Next time a “road trip” is in the cards, explore this Mekong itinerary that trades major cities for seriously down-home charm.
“Route 8” refers to a highway in Lao PDR that makes up part of the famous Thakhek Loop, but it’s also a connection between three countries (Thailand, Lao PDR, and Viet Nam) built on a trail that has been used by traders and travelers for centuries.
You’ll start at the Mekong River’s edge in Thailand’s Nakhon Phanom and end your journey at the coast in Viet Nam’s Ha Tinh – with plenty of cool adventures in between, above and below ground.
River Run: Nakhon Phanom, Thailand
You’ll start at Nakhon Phanom, a quiet riverside town in northeast Thailand whose relaxed atmosphere makes it a good alternative to Thailand’s more crowded destinations.
A riverside promenade lines the Mekong here, with bicycle rentals available near the naga statue for short rides along a 12-kilometre paved trail. You’ll see the river on one side and glimpses of local life on the other. Pay a visit to the Wat Phra That Phanom Buddhist temple before you leave – its 57-meter stupa has a squarish design that reflect the Lao-Isan architectural influence common to this border area.
Caving to Pleasure: Thakhek and Na Hin, Lao PDR
Cross the bridge via the Thai–Laos international bus (running several times daily) to reach Thakhek across the river. The capital of Khammouane Province is a growing base for exploring the surrounding limestone countryside.
The Mahaxai caves east of Thakhek are among the main attractions. Check out Tham En, home to flocks of sparrows, and Tham Pha In, with a pool said to shimmer the same emerald colour as the skin of the Hindu god Indra. Visitors are asked not to touch the sacred water!
About 50 kilometres from Thakhek, the small town of Na Hin serves as the main gateway to Kong Lor Cave, a seven-kilometre underground river that runs completely through a limestone mountain. Travelling by small boat through the dark tunnel and emerging into a hidden valley is not an experience you’ll want to miss.
Hot Stop: Lak Xao and the Lao PDR-Viet Nam Border
Continuing east, Lak Xao in Bolikhamsai Province is the last notable stop before the Nam Phao–Cau Treo border crossing into Viet Nam. The town itself is small but makes a convenient stop for rest and supplies.
Travellers often stop at the nearby Ban Pak Nam Eun hot springs, where you can take a short soak to ease the stiffness of long bus or motorbike rides. The pools are simple but pleasantly restorative.
Sweet Relief: Ha Tinh, Viet Nam
Once across the border, cross the narrow width of Central Viet Nam that ends in Ha Tinh, a peaceful province often overlooked by travellers rushing between larger cities. It’s a peaceful area known for its beaches and national parks.
For nature enthusiasts, Vu Quang National Park on the edge of the Truong Son Range has forest trails and rich biodiversity. Culturally inclined visitors can explore Huong Tich Pagoda, set 650 meters above sea level, a complex of Buddhist and folk temples within the Hong Linh Mountains.
Before leaving Ha Tinh, try a piece of Cu Do candy, a local sweet made from molasses, ginger, and peanuts between thin rice-paper sheets – best enjoyed with a cup of green tea.
You’ll need a few days to complete your Route 8 journey, but you won’t regret taking your time. Each stop rewards travellers who prefer authentic, low-key experiences over high-speed sightseeing.
