Kong Lor Cave
Kong Lor Cave
4.5
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Restaurants
2 within 5 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
351 reviews
Excellent
253
Very good
72
Average
20
Poor
6
Terrible
0
abe
Israel4 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Amazing!! We absolutely loved it! Such a special experience. The tour guide did not talk English, but we got along just fine. The cave is a wonderful nature phenomenon! We highly recommend!! Do not miss this!
Written 15 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sasha H
15 contributions
Dec 2020
The restaurant overlooks the beautiful river and blue lagoon. The restaurant offers free wifi, as well as a range of Western and Asian dishes.
The staff are very friendly and helpful.
The staff are very friendly and helpful.
Written 3 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fartoomanyusers
London, UK409 contributions
Oct 2019
We had a couple of days free at the end of a trip, and decided that it was worth hiring a car and coming to the cave. We weren't disappointed - it really is a great place.
The cave itself isn't the the prettiest - but it is spectacular, as you travel by boat through this huge cavern. It really is enormous, and the wow factor comes from the river entry and exit - it feels like something from an Indiana Jones film!
We used our time at the far end to rent bicycles and go for a cycle - but we seemed to have taken a wrong turn (pro tip - don't lift your bike over a gate). We did eventually somehow end up back where we started - but probably best check google maps *before* you head off (we didn't). The cycle itself was really interesting - through some really poor villages, and a different side of the country than we saw elsewhere.
There are plenty of little shops to get a cold drink before go head back into the cave for the return journey that was probably even better than the original upriver journey.
Worth taking a couple of days out from Vientiane if you can.
The cave itself isn't the the prettiest - but it is spectacular, as you travel by boat through this huge cavern. It really is enormous, and the wow factor comes from the river entry and exit - it feels like something from an Indiana Jones film!
We used our time at the far end to rent bicycles and go for a cycle - but we seemed to have taken a wrong turn (pro tip - don't lift your bike over a gate). We did eventually somehow end up back where we started - but probably best check google maps *before* you head off (we didn't). The cycle itself was really interesting - through some really poor villages, and a different side of the country than we saw elsewhere.
There are plenty of little shops to get a cold drink before go head back into the cave for the return journey that was probably even better than the original upriver journey.
Worth taking a couple of days out from Vientiane if you can.
Written 11 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patrick V
Manosque, France210 contributions
Nov 2019
Overall a rather disappointing experience. Most of the time you cannot see anything because it is very dark. We were lucky we had to get out only once. In the dry season it is happening many times we` ve been told. Approx. half way you have to disembark and you can take a short walk near a place were some stalactites are displayed with colored lights. Not the most beautiful cave I have aver seen
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HellsEzel
Noordwijkerhout, The Netherlands15 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Based on the reviews we had high expectations, but it was quite disappointing. First we were being yelled at by the parking spot to pay up, then commanded to put on flip flops. After a short walk and a two minute boat ride we were again yelled at (in Lao) to leave the boat. We could watch a well lit part, which was nice, but difficult to enjoy as there were 30 people walking around at once and dozens of motorboats were making noise. We slipped and fell, and still our boatman pulled our arms (very roughly) because we had to hurry. Then dropped in a desolate place where we were supposed to hang around for 2 hours. The staff at this cave is horrible, worst we have seen in Laos. Tourists are cash cows here and expect to be treated like cattle. Two stars because the cave was impressive, although not very beautiful. If you want to see a beautiful cave it's better to go to Tham Nang Aen... They also have boat rides there. Konglor is pretty expensive and nothing seems to be done to preserve the cave.
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travellerme
Brighton, UK302 contributions
Jan 2020
The best way to arrive at the cave is by boat from the Spring River resort, but car is fine...or bike.
You get fitted out with a decent life jacket and torch if you don’t have your own.A boatman takes you about the third of the way in in total darkness save for his and your torches. Then yoi take a 20 minute walk through very well lit stalagmites and stalagmites, caverns and passed wonderful pillars and shapes made through the eons of time. Then is back to the boat to continue through the 7,5 km ride out into daylight to a landing where’s there’s some refreshments to be taken. You can visit a section where textiles are being made on looms . The prices are attractive and you’re supporting the locals rather than going through markets and shops. Then it’s back through the cave water course to the start . I’ve been to a lot of caves around the world. This is up there with best. It’s not easy to get to . That makes it even more worthwhile to visit as it’s pretty quiet and not rammed with visitors.
