Nong Khiaw Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

Nong Khiaw (Nong Kiau or Nong Kiew) is a rustic little town on the bank of the Ou River in Laos. It is squeezed in between some of the most fantastic limestone mountains to be found north of Vang Vieng.

Many travellers pass through on the way up river to the even more isolated Muang Ngoi, but Nong Khiaw has plenty of charm, a decent range of accommodation, plus conveniences like 24-hour electricity and a connection to the road network for those interested in exploring the surrounding area.

Nong Khiaw is 3–4 hours via road from Luang Prabang. Boat travel used to be a popular and scenic way to get here, but boats no longer run after the building of dams on the river.

• 20.575111102.604711 Bus Station (on the NW side of Nong Khiaw - access from the minor road; not from the main rural road). (updated Jul 2018)

The bus station is on the west side of Nong Khiaw about a 15 min walk from the bridge/boat landing, or 10,000 kip by common tuk-tuk. If possible, you should always check times and prices with the bus station ticket office (8 - 11 AM) prior to travel. English is spoken. As with all travel in Laos, times are a guideline and you should allow for considerable delays.

To Luang Prabang, daily around 09:00 and 11:00. 4 hr or more, 70,000 kip

To Muang Xay, you need to go to Pak Mong (45 min) first either by bus (to Luang Prabang, 30,000 kip, 9 AM) or tuktuk (50,000 kip). The minivan departs around 9:30 and 12:30 from Pak Mong (60,000 kip), take an early tuktuk to increase the chance to get the earlier minivan, the busses do not necessarily wait on each other.

To Luang Prabang by minivan leaving at changing hours, 3.5 hr, 50,000 kip (the 11:00 minibus from Luang Prabang costs 37,000 kip only (Aug 2016). Maybe there are different prices for different times, directions and/or seasons).

To Luang Namtha, as of October 2017, there's a direct minibus at 11.00, 6 hours, 100,000 kip. In case it's not available for any reason, you have to take the bus to Muang Xay and then change the bus which gives you a quite late arrival in Luang Namtha. It cost 40,000 kip to Udomxay

To Muang Khua or Phongsali you need to go to Muang Xay (11:00) as well, change bus

To Vieng Thong and Sam Neua (near Viengxay and Vietnam border) the bus starts from Luang Prabang and you have to be on call around 12:30.

The buses seldom run on time and they often leave as soon as they are full as well. Buy your ticket in advance and leave your name! Private minivan to Luang Prabang can cost as low as 500,000 kip especially if drivers have empty returns.

• 20.570207102.6145022 Boat Landing (on the NW side of the river - next to the bridge). (updated Jul 2018)

Boats that go up the river to Muang Ngoi Neua leave at 10:30 and 14:30. The trip takes a little over 1 hour and costs 25,000 kip. The first boat continues on to Muang Khua, with a transfer by minibus to bypass the dam.

If there are not enough people, around 10, you may have to pay extra to get the boat going.

Private boats run for about 300,000-400,000 kip one way, cheaper if the person driving needs to go anyway. Speedboat (30 min only) cost return 400,000 and is more dangerous, but can be quite fun.

Since Covid, there is no regular boat to Muang Khua. You can charter a boat for about 2,000,000 - 2,500,000 kip in total, it takes about 6 hrs. Therefore, you need to share with other people or be rich (by November 2022). Finding other people to share the cruise can be challenging, you can try visit the boat landing and pass by a few times to check if there are enough people signed up. The boats up river will stop at Muang Ngoi. Especially the part north of Muang Ngoi is extremely picturesque and worth visiting/cruising through. You can do that also with a day cruise from Muang Ngoi in a small boat.

Remember: In Laos even the public transportation is mostly privately owned and drivers stand in a queue to grab the next job/drive. So if there is no profit, they won't go. If travelling alone you might find yourself waiting for the next boat or busload of people to turn up.

Nong Khiaw is simple in layout and small enough to walk around. It's possible to rent a bike at Riverside Bungalows and Delilah's to explore the 2 roads and surrounding area.

A large concrete road bridge connects Nong Khiaw on the west side of the river with the village of Ban Sop Houn on the east side of the river, where many of the river view bungalows are found.

Many tour offices and guesthouses offer a standard selection of one-, two-, and three-day treks and homestays. The most popular appears to be the 100 waterfalls jungle hike. Guesthouses advertise how many people have signed up, and tours get cheaper with more participants.

