Laos

Thakhèk

Thailand

Nakhon Phanom Airport

Sakon Nakhon Airport

Vietnam

Vinh Airport

Sakon Nakhon

Savannakhet

Savannakhet Province

Ban Napè

Bolikhamsai

Yên Vinh

Nghệ An Province

Vinh

Wat Phra That Phanom is a Buddhist temple located in the Nakhon Phanom Province of Thailand. It is one of the most important and revered temples in Thailand, and is believed to contain a relic of the Buddha's breastbone.

The temple complex features a large chedi (stupa) that is over 50 meters tall and is covered in gold leaf. The chedi is surrounded by smaller chedis and other structures, including a large prayer hall and several smaller shrines.

According to legend, the original chedi was built over 2,000 years ago by the legendary Indian emperor Ashoka, who sent a group of monks to spread Buddhism throughout Southeast Asia. The current chedi was built in the 1970s and features a blend of traditional Thai and modern architecture.

The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Thai Buddhists, who come from all over the country to pay their respects to the Buddha's relic and to make merit. The temple also attracts many international visitors who come to admire its beautiful architecture and learn about Thai Buddhism.

Visitors to Wat Phra That Phanom should dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the temple complex. The temple is open daily from early morning until late afternoon, and admission is free.

Wat Phra That Phanom

Tham Kong Lo, also known as Kong Lor Cave, is a cave located in the Phu Hin Bun National Park in Khammouane Province, Laos. It is a karst cave system that stretches over 7.5 km and features a natural tunnel-like formation that was formed by the Hinboun River that flows through it.

The cave is known for its unique geological formations such as stalactites and stalagmites, and is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including bats and fish. The cave is popular among tourists who can take boat tours through the cave system, which can take around 2 hours to complete.

The surrounding area is also popular for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking, and there are several small villages nearby that offer homestay opportunities for tourists. The Tham Kong Lo cave system is an important part of the local economy, and efforts are being made to protect it and its surrounding area through sustainable tourism practices.

Tham Kong Lo

Son Doong Cave is the world's largest cave, located in the heart of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in central Vietnam. The cave was first discovered in 1991 by a local farmer, but was only fully explored and mapped in 2009 by a team of British cavers. Since then, it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vietnam.

Son Doong Cave is over five miles long, and in some places is more than 650 feet high and 490 feet wide. The cave contains its own river, as well as a unique ecosystem with a variety of plants and animals that have adapted to the cave's dark and humid environment. Visitors to Son Doong Cave can explore the cave's vast caverns and chambers, as well as swim in its underground rivers and lakes.

To protect the cave's delicate ecosystem, access to Son Doong Cave is limited and visitors must obtain permits through licensed tour operators. Tours of the cave typically last several days and involve trekking and camping in the surrounding jungle. Visitors must be in good physical condition and prepared for the challenging terrain.

Despite its remote location and limited access, Son Doong Cave has become a popular destination for adventurous travelers looking for a unique and unforgettable experience. With its stunning natural beauty and fascinating geological history, Son Doong Cave is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Vietnam.

Son Doong Cave

Hang Son Doong, also known as Son Doong Cave, is the world's largest cave located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam. Discovered in 1991 by a local farmer named Ho Khanh, Hang Son Doong remained relatively unknown to the outside world until it was first explored and publicly announced by a team of British cavers in 2009. Since then, Hang Son Doong has captivated the imagination of explorers, photographers, and adventure seekers from around the globe due to its immense size, stunning geological formations, and unique ecosystem.

Hang Son Doong measures over 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) in length and reaches heights of up to 650 feet (200 meters) and widths of 490 feet (150 meters), making it significantly larger than the previous record-holder, Malaysia's Deer Cave. The cave is formed by the erosion of limestone bedrock over millions of years by the Rao Thuong River, which flows through the cave and has carved out vast chambers, giant stalactites, and stalagmites, and other spectacular rock formations that adorn the interior of the cave.

One of the most remarkable features of Hang Son Doong is its enormous main chamber, known as "Vietnam's Great Wall of Vietnam," which is large enough to accommodate an entire city block of New York City, including skyscrapers. The chamber is illuminated by natural skylights, which filter through the lush greenery and vegetation that has taken root on the cave floor, creating a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere that is unlike anything else on Earth.

Hang Son Doong is also home to a diverse and unique ecosystem, with its own microclimate that supports a wide variety of plant and animal species, some of which are found nowhere else on Earth. The cave's interior is teeming with life, including rare cave-dwelling species such as cave pearls, cave crickets, and blind fish, as well as several species of bats and swifts that inhabit the cave's vast chambers and tunnels.

Exploring Hang Son Doong is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that requires a high level of physical fitness and endurance, as well as specialized caving equipment and experienced guides. Only a limited number of permits are issued each year to ensure the conservation and protection of the cave's fragile and pristine environment, making it one of the most exclusive and sought-after adventure travel destinations in the world.

Visitors to Hang Son Doong can embark on multi-day expedition tours organized by authorized tour operators, which typically include trekking through the lush jungles of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, crossing rivers, and camping in the cave's vast chambers and underground campsites. The tours offer a unique opportunity to experience the awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur of Hang Son Doong, explore its hidden passages and chambers, and learn about the fascinating geology, ecology, and cultural heritage of this extraordinary natural wonder.

Hang Son Dong

Red Lotus Lake, also known as Talay Bua Daeng, is a unique natural attraction located in the northeastern region of Thailand, in the province of Udon Thani. The lake is famous for its stunning displays of vibrant pink lotus flowers that bloom on the water's surface, creating a beautiful and peaceful scene that attracts visitors from all over the world.

The best time to visit Red Lotus Lake is during the cool season, from December to February, when the lotus flowers are in full bloom. Visitors can take a boat tour around the lake, which lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, to see the beautiful flowers up close and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Aside from the lotus flowers, Red Lotus Lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including rare birds, fish, and turtles. Visitors can also enjoy activities like fishing, bird-watching, and cycling around the lake.

One of the most unique experiences at Red Lotus Lake is watching the sunrise or sunset over the lotus flowers, which creates a magical and romantic atmosphere. Visitors should be aware that the weather in the region can be hot and humid, so it's important to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.

Red Lotus lake

Khammouane Province

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