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| Home » Laos » Travel Guide » Khammouane
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| DESTINATION LAOS |
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KHAMMOUANE
GUIDE |
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ATRACTIONS IN
KHAMMOUANE |
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HIGHLIGHTS IN
KHAMMOUANE |
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| QUICK GUIDANCE |
| The breathtaking landscapes, beautiful coastlines, cultural delights and historical significance, make Laos an enjoyable stop in Asia travel map. To help you plan a trip in Khammouane - Laos, we provide the useful guide of hotel options, package tours, transport, attractions, shopping and entertainment. You just click the sections below for helpful information. |
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KHAMMOUANE PROVINCE OVERVIEW |
| Geography |
Demographics |
Telephone |
Capital: Thakhaek
Location: Central
Area: 16,135 km2
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Population: 330,000
Density:20.45/ km2
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Calling code |
| Town and Districts |
| Thakhaek,Mahaxay, Nongbok, Hinboun, Nhommalath, Bualapha, Nakai, Xebangfay and Xaybouathong |
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| General Information
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The province of Khammouane is located in central Laos bordering Bolikhamxay and Savannakhet Provinces. Khammouane covers about 16,000 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 330,000, mostly engaged in agriculture. The Mekong River Valley in the west is framed by the Annamite Mountain Range which separates Khammouane from Vietnam to the east.
Fertile land here is well suited to plantations of rice, cabbage, sugar cane, bananas, etc. A total population is made up of lowland and up-land Lao groups: Phuan, Tahoy, Kri, Katang etc. Thakhaek is the provincial capital, situated across the Mekong from Nakorn Phanom in Thailand. It also has much well preserved French colonial architecture similar to that found in Vientiane.
Inhabiting mainly lowland river valleys the Lao, Phouthai and other Tai-speaking peoples are the main ethnic groups in Khammouane. There are also Mekong or Bru people, a Mon-Khmer-speaking ethnic minority that make up 13% of the provincial population. In smaller numbers are the Kri, Nguan, Atel, Themarou, and Maleng who are mainly found in the mountainous eastern part of the province.
The vast forsest of the Nakai-Nam Teun National Protected Area are an important watershed that feed many Mekong tributaries as well as form the catchments area for Nam Teun 2, the largest hydropower project in Laos. |
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KHAMMOUANE PROVINCE PEOPLE |
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GETTING IN - OUT
KHAMMOUANE PROVINCE |
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Khamouane can be reached by bus from Vientiane in 5-6 hours. From the Southern Bus Terminal in Vientiane, choose either a direct bus to the province or board any bus heading south to the main towns of Savannakhet or Champasack and ask to get off at Thakhaek. Be aware that transportation schedules and prices are subject to change, so please check departure times and prices at transportations or through a travel agent prior to your trip. |
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GETTING AROUND
KHAMMOUANE PROVINCE |
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Tuk-tuk, tricycles (lot-sam-lo) and jumbo's are available all over town and are an easy way to get around. Taxis, mini buses and riverboats can be hired through guesthouses, hotels, tour operators and the provincial tourism information centers in Thakhaek and Khoun Kham. It is also possible to rent bicycles for about $1-2 per day. |
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KHAMMOUANE PROVINCE RESOURCES |
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TRAVEL TIPS |
*Climate
Khammouane's weather is dominated by the south-western monsoon, which brings heavy rains from May-October. Only in the mountains of the Nakai Nam Theun National Protected Area is this monsoon rain supplemented by rain coming from the South China Sea and Viet Nam, which keeps the area wet for nine months per year and supports the dense forests needed to sustain rare wildlife species.
*Accommodation
In Thakhaek there are many hotels and guesthouses clustered in the old part of town near the Mekong River. Prices range from $3 to $15 per night.
In Khoun Kham Village there are also a number of inexpensive guesthouses catering to travelers heading out to the Konglor Cave and nearby waterfalls. The Sala Hinboun Guesthouse is an upscale establishment near the Konglor Cave.
*Foods
Watch the sun set over the Mekong while eating grilled chicken or other local dishes at one of the restaurants located in the center of the Old Town. Khammouane is known for producing excellent rice nooles that are widely-available and make a quick, cheap meal any time of the day.
The Nong Pa Km 4 fish restaurant on the road to Mahaxay just outside of Thakhaek is very popular.
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KHAMMOUANE PROVINCE ECONOMY |
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| Northern Laos |
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Vientiane - Vang Vieng, Bokeo - Houeixai Town, Houaphan, Luang Namtha- Muang Sing, Luang Prabang - Muong Ngoi, Oudomxay, Phong Saly,
Xaignabouli, Xieng Khouang |
| Central Laos |
| Bolikhamxay, Khammouane - Khonglor Cave - Thakhaek Town, Savannakhet |
| Southern Laos |
| Attapeu, Champasak - Khong Island - Pakse Town, Salavan - Tadlo Waterfall, Sekong |
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