Looking for the best places to stay along the Thakhek Loop?
I’ll cut the fluff- if you wanted a full guide to the loop, you’d have gone to this article of mine (nudge nudge).
But this article will be simply- and exclusively- the best places to stay along the Thakhek Loop.
Sabaidee Guesthouse in Nam Theun
I’ll be listing the accommodations in counter-clockwise order, since that’s the direction most of y’all will be doing the loop.
Speaking of, it’s time to advertise another post of mine- which gives a detailed dive into the best direction and route to take along the Loop.
That’s it for the advertising. I promise.
Nam Theun is a little village that pops up right after you ascend to what’s called the Nakai Plateau, a little over 2 hours into the Loop. The village isn’t very big, just a few roads and houses.
There are a few guesthouses here. The best and most popular of these is Sabaidee Guesthouse.
Sabaidee Guesthouse is a really cozy place and possibly my favorite accommodation on the loop.
The entrance lobby gives you chalet vibes. Lots of wood, a nice warm atmosphere. Travelers tend to gather here and hang out, have a beer or four as the night goes on.
The dorm beds are nothing special but cost 100 or 150k ($4-6 USD) a night, so no complaints. It kind of feels like camp. There’s no bunks, just mattresses laid out throughout the room. You walk in and take your pick.
They also offer private rooms- I’m 95% sure.
They’ve also got a bonfire and barbecue each night at 7:30 (small small chance it’s 6:30, I won’t lie). It costs 100k ($4.50 USD), but it’s all you can eat. Definitely go for it. Beyond the food, it’s an awesome environment.
There are some nearby guesthouses, so don’t worry if it’s full. I’m sure they’d still let you join for the BBQ, just go to the lobby and ask.
At sunset time, go back to the main road and continue onwards for a minute until you reach the bridge crossing the reservoir. The sunset from here is absolutely magical.
If you want, continue driving onwards for a little while. This section of the Loop is through the Bolaven Plateau, a unique area with dead tree trunks popping up through the reservoir.
You’ll be driving here tomorrow, but it’s nice to check it out at golden hour as well.
Sanhak Guesthouse in Na Hin
Sanhak Guesthouse will be the perfect spot for night two.
Na Hin is a town located another 2-3 hours along the loop from Nam Theun. It’s located right by the detour off the main road that takes travelers to the famous Kong Lor Cave.
Many people will just shoot right to Kong Lor and spend the night there, but I preferred staying in Na Hin.
The stretch of road to Kong Lor is incredible and you don’t want to be tired for it. Better to get a good nights sleep and wake up ready to be amazed in the morning.
And it doesn’t hurt that the Sanhak Guesthouse is an exceptional and comfortable stay.
The dorms cost 120k ($5.50 USD) for the night, and by Laos standard they’re fairly luxurious. Compared to the randomly strewn mattresses at Sabaidee, this is like the Ritz in comparison.
There’s no BBQ, but there’s a rooftop where you can gather with other travelers and order food from the restaurant downstairs.
I loved it so much that I ended up staying here twice. Once on the way to Kong Lor, and once on the way back.
You can book in advance here.
Spring River Resort in Kong Lor (other options too)
As I mentioned, there’s no need to stay near Kong Lor. It can easily be a day trip, and you can spend two nights at the Sanhak Guesthouse.
That being said, if you have the time you may as well. Especially when there are many great options.
The nicest seemed to be the Spring River Resort. The resort is well off the main road and tucked into nature, with narrow wooden paths winding through trees and little wooden guesthouses.
There’s also a restaurant with a beautiful river view.
I say seemed to be since it was sold out when I visited, so I’d recommend booking online. Dorm rooms are 180k ($7 USD).
There are plenty of other options near the main road closer to the cave, so don’t worry if it’s sold out for you too.
These other options are sometimes even better, depending on the time of year you visit. If you’re here in the early rainy season (May/June), you should stay in a bungalow near the many rice fields in Kong Lor.
Trust me, it’ll be spectacular.
Expensive but amazing: The Rock Lodge by the Limestone Forest
I don’t usually give luxury options, but this one just looked so cool.
The Rock Lodge is located right by the Limestone Forest, and you get this spacious, modern looking pod to yourself. With an absolutely killer view.
Of course, you pay for the luxury. It’s $32 for a double room. But a great option for a couple.
And there you have it- you shouldn’t need anywhere else. These are absolutely, unequivocally, and, undoubtedly, the best places to stay on the Thakhek Loop.
You are very welcome.
