and limestone karst landscape of Boualapha District. This large river cave was formed over millions of years by the Xe Bang Fai River as it cut through the limestone mountains: here, the focus is on geological formation, while Hin Nam No is known for the diversity of its protected landscape.

The caves can also be distinguished by their described features. At Nang Aen Cave, stairs lead up and down, allowing visitors to view the natural rock formations. The cave is 18 kilometers northeast of Thakhek town on National Road 12. Xiang Liap Cave, by contrast, is notable for its 30-meter-high entrance. It is about 14 kilometers northeast of Thakhek District on Route 12, near Xiang Liap village. The location details and descriptions of each cave offer different reference points for regional trip planning.

Culture and activities in Khammuan

Tham Pa Fa Cave, also known as Buddha Cave, is an important cultural and religious landmark in Khammuan. The province's Phou-Tai people are also associated with traditional handicrafts and careful weaving. Another cultural point of interest is That Sikhottabong, where the That Sikhottabong Festival is held annually in the third lunar month. As the calendar dates vary from year to year, check the date when planning your trip.

For hikers, Tad Sieng Leu is considered a particularly important destination; it is within the national protected area in Khammuan. Phou Pha Marn is considered the highest point and a gateway to Phu Hin Boun National Protected Area. It is also an important stop on the Thakhek Loop route. These examples offer a glimpse of Khammuan's varied nature, culture, and activities, while the New Nam Hai Bridge gives Ban Nakham its own specific local landmark.

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

Back to the regional travel overview: Khammuan.