Thakhek (Lao language: ທ່າແຂກ) is a town in south-central Laos on the Mekong River and facing Nakhon Phanom across the river in northeastern Thailand. It is the capital of Khammouane province.
The city has many French colonial style official buildings, villas and shops. Western scientists first encountered the Laotian rock rat - kha-nyou (Laonastes aenigmamus) in Thakhek's market. Remnants of the abortive Thakhek - Tan Ap railway can be seen in and near the town. The railway would have run between Thakhek and Tan Ap Railway Station, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam through the Mu Gia Pass.
Construction of the Third Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge, linking Thakhek to Nakhon Phanom, started in 2009 and is expected to be commemorated on 11/11/11.
The population is 35,000 people according to 2006 census data.
Read more about Thakhek: Climate, External Links