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Village in Laos
Photo: Ekrem Canli, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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.
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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.
This is a small village 2km south of Nong Khiaw. It has a mini "Secret War" Museum, a Cave, and a nice little restaurant.
Probably the most well-known viewpoint in the area. The 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.
There are two viewpoints. North side of the river. Climbing takes around 1.5 hours. Quite a tough climb. Recommended for experienced trekker.
The climb takes a little more than 30 mins. Probably the easiest hiking trail in the area.
The ticket covers two viewpoints, with Pha Noi being the easier one, about 35 minutes to climb, and Pha Kao the harder trail, takes around 2 hours to climb.
The climb should take about 2 hours.
Peak height of 1088m. Climb time 2 hr. A challenging hiking trail.
Long time favourite with tourists. Cheap cozy place with delicious Laos and Western food. Fantastic and friendly hostess.
Offers fine views from its riverside terrace. Free Wi-Fi. Lao coffee here is particularly good.
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.
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 quite hungry. Wi-Fi.
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. Also a nice meetingplace in the evening. It also has some dorm beds upstairs.
Very good Lao, Asian and Western food. Beautiful view over the river. Prices a little higher than other restaurants nearby.
Reasonable prices for the food, and river view.
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).
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.
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.
Cheap guesthouse. Free Wi-Fi. 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 (5 rooms upstairs, 10 rooms 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.
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.
It is run by the creator of the 100 waterfalls trek and he speaks English very well. Wonderful river views from this guesthouse.
Bungalow with private bath, clean, mosquito nets, cold water showers, no Wi-Fi.
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.
Food quality varies depending on who is making it. 100,000 kip for bungalows with private bath in low season.
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.
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.
Good exchange rates. Traveller's cheques accepted and an ATM. There are two BCEL ATMs, one on the bank branch on the West side of the bridge, and one more on the East end of the bridge, near the Riverside Resort intersection. An easy way to get cash up before going to Muang Ngoi.
By bus
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.
By boat
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.
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.
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