Nong Khiaw

Introducing Nong Khiaw

Nong Khiaw is a sleepy market village with a humbling backdrop in northern Luang Prabang Province. It dozes on the west bank of the Nam Ou, which cuts a languid swathe between close mountains, soaring in a haphazard tumble of slate and green. Arriving at the town’s dry and dusty bus stop isn’t the best introduction and many travellers breeze through in favour of longer stays at Muang Ngoi Neua. But once you venture out, particularly if you cross the striking bridge to Ban Sop Houn, where the Nam Ou meets the Nam Houn, the surrounding scenery rears in dramatic form.

Locals sometimes refer to Nong Khiaw as Muang Ngoi (the name of the surrounding district). As a result many visitors confuse this Muang Ngoi with the Muang Ngoi Neua – a town found about an hour north of Nong Khiaw by boat.

In addition to Tham Pha Thok, there are other caves in the vicinity of Nong Khiaw, and also a few Hmong villages within easy trekking distance.

Nong Khiaw and Ban Sop Houn have electricity from 6pm to 10pm.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009