You get fitted out with a decent life jacket and torch if you don’t have your own.A boatman takes you about the third of the way in in total darkness save for his and your torches. Then yoi take a 20 minute walk through very well lit stalagmites and stalagmites, caverns and passed wonderful pillars and shapes made through the eons of time. Then is back to the boat to continue through the 7,5 km ride out into daylight to a landing where’s there’s some refreshments to be taken. You can visit a section where textiles are being made on looms . The prices are attractive and you’re supporting the locals rather than going through markets and shops. Then it’s back through the cave water course to the start . I’ve been to a lot of caves around the world. This is up there with best. It’s not easy to get to . That makes it even more worthwhile to visit as it’s pretty quiet and not rammed with visitors.
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marco Luangprabang
Luang Prabang, Laos326 contributions
Nov 2019 • Business
Quite far from other interesting city of Laos but really worth the long trip to reach it...65,000k per person include torch and flip flop and the boat is max for 3pax. Enjoy it
Written 13 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angie
Singapore, Singapore116 contributions
May 2019 • Solo
Trod along a muddy pathway for about 2-3km before reaching the ticketing station. Paid for my ticket and was told to wait for 2 more pax before I can get on the boat (to fill the capacity)
Surroundings of the cave entrance was already surreal and captivating, inside you will be given head lamps to look at the cave structures. Pretty amazing.
Noisy motors might be replaced to noise minimising ones i’ve heard speculations. So hooray! Boater will drop you off at this little village where you can walk in to explore or just sit down. I didn’t get the chance to explore but i’d recommend someone to definitely go explore it!
Surroundings of the cave entrance was already surreal and captivating, inside you will be given head lamps to look at the cave structures. Pretty amazing.
Noisy motors might be replaced to noise minimising ones i’ve heard speculations. So hooray! Boater will drop you off at this little village where you can walk in to explore or just sit down. I didn’t get the chance to explore but i’d recommend someone to definitely go explore it!
Written 4 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
goodmclean
Brisbane, Australia66 contributions
May 2019 • Family
It took quite a lot of effort for our family (Mum, Dad, 11, 9, 7, Grandmother) to make it to Kong Lor, but it was worth it!
The location of Kong Lor village is so peaceful and scenic. The cave itself was easy to get to from the village - an easy 10 minute walk. The cave experience was amazing. We had two boats between the six of us, a guide for each boat and they provided a headlight for everyone.
We rode in the boats for about an hour. We had to get out and walk in a couple of spots due to the water level being too low. We spent an hour in the village at the other side, having noodle soup for lunch.
The scenery really was spectacular and well worth the effort to get there.
The location of Kong Lor village is so peaceful and scenic. The cave itself was easy to get to from the village - an easy 10 minute walk. The cave experience was amazing. We had two boats between the six of us, a guide for each boat and they provided a headlight for everyone.
We rode in the boats for about an hour. We had to get out and walk in a couple of spots due to the water level being too low. We spent an hour in the village at the other side, having noodle soup for lunch.
The scenery really was spectacular and well worth the effort to get there.
Written 1 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RuthyTunes
Asia223 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
It took some effort to get to and from Kong Lor, but for us the trip to the cave made it worth it.
At the park entrance you pay 65,000kip per person for entry to the park and your return boat ticket.
Then follows a pleasant walk through woodland to the boat launch area. On the way there are several, excellent quality, detailed information boards about the caves, formation and surrounding countryside.
We checked in at the boat office and were handed over to our guide. We walked around the lake - which is a lovely cool spot for a swim after your cave experience, so would recommend wearing swimwear under your clothes - and into the cave entrance where we were handed our lifejackets and the boat was made ready.