• Pha Tok Caves (About 2km outside town on the far side of the river from the boat landing and bus station). This cave, set high in a limestone cliff, sheltered villagers and Pathet Lao fighters during the Second Indochina War. The caves are reached via steep concrete steps, and inside a few signs identify points where command posts were stationed. Entrance fees are collected at the bottom where you can also borrow a torch. The trail to the cave passes through many rice paddies and a small section of jungle. If you ask the people at the ticket desk, you should be able to arrange a boat ride back to Nong Khiaw from a local. For 2 people in a very small longtail boat (max 2 people plus skipper) the price was 50,000 kip.(maybe out of date) 20,000 kip admission. (updated Dec 2023)

• Phadeng Peak. Viewpoint to see a 360-degree view of the town and surrounding mountains. Entrance is well signed about 500 m east of the bridge. Takes 1-1½ hr to reach the top. Perfect sunrise/sunset spot. 20,000 kip. (updated Nov 2022)
• Sleeping Woman Viewpoint. Another viewpoint on the north side of the river. About one hour to go up.
• Walk around the village enjoying the village feel with great views over the Nam Ou River.
• Walk or bicycle on the dirt road behind the Riverside Resort for some scenic views and nature.
• Rated one of the best hikes in Laos is the "100 Waterfalls" trek operated by Tiger Trail and Fair trek initiative. Some of their treks go to the interactive culture lodge.
• Go rock climbing or abseiling
• Kayaking, cycling and trekking.
• Rent a mountain bike and push eastwards to remote Khmu and Hmong villages. Riverside Guest House rents mountain bikes for 50,000 kip and city bikes for 10,000 kip.
• Go for a herbal steam bath or massage at Sabai Sabai.

The few small shops on the main street cater more for locals than tourists, and offer little more than basic necessities.

Mini-mart near the bridge on the west side.

Money can be changed near the boat landing - Youth travel agency or over the Bridge at Riverside Guest House. Riverside can also offer cash advances on credit cards.

• BCEL Bank (on the W side of the bridge, a little bit up the hill). Good exchange rates. Traveller's cheques accepted and an ATM. There is also a BCEL ATM by the east end of the bridge, near the Riverside Resort turnoff. An easy way to get cash up before going to Muang Ngoi. 

• CT Restaurant (next to the bridge on the opposite side of the river from the bus station and boat landing). Offers fine views from its riverside terrace. Free Wi-Fi. Lao coffee here is particularly good. 
• Vongmany restaurant (next to the CT Bakery). Tasty Lao food. Try their local dish "Jeow Mak Len" (a small bowl of Lao style pan-fried tomatoes, herbs and spices accompanied by steamed vegetables for dipping. A healthy starter or light snack. Very popular with locals. 15,000 kip). 
• Deen Restaurant (100 m past the bridge on the east side of the river), ☏ +856 20 2214 8895. Indian food. The portions of the set meals (veg/non veg 20,000/25,000 kip) are not very big and are insufficient if you are quit hungry. Wi-Fi. 
• Delilah's (On the main street just before the bridge). A selection of everything home made including ice cream, bread, soups and salads. No MSG or additives used. Laos Western fusion cuisine with a creative twist. Free Wi-Fi. 
• Nong Kiau Riverside Eco-lodge (on the E side of the river, across the bridge from the post office). Very good Lao, Asian and Western food. Beautiful view over the river. Prices a little higher than other restaurants nearby. 
• Sunset Restaurant. Reasonable prices for the food, and river view. 
• Chennai (110 m after the bridge on East side). A great Indian restaurant (better than Deen) with a veg and non veg tali that can feed two people for 30,000 kip. Great shakes and Lao coffee. Free wifi. (updated Sep 2016)
• 20.56884102.616851 Alex Restaurant (down dirt road towards Meexai Guesthouse). Long time favourite with tourists. Cheep cozy place with delicious Laos and Western food. Fantastic and friendly hostess. (updated May 2017)

Cold Beerlao is served everywhere in local restaurants. The small shops sell cheap but decent Lao Lao in unlabelled bottles.

• Coco Home Bar & Restaurant. 08:00-22:30. Bar & restaurant serving authentic Thai and Western dishes by a Thai chef. Full range of cocktails, mixers and shots. Movies shown at 08:00, 12:00, and 18:00 every day on big balcony with river-mountain views. Two raised chill out huts and a comfy hideaway inside. Free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, message board, and blankets available all night. 

