Overview
Nong Khiaw is not a very popular tourist destination in Laos, however, so many people have missed Nong Khiaw during their visit to the country of Million Elephant. So, here are amazing things about Nong Khiaw that you should know when being about to visit Laos.
Overview of Nong Khiaw
Nong Khiaw is a village in the Laotian province of Luang Prabang in the north of this country. This is a popular tourist destination that attracts a large number of tourists because of the interesting walking and cycling routes near the village, the mountain-climbing opportunities as well as the vivid romantic landscapes. The best way to get this village is to go by boat from Luang Prabang or Muang Khua near the Vietnamese border, but now it is about to be impossible due to the construction of dams on the Nam Ou river. There is also a road that connects to this village from Pak Mong, it is a good way for tourists to travel to the village. This village is famous in the whole country because of the bridge that was donated by China, that connects two parts of the town. The bridge gives you a great view of the Nam Ou river where you can admire the breathtaking rocks in shapes and sizes, green mountains and hills around it.
Nong Khiaw
Coming to Nong Khiaw, you will have a chance to visit Pha Tok caves. It is about 2 km from the town. You can get there by boat or bus. The cave is located in the heart of a limestone cliff that during the Second Indochina War, the Pathet Lao soldiers were hidden. Entering into the cave, you have to climb through the steep concrete steps. Entrance fees are collected at the foot of the mountain where you can borrow a torch. Pha Kuang cave is also a beautiful cave in the region that requires more fitness to conquer.
How to get to Nong Khiaw?
Means of transportation in Laos are quite diverse, but to make the trip from Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw, tourists should choose a public truck, the truck leave from the south bus stop at 9am (the car will pick you up) from the motel.
You will meet travel agent billboards that publish public truck fare information for different prices ranging from 70 Kip to 85 Kip, but before booking a ticket, negotiate the price down 65 Kip only.
The public trucks were rebuilt from mini-trucks, fitted with air-conditioning systems and completed the right route as planned, meaning that even if it is requested to stop the car to take a break, the car would still arrive in time. Traveling from Luang Prabang center to Nong Khiaw takes only 3 hours.
Where to stay in Nong Khiaw?
According to the Nong Khiaw travel guide, there are many motels, mainly cheap motels that are simply furnished such as fans, mosquito nets and shared or private bathrooms.
If you feel unsuitable in the less-convenient motels, you can choose one from many other motels in the area at the reasonable price. If you book a room in advance, the price will be slightly reduced.
What to eat in Nong Khiaw?
Like many other localities in Laos, local cuisine as well as Lao street food is always attractive to tourists. At Nong Khiaw, many tourists also give compliments for the food here, because of its good quality and much cheaper price than in Luang Prabang or Vang Vieng.
Many Nong Khiaw restaurants also accept food processing on request, however ordering your own food will make your waiting time longer.
Noymany is the ideal choice for your breakfast with banana crepe and French toast. A wonderful lunch is enjoyed besides the Mekong. Or you can change dishes, go to an Indian restaurant to try eating healthy, vegetarian dishes.
What to do in Nong Khiaw?
Enjoy panoramic views of Nong Khiaw from the top of the hill and the high mountain. You will conquer a hilly road to get to the top of the mountain, and the results is you can watch the complete Nong Khiaw, especially if you come early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you will catch the beautiful moment of Nong Khiaw in misty morning or dreamy gold afternoon.
Explore Patok Cave, a truly impressive cave system that anyone should visit once. In addition to the magnificent majesty, the impressive path to Patok also makes visitors like it.
Nong Khiaw
Experience kayaking at Nong Khiaw Adventures. You will have a great excursion by kayaking on the river. Only 1-2 hours of experience, you'll get the stunning Nong Khiaw scenery reflecting under the Mekong.
Rent a motorbike or bicycle to visit the small towns and villages of Nong Khiaw, this is really an interesting experience for you to learn and close to the culture and people of Laos. You can even stop to visit small farms, swimming pools or community gardens for sightseeing and relaxation.
Used to be a remote village of the country, thanks to a number of tour operators opening the tour offices in Nong Khiaw in recent years, this town suddenly becomes a tourist phenomenon in the country. The travel agencies have operated a number of activities here such as trips, hikes, river tours, bamboo raft workshop, village stay.