Nong Khiaw is a little beautiful rustic village on the western bank of Nam Ou River

Introduction

Located 152km northeast of Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw is located on the banks of Laos’ second biggest river, the Nam Ou. At an altitude of 400m, the village is famous for its stunning limestone karst mountains, untouched virgin forest and different Lao ethnic groups including Khamu and Hamong tribes. Connected by an impressive high bridge linking both river banks, Nong Khiaw boasts the beautiful Patok Cave, command center and living quarters for the Pathet Lao independence movement and Bank Of Laos during the war in the 1960's and 70's.

See & Do

Famous for its unique Nam Ou freshwater shrimp during July and August, tourist attractions and activities include hiking, kayaking, mountain biking and tubing down the Nam Ou. Also, we can walk around the village enjoying the village atmosphere with great views over the Nam Ou River.

Located ~2km from the town, Pha Tok 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

How to get there

Nong Khiaw is 3-4h drive or 6-7h by boat from Luang Prabang along the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers

Nong Khiaw can be reached by boat traveling downstream the Nam Ou river from Muang Khua or Muang Ngoi.

An incredibly scenic route, the journey from Muang Khua in northern Phongsaly province takes approximately 6 hours, leaving the Muang Khua pier at 09:30am and reaching Nong Khiaw at 03:30pm. 

Boats from Muang Ngoi - one hour upstream - leave at 09:30am and reach Nong Khiaw at 10:30am.