• Bamboo Paradise. Has both rooms and bungalows with private hot showers. Bungalows have river view. Free Wi-Fi. Basic restaurant. Mind that the rooms have no bars on the windows and the mosquito net can easily be removed so take care of your cash. 30,000 kip low-season. 
• Meexai Bungalows (on the east side). Cheap guesthouse. Free Wi-Fi. Prices everywhere seemed much higher than listed here, with 60'000 kip in the low season and 70,000 kip during high season, being about the lowest. Friendly owner. The great views have been blocked by new building project (guesthouse by Sunrise Bungalows), some of the views still left on the far end corner of the house (room 5 upstairs, room 10 downstairs, though there is the Wi-Fi weak). Clean and spacious rooms with tall ceiling but could really use more amenities inside the room, i.e. only one small table provided. 60-70,000 kip. 
• 20.56888102.615951 Nam Houn Guesthouse (on the east side of the river). Six bamboo bungalows in the garden, other more back facing the small river and Ou river. Each hut has a small veranda with a table, hammock, and nice attached bathroom with hot shower. In addition, there are three new concrete bungalows in the garden. 60,000. (updated Apr 2016)
• Nam Ou River Lodge. It is run by the creator of the 100 waterfalls trek and he speaks English very well. Wonderful river views from this guesthouse. 80,000 kip with a private bath. 
• Sangdao Chittavong Guesthouse (W side of bridge). Bungalow with private bath, clean, mosquito nets, cold water showers, no Wi-Fi. 50-60,000 kip. 
• Sunrise Bungalows (next to the bridge on the E side). Solidly-built wooden bungalows with hammocks offer great river views, although the attached baths are rather primitive. Run by a very friendly older couple, they are never too busy for a quick chat. 30,000-60,000 kip. 
• Sunset Guesthouse (on the E side). Food quality varies depending on who is making it. 100,000 kip for bungalows with private bath in low season. Basic rooms at 50,000 kip, bungalows with private bath at 150,000 kip. 
• December 2023 - Didn't see anything less than 150,000 for private room.

• Nong Kiau Riverside (on the river's E side). Overlooking the river, it's the best upmarket choice, featuring big bungalows with kettle, private balcony, deckchairs and attached bathrooms with hot water. Free Wi-Fi in the restaurant area. Rents mountain bikes, and can set up a range of transportation or tour options. Great restaurant. 240,000 kip (single), 350,000 kip (double), including breakfast (eggs, baguette, jam, fruits, tea/coffee).. 
• Mandala Ou Resort. Bungalow eco resort, featuring Nong Khiaw's only swimming pool, situated high on the banks of the scenic and tranquil Nam Ou river. Offers 10 spacious, clean & comfortable detached bungalows with eco-friendly ceramic heaters. Free bike rental for guests. Hosts regular yoga retreat long weekends, professionally run by Luang Prabang Yoga, held on the purpose-built yoga sala above the Nam Ou river. Free resort-wide WiFi coverage with decent 5Mbit/s internet connection. Board games, books. The restaurant is known for its delicious Western, Thai and Lao dishes prepared to order using fresh local produce. The poolside bar serves wine and beer, classic cocktails and fresh fruit shakes/smoothies. Double/twin bungalow with river view US$68/night; double/twin bungalow with garden fountain view US$58/night; extra single bed (1 per bungalow only) US$20/night; All prices include breakfast (eggs, fried rice or rice/vege soup, croissants, bread, jam and fruits, cereals, yoghurt ) The resort closes from 15th April to 30th June. (updated May 2018)

Most restaurants and guesthouses have free Wi-Fi.

North of Nong Khiaw one hour by boat is Muang Ngoy Kao or Old Muang Ngoi, a backpackers favourite, with limited road access (3 hours instead of 1 by boat) and electricity available only since 2013, and a backpacker vibe, with village treks nearby, then north by boat to Muang Khua.

Boat connection to Luang Prabang is no longer available due to the dam built on the river downstream; take a local bus, or a minibus/shared taxi (50,000 kip/person) from the bus station. Daily service to Luang Namtha via Udom Xai is also usually available, and costs (October 2017) 100,000 kip to Luang Namtha.