The surreal underground cave of Tham Khoun Xe
If we were to ask adventurers what global area hosts the most interesting natural sightseeing objectives, Vietnam should be on their list. Aside from the well known Mekong Delta or the Halong Bay, this country hosts a hidden wonder of nature: the Tham Khoun Xe Cave, which is located somewhere between Lao and Vietnam.
Although there is no certain information for confirmation, specialists believe that this 7 km long subterranean channel is the largest one in the world. In fact, some of its passages are even 120 meters tall – therefore, cave lovers will have much to discover once they enter this seemingly surreal place. As they enter the cave, visitors can admire the main series of stalagmites, as well as various plants stretching over the rocks. Afterwards, there comes an impressive 150 meters tall limestone – and from then on, the most exciting part begins.
The Tham Khoun Xe Cave hosts one of the largest active cave rivers worldwide and, luckily enough, tourists are able to enjoy it since 2006. Those who enjoy exploring new areas and being on adventures can take a ride by the boat and admire the wide range of rocks on the 60 meters high ceiling. Also, the calm waters of the river make it easy to dive in through the cave and take enough time to explore each area.
Locals who live in Lao have known about the cave for over a century, as they often came here for fishing purposes. Nowadays, the cave attracts a larger number of tourists every year due to its beauty and magnificent, mysterious shades of blue of the water.
Location: Khammouane, Laos
via thisiscolossal.com
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Xe Bang Fai Cave portal near Ban Nong Ping, Khammouane Province, Laos
- Coordinates
- 17.37222, 105.83955
- Access
- This is a remote river-cave trip, not a roadside walk-in. Khammouane provincial tourism says the drive from Thakhek via Route 12 toward Boualapha takes about 3–4 hours and recommends 4WD for some areas. A current local operator’s itinerary continues from Ban Pakphanang by longtail boat for about 90 minutes upstream to Nong Ping village at the cave entrance. Arrange the boat and local guide in advance; check current water, weather, road, park and cave conditions before departure.
- Admission
- No standalone cave-entry price is published in the current sources checked. A local operator lists US$220 per private vehicle for a two-day/one-night Hin Nam No trip from Thakhek, for up to six people; that price covers transport and excludes park fees, boat hire, camping and meals. It is a tour/transport price, not the cave entrance fee. Confirm local charges with the operator before booking.
- Time needed
- The operator says the cave visit by boat and on foot takes over an hour. Reaching it from Thakhek is a two-day/one-night itinerary: the first day includes a roughly 90-minute upstream boat ride from Ban Pakphanang to Nong Ping, and the return is listed for late afternoon on day two. Plan according to the booked itinerary; cave and travel time depend on local conditions.
- Best season
- Khammouane provincial tourism recommends the dry season, November–April, for easier travel and lower cave-water levels. This does not guarantee access: the operator says the cave may close between June and September depending on the year. Confirm current water, weather and operating status locally.
- Opening hours
- No fixed daily public opening hours are published. The operator’s 8:00 a.m. hotel pickup is a tour departure time, not cave opening hours. Visits require advance transport and boat arrangements; the cave may close seasonally or for conditions. Confirm the date with the operator.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-29
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-29
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