Flanked by Thailand to the west and Vietnam to the east, Khammouane Province sits at the heart of Laos, its landscapes draped in lush forests, dramatic karst mountains, endless rivers and mysterious caves. Its name, meaning “happy gold,” reflects the richness of both its nature and culture. The province’s most iconic adventure is The Loop—a legendary motorbike route that winds along dusty backroads through wild jungle, limestone cliffs and remote villages. Travellers can delve into local indigenous traditions, glide by longtail boat through the otherworldly 7.5-kilometre Tham Konglor Cave, and take in sweeping panoramas from the Limestone Forest Viewpoint. History lovers will appreciate the province’s sacred archaeological sites, including the ancient “Great Wall” of Kampeng Nyak, Meuang Phone Stupa and Sikhottabong Stupa—remnants of a once-powerful civilisation.