Vientiane Province Adds Another Cave to List of Attractions

Source: Vientiane Times

Visitors to scenic Vientiane province will soon be able to add a new location to their itinerary, following plans by local authorities to make the dramatic Tham Phaka cave more accessible.

The Nam Feuang river runs through the 8-km long cave but it can be accessed throughout the year and contains some fascinating stalactites, Head of the Maed district Information, Culture and Tourism Office, Mr. Saydaen Sounlintha, said.

Now district authorities plan to turn the cave and environs into a major tourist attraction, and are considering arranging kayaking trips into the cave so that visitors can admire its striking features close up.

The move follows a feasibility study undertaken in 2021 by provincial authorities and a local company on the development of the site as a visitor attraction.
In 2018 a group of Japanese potholers explored the cave in detail and reported that it was 120 meters high and about 400 meters wide, and could be the biggest cave in Vientiane province.

The area’s craggy limestone terrain has created many caves through which rivers pass, making this part of Laos ideal for explorers and those with a sense of adventure and appreciation of natural wonders.

Tham Phaka cave is located 33km from the urban centre of Maed district and can only be accessed by boat. The river trip from the town to the cave is about 19km.
Those wanting to see the cave should contact Namfeuang village authorities, who can arrange for local residents to take you there.

Visitors to Maed district should not only see this cave but plan to explore other scenic splendors including the Moum cliff, and Huay Chan and Huay Khamleab waterfalls.

And not far away is Vangvieng district, which affords easy access to many places of natural beauty including Jang and Poukham caves, two blue lagoons, and Kaeng Nyui waterfall.

The Xong River, which flows through the district, offers kayaking, tubing, and boat trips, and there are also zip lines for the more adventurous.

Vientiane province has at least 32 hotels, 312 resorts and guesthouses, 273 restaurants, and 41 entertainment venues.

The province is home to 171 officially designated nature-based attractions, 25 cultural sites, and four places of historical interest, according to the 2018 Tourism Statistics report published by the Tourism Development Department, Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism.