Khammam District's Airport Plans: What's The Latest?

Khammouane (Khammouan) province is a province in the center of Laos. It is known for its natural attractions, including the Tham Khonglor Cave, the Nakai-Nam Theun National Park, and the Hin Namno National Park. The province is also home to several cultural sites, such as the That Sikhottabong Stupa and the Catholic Church of Thakhek. When considering how to get to and around the province, it is worth noting that there are several airports in the vicinity, including Thakhek Airport, Nakhon Phanom Airport, Sakon Nakhon Airport, and Savannakhet Airport.

Khammouane province is in Laos

Khammouane province is in central Laos and covers an area of 16,315 square kilometres (6,299 sq mi). The province is bordered by Bolikhamsai to the north and northwest, Vietnam to the east, Savannakhet to the south, and Thailand to the west. The capital of the province is Thakhek, which is located on the Mekong River bordering Thailand. The city features many buildings designed in the French colonial style and is an important centre for trade.

The landscape of the Khammouane province is mostly forested and mountainous. Many streams flow through the area to join the Mekong River, and the province is home to several major rivers, including the Xe Bang Fai River, Nam Hinboun River, Nam Theun, and Nam Ngum River. The Nakai-Nam Theun National Park, located in the province, is an important watershed that feeds many Mekong tributaries. The park covers an area of 352,200 hectares of the Annamite mountains and the adjacent Nakai Plateau.

The Tham Khonglor Cave, also known as the 'beauty in the dark', is a notable feature of the province. The cave is part of the National Protected Forest Area in Hinboun Mountain and runs for approximately 7.4 kilometres. The Hinboun River flows through the cave, which features two hanging rock formations: Vang That and Had Xay Luang.

The Khammouane province offers a range of attractions for visitors, including the Thakhek Loop, a popular route for motorbiking and cycling, and various waterfalls and caves, such as the Tad Muang Waterfall and the Tham Pa Fa (Buddha Cave). The province also has historical sites like the Sikhottabong Stupa, which is said to contain the bones of Buddha, and the Great Wall, built during the period of the Sikhottabong Empire in the 19th century.

Thakhek is the capital of Khammouane

Thakhek is also known for its natural attractions, such as the Tham Khonglor Cave, which is located in the Hinboun Mountain range. The cave is known for its dramatic karst formation and the emerald-coloured pool inside, which is considered sacred by the locals. The cave is approximately 7.4 kilometres (4.6 miles) long, and visitors can take a boat ride to traverse its entire length.

The town also has a Catholic church and attractions such as the Sikhottabong Stupa, the Great Wall, and several waterfalls and temples nearby.

Thakhek Airport is located in the town and is the only airport in the province. It serves as a gateway to the region and is owned and operated by the Lao government. The airport was initially built in the late 1950s and used as a military airfield.

The closest airport to Khammouane is Thakhek Airport

Khammouane, also known as Khammouan, is a province in the centre of Laos. The capital of the province is Thakhek, which is an important centre for trade. The closest airport to Khammouane is Thakhek Airport, which is 30 miles from Ban Kènglék in Khammouan and 33 miles from Ban Nathét in Khammouan. The airport is owned and operated by the Lao government and is served by Lao Airlines. It is the only airport in the province and serves as a gateway to the region.

Thakhek Airport was built in the late 1950s and was initially used as a military airfield. The airport is located in Thakhek, Khammouan Province, Laos.

There are several other airports near Khammouane, including Nakhon Phanom Airport (40-44 miles), Sakon Nakhon Airport (77-80 miles), Savannakhet Airport (78-79 miles), Vinh Airport (84-83 miles), and Dong Hoi Airport (91-88 miles).

The Tham Khonglor Cave is a notable attraction in Khammouane

Khammam district, located in Telangana, India, does not have an airport within its grounds. The closest major airport to Khammam is Vijayawada Airport, which is 118 km or 143 km away. Another airport close to Khammam is Rajahmundry Airport, situated 119 km or 217 km away.

