The rustic riverside town Nong Khiaw

I. Introduction

Nong Khiaw is a rustic village in Luang Prabang province, northern Laos. It is located on the Nam Ou River with narrow footpaths winding through the jungle and climbing steep limestone cliffs for sweeping views. This is a great spot to visit if you enjoy hiking or if you just want to explore the rural regions of Laos.
The tourism activities here are extremely diverse, mainly to explore the nature of Laos. Here you will have a very interesting experience, especially conquering Viewpoint Nong Khiaw to see a beautiful Laos never before.

II. Best time to visit

Due to located in the mountainous area of North Laos which is much cooler than the south, the temperature of Nong Khiaw is cool around the year. In case you prefer traveling during warmer months of the year, then come from November to May is its dry season. November to March seems to be the best ideal with the cool and comfortable atmosphere.
April to June is the hottest time, however, the climate is not too bad and it is considered a suitable plan to visit and explore Nong Khiaw.
The rainy season (May to November) may be the less suitable to visit any places included Nong Khaiw as this time is wet, especially a trip to the mountainous area on a rainy day is not encouraged.

III. Things to see and do

1. Travel to local villages
One of the great joys of Nong Khiaw Lao tourism is that you can spend time in the town, or explore the surrounding countryside. One of the best things to do here is rent a bike or sign up for a tour that will take you to some of the local villages on the outskirts of town, inhabited by local minorities. Hmong and Khmu. Here, you can see the ways of living and working of locals and many villages selling traditional handicrafts or hosting experiences like cooking classes.

2. Try local dishes
Laos is not as famous in the world for its cuisine as other countries in Southeast Asia like Thailand, which is a shame because the country has so many local delicacies. Another interesting thing about Nong Khiaw Lao tourism does not miss these dishes when coming to this region, and Lao national dishes are called laap or laab.
This dish is made from meat shredded into a salad and then served with herbs, peppers, and spices, or often served with local sticky rice. In Nong Khiaw there is a small local community of Indians. One of the best restaurants in town is called Deen and is known for its great Indian flatbread cooked in traditional style in a wooden oven. You can also enjoy delicious curries and this will be a great spot if you are looking for a hearty breakfast at Nong Khiaw.

nong khaiw

3. Climb to the Viewpoint
A steep and challenging climb on the east side of the town takes you up to a stunning viewpoint. To avoid the heat, you should start in the early morning.
This is the best thing about coming to Nong Khiaw is also the experience where you can hold the full beauty of Laos in your hands. You will see a panoramic view of this land from the top of a hill or a high mountain. You can choose a coordinate that you think can be conquered quickly and see better. Most of the mountains here have very clear views.
To conquer the beauty of Nong Khiaw you have to go through a quite long trekking. Standing from this position, the first eye stop is the winding Mekong River below, the houses are reflected underwater like a picture of art.

4. Kayaking in Nong Khiaw
Sailing on the Mekong River will probably be the most memorable experience every time you come to Laos. You will have 2 hours to feel the beauty here. Looking at the two sides of the river are close-knit houses, you will see the river life and have a clearer view of your neighbor. Looking up are majestic mountains, rivers cut mountains, river-like bags are adjacent to each other like that. Looking down at the river is an entire Nong Khiaw, reflected in a vivid way.

5. Visit Pha Tok Cave (Tham Pha Thok)
The place can be found about 2 kilometers outside of town and the cave is part of the stunning limestone rocks that Nong Khiaw province is famous for. These caves are also very important historically as it is believed to be the refuge of Pathet Laos during the Second Indochina War. Going to the caves on your own is an experience as you will have to walk through emerald-green rice fields as well as through dense forests. To get to the mouths of the caves, remember that you will need to climb a steep staircase. You will need to bring your torch or rent one to discover the caves.

IV. How to get here

1. By car
Reaching Nong Khiaw by private car is one of the best ways to discover this rustic lovely town. The transfer takes about 3.5 hours between Luang Prabang and Nong Khiaw. The scenery along the way is stunning, lush green, and looks appealing.
2. By boat
In case you have a big group of people or you do not care about the price, you can charter a boat to take you to the hydroelectric dam. From there, you will have to take another boat to reach Nong Khiaw.