Experience the enchanting village and the beauty of Nong Khiaw in Laos, nestled among limestone mountains and along the Nam Ou River
Begin your journey to Nong Khiaw by taking the high-speed train to Oudomxay, which is much further in northern Laos. Spend a night in the mountains at the stunning retreat of Namkat Yorla Pa. This great lodge is the perfect place to relax, or you may wish to embark on a short trek through the surrounding hills or partake in one of the many adventurous activities on offer.
Early morning, heading north to the quaint village of Muang Khua. This incredibly scenic four-hour drive will take you across the mountains, passing by small villages where many of Laos’s ethnic minorities live. Make small stops along the way at small commune-type markets where local farmers gather to sell freshly grown fruits, vegetables, handwoven and handmade household items. Also, stop at a local rice whiskey distillery known locally as Lao Lao. This rather potent beverage tastes much more pleasant compared to similar rice-based alcoholic drinks in the region. Once you reach Muang Khua, board your private small long-tail boat and enjoy a scrumptious local picnic-style lunch with freshly cooked seasonal vegetables, fried rice, and an array of local specialty condiments as you set sail slowly down the Nam Ou River. Sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in some of the most spectacular natural beauty you will ever see. Pass by small villages dotted along the riverbanks. As your journey continues, so does the landscape, and as you get closer to Nong Khiaw, the river passes through valleys with breathtaking limestone cliffs. This river cruise will take around 3 hours, arriving in Nong Khiaw with enough time to settle into your hotel along the river and prepare for a sundowner as the sun sets on this enchanting little town.
Nong Khiaw is a great place to let life pass you by—a place to rest, read, relax, or set out on some hiking and trekking. It is a gateway to several hiking trails leading to remote villages, hidden caves, and panoramic viewpoints. Popular trails include the Phadeng Peak hike, which offers breathtaking views of the river and surrounding hills. You can also kayak or take another boat trip back up the river to nearby villages and caves. The Nong Khiaw Bridge is an iconic landmark that connects the two sides of the village, offering stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains. For sunset enthusiasts, there are viewpoints accessible by short hikes that provide excellent vantage points for watching the sunset over the landscape.
Khiri Travel recommends at least two nights in Nong Khiaw to truly appreciate the tranquil atmosphere and laid-back pace. The drive from Nong Khiaw back to Luang Prabang takes around 2.5 hours, including a stop at Nambak, a small village just outside of Nong Khiaw famous for cultivating river weed, a delicious Laotian culinary delight—lightly fried and served with a spicy dipping sauce called Jeow Bong. Our 3-night, 4-day Journey to Nong Khiaw is the ideal way to discover this extraordinary and lesser-visited destination.
Discover the essence of Nong Khiaw through this journey, meticulously designed to uncover its unique wonders. To delve into this extraordinary experience Reach out at sales.laos@khiri.com