Now, let's shift our focus to the Tham Khonglor Cave, a notable attraction in the Khammouane Province of Laos. This magnificent cave system is nestled within the heart of the province, offering a unique experience for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Here are some key details about the Tham Khonglor Cave:

Location and Geography

Tham Khonglor Cave, also known as Kong Lor Cave, is situated in the Khammouane Province of Laos. It is located within the Hinboun Mountain range, specifically in the National Protected Forest Area. The cave spans a length of approximately 7.4 kilometers (4.6 miles) and varies in width from 10 meters (33 feet) to 90 meters (300 feet). The cave's height ranges from 20 meters (66 feet) to an impressive 100 meters (330 feet) in some places.

Distinctive Features

The Hinboun River flows through the entirety of the Tham Khonglor Cave, making it a unique geological wonder. The river has carved out a spacious chamber, with the ceiling reaching heights of up to 100 meters. The cave features two entrances: the west entrance is accessible from Ban Khonglor village in Hinboun District, while the east entrance is reached from Ban Natan village in Nakai District. The cave's width and height create a sense of vastness, and it is adorned with hanging rock formations, such as Vang That and Had Xay Luang. Had Xay Luang, in particular, boasts a white sand beach that stretches for about 150 meters in length and 100 meters in width.

Exploration and Activities

Tham Khonglor Cave can be explored by boarding a long-tail boat from the village of Ban Kong Lo, or for those seeking more adventure, kayaking is also an option. The boat ride includes optional stops, depending on the water level, allowing visitors to venture into the cave's darkness on foot with flashlights. The natural emerald green lights inside the cave, combined with the surrounding natural landscapes of karst mountains and lush greenery, create a breathtaking ambiance. The dry season, from November to April, is considered the best time to visit, as the water levels are higher, making it safer to explore.

Practical Information

To prepare for a visit to Tham Khonglor Cave, it is recommended to hire an experienced local guide. Wearing life jackets and bringing flashlights or torches is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. The nearest big city is Vientiane, and it is advisable to use a private car to reach the boat station in Kong Lo village. Alternatively, you can drive from Vientiane to Thakhek and experience the Thakhek loop, which includes other caves and waterfalls en route to Tham Khonglor Cave.

The Khammouane province covers 16,315 square kilometres

Khammam, a district in India, does not have its own airport. The closest major airport to Khammam is Vijayawada Airport, which is 118 km or 143 km away. Another airport close to Khammam is Rajahmundry Airport, located 119 km or 217 km away. Khammam is also within driving distance of several other airports, including Warangal Airport (113 km away), Hyderabad Airport (208 km away), and Begumpet Airport (203 km away).

Now, onto the Khammouane province, which covers 16,315 square kilometres (6,299 square miles). The province is located in the centre of Laos and is known for its forested mountainous terrain. The capital of the province is Thakhek, a city known for its French colonial architecture and its importance in trade. The province is bordered by Bolikhamsai to the north and northwest, Vietnam to the east, Savannakhet to the south, and Thailand to the west. The Mekong River runs along the border with Thailand, and the Third Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge spans this river, connecting Thakhek with Nakhon Phanom in Thailand.

The Khammouane province is home to many natural wonders, including the Nakai-Nam Theun National Park, which covers an area of 352,200 hectares. This park is an important watershed, feeding many tributaries of the Mekong River and forming the catchment area for Nam Theun 2, one of the largest hydropower projects in Laos. The province is also home to the Hin Nam No National Biodiversity Conservation Area, which covers 86,229 hectares, and the Phou Hin Poun National Biodiversity Conservation Area, which covers 150,000 hectares. These forest areas feature limestone karst outcrops, undulating limestone hills, valleys, and numerous natural caves.

The Khammouane province has a population of approximately 392,052 people, according to the 2015 census. The province is composed of nine districts and is known for its tobacco production, along with Bolikhamsai and Savannakhet provinces. The province also has several major mining companies operating within its borders, including the Mining Development Economy Corporation, LAVICO Co. Ltd., V.S.K. Co. Ltd., and Lao-North Korea Tin Mines.

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