About 1/4 of the way into the cave there is a stop at an area of spectacular stalagmites and stalactites, which are lit up and you are free to explore at your leisure on foot. The underfoot surface is a little uneven at times, so you need your headtorch on.
Then back on the boat for the remainder of the trip through.
Once emerging from the cave there is a short trip along the river before disembarking at a collection of cafes and a handicraft shop.
Again you can spend as long as you like here, we had a couple of drinks and got lunch for our driver, then took a short walk up the road to take in the spectacular scenery.
Back on board for the return journey after which we had a refreshing swim in the lake.
In total we spent 3-4 hours for our trip out.
FYI, below are details of how we got in and out of the area as I struggled to find information about it when researching!
Vientiane to Kong Lor
I booked bus tickets through Baolau website. 10am bus, 130,000kip each
Free songthaew pick up from city centre hotel at 9am (arranged via email from bus company) to the southern bus station
Medium size (30 seat) local bus, various pick ups and drop offs, with lunch break and comfort breaks
Drop off at junction near Na Hin, then songthaew 25,000kip each to Kong Lor cave
Arrived about 6.15pm
We stayed at Kong Lor cave guesthouse, which is just a two minute walk from the park entrance and a selection of nice restaurant options nearby.
Kong Lor to Thakhek
Songthaew pick up at various guest houses, starts nearest cave at 6am. 75,000kip each
Many pick ups and drop offs along the way. Be prepared for a cramped, uncomfortable journey
Drop off at Thakhek songthaew station at midday - also stops at the Thai border in Thakhek and the inter provincial bus station
Then a tuk tuk to the town centre 25,000kip total
At the park entrance you pay 65,000kip per person for entry to the park and your return boat ticket.
Then follows a pleasant walk through woodland to the boat launch area. On the way there are several, excellent quality, detailed information boards about the caves, formation and surrounding countryside.
We checked in at the boat office and were handed over to our guide. We walked around the lake - which is a lovely cool spot for a swim after your cave experience, so would recommend wearing swimwear under your clothes - and into the cave entrance where we were handed our lifejackets and the boat was made ready.
About 1/4 of the way into the cave there is a stop at an area of spectacular stalagmites and stalactites, which are lit up and you are free to explore at your leisure on foot. The underfoot surface is a little uneven at times, so you need your headtorch on.
Then back on the boat for the remainder of the trip through.
Once emerging from the cave there is a short trip along the river before disembarking at a collection of cafes and a handicraft shop.
Again you can spend as long as you like here, we had a couple of drinks and got lunch for our driver, then took a short walk up the road to take in the spectacular scenery.
Back on board for the return journey after which we had a refreshing swim in the lake.
In total we spent 3-4 hours for our trip out.
FYI, below are details of how we got in and out of the area as I struggled to find information about it when researching!
Vientiane to Kong Lor
I booked bus tickets through Baolau website. 10am bus, 130,000kip each
Free songthaew pick up from city centre hotel at 9am (arranged via email from bus company) to the southern bus station
Medium size (30 seat) local bus, various pick ups and drop offs, with lunch break and comfort breaks
Drop off at junction near Na Hin, then songthaew 25,000kip each to Kong Lor cave
Arrived about 6.15pm
We stayed at Kong Lor cave guesthouse, which is just a two minute walk from the park entrance and a selection of nice restaurant options nearby.
Kong Lor to Thakhek
Songthaew pick up at various guest houses, starts nearest cave at 6am. 75,000kip each
Many pick ups and drop offs along the way. Be prepared for a cramped, uncomfortable journey
Drop off at Thakhek songthaew station at midday - also stops at the Thai border in Thakhek and the inter provincial bus station
Then a tuk tuk to the town centre 25,000kip total
Written 18 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
margatsit
Vientiane, Laos23 contributions
Hi, I am a bit claustrophobic...need suggestions as to whether I should go through this cave. I know it is big but dark. Thanks
Epic-Traveller
Rushden, UK4 476 contributions
The river through the cave is wide and the ceiling is tall. You shouldn’t feel claustrophobic in there.
