Thakhek town is small and walkable. For the caves near town and the Loop, the standard approach is renting a motorbike — most guesthouses can arrange this, and the Travel Lodge near the fountain square has been the traditional booking point for Loop motorbike rentals. Semi-automatic bikes rent for $10–15/day, automatic slightly more. Bicycles are available for the Route 12 cave circuit closer to town.
For those not wanting to ride themselves, some guesthouses and tour operators in town organise guided day trips to Buddha Cave and the Route 12 caves by tuk-tuk or vehicle. The Loop cannot realistically be done by tuk-tuk or bicycle — it requires a motorbike. Inexperienced riders should consider hiring an experienced driver for the first day until they are comfortable with Lao road conditions.