Hi, we are staying in Luang Prabang for a couple of days in December and our plan was going on boat-tour. Should we make a tip on the Mekong up to Houay Xai or on the Nam-Ou up to Muang Khoua? Which one is nicer… in terms of scenery, less touristic etc… what are the differences?
Thanks.
kurzschluss
1

stillwithus
Mekong is wide, deep, fast, and brown. It includes barge travel to tiny skiffs. It is the center of millions of people's lives.
Nam Ou is clear, narrow and only works for narrow boats - more like a "mountain river." Very few live along its beautiful course.
I'd take the Nam Ou a hundred times over the Mekong.
Pro tip