Terry Lobert
St Kilda, Australia71 contributions
We plan to take a car and driver from Vientiane to Kong Lor, stay overnight, visit cave next day, stay overnight again and then return to Vientiane the next day.
This is a question on how to get back to Vientiane. I am not sure that we will find a car and driver around Kong Lor to drive us back to Vientiane - correct me if I am wrong. So as a backup we need to plan to take the bus back. Does anyone know what time the bus leaves Kong Lor to Vientiane? Does it run every day, as we plan to return on a Saturday? Any advice would set my mind at rest, thanks!
megaworldasia360
Phuket, Thailand491 contributions
TO be honest you'd be better off taking the dedicated KONG LOR bus from Vientiane Bus station. It leaves at around 10 am each day. The trip takes about 8 hours and goes directly to the ECO LODGE GUESTHOUSE in KONG LOR VILLAGE. If you use the bus you'll need to stay 2 nights in KONG LOR as the departure time for the bus back to VIENTIANE is 7 am each morning. At least you'll have a full day to do the cave without feeling rushed.
Safe travels,
MEGA
vallliek
Vientiane, Laos22 contributions
Hi,
Can we rent motos in Kong Lor? Hoping to see the cave half a day, and also go for a moto ride for just part of the Thakek Loop for another 1.5 days. Thank you!
Thomas B
Sandy, UT73 contributions
When we were there two months ago, I don't remember being able to rent any. I think I remember being able to rent bikes.
vallliek
Vientiane, Laos22 contributions
Hi,
Can we rent motos in Kong Lor? Hoping to see the cave half a day, and also go for a moto ride for just part of the Thakek Loop for another 1.5 days. Thank you!
lijo c
Anyang, South Korea222 contributions
No I guess. when I went back in 2017 it was not available.
If you can check with guest house they might arrange it for you,
I stayed in Chantha owner was friendly.
roseanne620
Sheffield, UK5 contributions
Does anybody know if the cave is open at the moment, given there has been a lot of rain? Does it flood completely after heavy rain? We also wonder if the road to the cave might be flooded?
Brownsonholiday
Melbourne, Australia40 contributions
Hi, it wasn't open yesterday and not this morning. Not sure this afternoon. The river level isn't the issue, it's the driftwood.
Francine M
Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands302 contributions
Hi all, we are planning on visiting konglor cave with our children (7 and 9 yo) in december. Is it doable (and safe) to visit konglor cave with our family. I understand you spend most part on the boat and no climbing is involved. Is this correct? And how about rapids? Many thanks!!
megaworldasia360
Phuket, Thailand491 contributions
Yes it's doable but the maximum number of sightseers in one boat is 3 so you'll probably need 2 boats. December is the dry season when river levels are lower so you may be required to alight from the boats at shallow spots in the river.
Lucia P
Florence, Italy368 contributions
Hi, do you know if there’s a way to reach Pakse from the cave without coming back to Vientiane? Thank you very much
allywholfc
Wigan, UK189 contributions
Hi
Could you give me a price of what you paid per person
Thanks
megaworldasia360
Phuket, Thailand491 contributions
The prices as at feb 2017 were as follows: i person = 110k LAK (Loatian Kip), 2 persons = 120k LAK, 3 persons = 130k LAK. Obviously for one person it is the most expensive. If you have 3 people it only costs you 20K more than 1 person. A head lamp is an additional 5k LAK per person. It's well advised to take one as the cave tunnel has high ceilings in some places and is a often a dark void. Without a light you won't see much.
Su S
Berlin, Germany31 contributions
Ist die Kong Lor Cave geöffnet oder wegen der Regenzeit jetzt geschlossen?
AxwelCartier
Bourges, France342 contributions
Toujours ouvert, quand il y a peu d'eau il faut descendre du radeau pour le pousser.
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Claim your listingKONG LOR CAVE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Kong Lor Cave
- Hotels near Kong Lor Cave:
- (3.31 km) SpringRiver Resort
- (0.79 km) The Kongloview Hotel
- (0.91 km) Kong Lor Cave Resort
- (1.60 km) Konglor Eco-Lodge Guesthouse and Restaurant
- (1.88 km) Chantha House