Nam Theun – Hotel Search and Regional Trip Planning

This page presents two geographic levels separately: activities in Nakai–Nam Theun National Park on the one hand, and nature and cultural destinations in the broader travel destination of Khammuan on the other. The regional destinations mentioned are not established as attractions in the town of Nam Theun.

Nakai–Nam Theun National Park and other regional activities

Nam Theun Reservoir and Lan Hai are designated fishing and picnic spots in Nakai–Nam Theun National Park. Mountain hikes and langur watching are offered in the Namchae–Navang regional area; their location within Nakai–Nam Theun National Park is not established. This means there are distinct activity areas to consider: fishing and picnicking at designated spots in the national park, and mountain hiking and wildlife watching in the Namchae–Navang regional area. Activities may change; check which options are currently available before your trip. A special permit is required for excursions to other areas of the national park.

In the broader travel destination of Khammuan, the Nam Xot–Nahao area of the national park offers beach camping, boat trips, night-time wildlife watching, and hikes to Mai Hing Sam and Tad Yim Waterfall. These options combine stays by the beach with boat trips, nighttime observation, and hiking destinations. Check the current availability of activities before your trip.

In the broader travel destination of Khammuan: nature, caves, and landscapes

In 2025, Hin Nam No National Park was inscribed alongside Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park as a transboundary natural World Heritage Site. The park includes pristine rainforests, waterfalls, and complex cave systems. Xe Bang Fai Cave has a different geological focus: it is a large river cave carved through the limestone mountains by the Xe Bang Fai River over millions of years. The cave is located in the lush protected-area and limestone karst region of Boualapha District in Khammouane Province.

Kong Lor Cave is located in Phu Hin Bun National Park in Khoun Kham District. There, boat services and local guide services provide direct income for the local community. Phou Pha Marn is considered the highest point and an access point to the Phou Hin Boun National Protected Area. It is also an important stop on the Thakhek Loop route. For hiking enthusiasts, Tad Sieng Leu is a particularly important destination; it lies within the national protected area.

Xiang Liap and Nang Aen also have distinct cave features. The entrance to Xiang Liap Cave is 30 meters high. The cave is about 14 kilometers northeast of Thakhek District on Route 12, near Xiang Liap Village. Nang Aen Cave is 18 kilometers northeast of Thakhek city on National Highway 12. Visitors can climb up and down stairs there to view the natural rock formations. Road conditions may change; check them before driving.

Culture and special travel occasions

Tham Pa Fa Cave, also known as Buddha Cave, is a significant cultural and religious landmark in Khammouane Province. The That Sikhottabong Festival is held annually at That Sikhottabong in the third lunar month. As the exact dates shift with the lunar year, it is worth checking the festival dates for your travel period.

The Phou Tai people of Khammouane offer another cultural perspective: they are associated with traditional handicrafts and known for their fine weaving. Thus, regional trip planning in Khammuan focuses not only on caves and protected landscapes, but also on cultural attractions and craft traditions.

Discover more destinations: Ban Lao, Thakhek, Ban Nakham, Na Hi, Ban Namsanam

Go to the broader travel overview: Khammuan.