Nong Khiaw

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 a 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.

Get in

Nong Khiaw is 3-4 hours via road or 6-7 hours by boat from Luang Prabang along the Mekong and Ou Rivers. Boat travel is by far the more spectacular, but more costly.

By bus

• 🌍 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 10 min walk from the bridge/boat landing, or 5,000 kip by common tuk-tuk. If possible, you should always check times/prices with the bus station ticket office 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 and Udomxay by songthaew, daily around 09:00 and 11:00. 4+ hr, 40,000 kip

To Luang Prabang by minivan leaving at changing hours, 3.5 hr, 50,000 kip (the 11 o'clock 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 Udomxay and than 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 Udomxay (11:00) as well, change bus

To Vieng Thong and Sam Neua (near Viengxay and Vietnam border) the bus starts originally 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.

By boat

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

To Luang Prabang

Important note: this service has seemingly been discontinued due to the construction of a dam on this part of the river. It is strongly advised to verify the existence of this boat before intending to travel this way. Update 14/5/2015: According to Oudomxay's Tourism Office slowboat no longer operates on this route.

You can take a public boat to Luang Prabang. The trip takes approximately 8 hr and costs 110,000 kip per person. Purchase tickets at the office near the boat landing (near the bridge) from 08:00. The boat won't leave until all seats are filled. Reportedly, this is a minimum of 9 persons. If you're lucky it will leave as scheduled at 11:00. The ticket office reportedly keeps a list of wannabe travellers, so see the list to gauge your chances of departure and ask to be put on the list. Take a packed lunch as the boat will only make a few toilet stops at random places along the river and you can't buy supplies.

Alternatively, you can arrange a private boat. Riverside Eco-lodge will arrange it for 1,500,000 kip for the entire boat, or you can ask around. Takes only about 6 hr by private boat (fewer stops and less waiting time), and you can make as many stops as you want on the way.

Muang Ngoi

Boats that go up the river to Muang Ngoi Neua leave regularly in the high season until 15:00. It takes 1 hr and costs 25,000 kip. In low season there is one boat definitively at 09:30 and another at 14:00. Some of the boats continue on to Muang Khua.

The price is 25,000 kip although this might change if not enough people in the boat.

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.

Further on the Nam Ou to Muang Khua

The boats leave around 11:00 if there are enough people to fill it, for around 120,000 kip per person normally. A charter costs about 1,100,000 kip. and takes about 6 hr. Visit the boat landing and pass by a few times to check if there are some/enough people signed up. The boats up river will stop at Muang Ngoi, so unless it's full (unlikely as some people will get off) or cancelled, you may catch the same boat there. Speedboats to Muang Khua cost 1,000,000 kip and take only 2.5 hr. 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.

Get around

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.

See

Since Tiger Trail has opened their tour office in Nong Khiaw there is suddenly something more to see. They will take you out for various trips, hikes, river tours, bamboo raft workshop, village stay. A must-see is the 100 waterfalls jungle hike already featured on a TV show. Daily tours seem to run with minimum 2 persons. It gets more affordable with 3-5 people joining.

• 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. 5,000 kip. 

Do

• Phadeng Peak. Viewpoint to see a 360 degree view of the town and surrounding mountains. Entrance is well signed about 500m East of the bridge. 20,000 kips as May 2017. Takes 1-1.5h to reach the top. Perfect sunrise/sunset spot. (updated May 2017)
• 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 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

Buy

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. 

Eat

• CT Bakery (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 vegtables for dipping. A healty 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), ☎ [phone]. Indian food. The portions of the set meals (veg/non veg 20'000/25'000 kip) are not very big and are insufficent, 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. 
• Mackana (Across from Deen Restaurant). Has both Lao and Western food, including a whole page of German breakfasts (which the menu says they learned from a German friend). Nice sandwiches, but be careful if ordering "tofu" that you actually get tofu and not meat. The advertised cappuccino containing an espresso shot with fresh local milk is just a packet mix. 
• Morning Dew Restaurant (80m down the road from the bridge, just past the wat). Excellent Lao and Western food at cheap prices. Open for breakfast through to dinner. Made to order baguettes, Lao coffee, and cold beer. Friendly English speaking owner "Dith" is a great source of local info. 
• 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. 
• Sabai Sabai (In front of the wat). Local Lao food in a nice atmospheric setting. 
• 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)
• 🌍 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)

Drink

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. 

Sleep

Budget

• 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. 
• 🌍 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. 

Mid-range

• 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. New premier 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. Prices for 1st October 2017 - 15th April 2018: Double / Twin Bungalow With River View $US68 Per Night; Double / Twin Bungalow With Garden Fountain View $US58 Per Night; Extra Single Bed (1 Per Bungalow Only) $US20 Per Night; All prices include breakfast (eggs, fried rice or rice/vege soup, croissants, bread, jam and fruits, cereals, yoghurt etc.) The resort closes from 15th April to 30th June. 

Connect

The Nong Kiau Riverside and Coco Bar have Internet for a small fee. The speed can be very slow. Most restaurants have free Wi-Fi.

Go next

North of Nong Khiaw one hour by boat is Muang Ngoy Kao or Old Muang Ngoi, a backpackers favourite, with both 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, better, a minibus/shared taxi (50,000 kip/person) from the bus station. Daily service to Luang Namtha via Udom Xai is also available, and costs (October 2017) 100,000 kip to Luang Namtha.