Nong Khiaw, Laos: travel guide
Riverside village under limestone peaks on the Nam Ou
A Nam Ou river town under limestone karsts in Luang Prabang province. Base for viewpoint hikes, caves used as wartime shelters, and boat trips upriver to Muang Ngoi.
About Nong Khiaw
Nong Khiaw is a small riverside village on the Nam Ou in Luang Prabang province, hemmed in by steep limestone peaks. A bridge crosses the river, and cafes and guesthouses along the bank look out over the water.
The Phadeng Peak and Nang None viewpoints reward a steep climb with sweeping views, while Pha Tok cave was used as a shelter during the wartime years. Boats upriver reach Muang Ngoi, a car-free village, and the Nam Ou makes for gentle kayaking.
Nong Khiaw suits hikers and slow travellers who enjoy quiet scenery. The cooler months from November to February are the best time to visit, with clear mornings and comfortable walking.
- Country
- Laos
- Currency
- LAK
- Time zone
- Asia/Bangkok
Last updated
Top places to visit in Nong Khiaw
Phadeng Peak Viewpoint
Viewpoint · 4.8 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Pha Tok Cave
Nature · 3.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Sleeping Lady View Point 2
Viewpoint · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Pha Kuang Cave
Nature · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Yensabai Organic Farm
Cultural · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Ban Manda
Museum · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Nang None Mountain View 1
Viewpoint · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Tad Mook
Waterfall · 4.7 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
100 water falls
Waterfall · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Sop Houn Temple
Temple · 5.0 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Had Sao Waterfall
Waterfall · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Where to stay in Nong Khiaw
Hotels
- Mandala Ou USD 28 to USD 55 per night
- The River Huts USD 28 to USD 55 per night
- Phayboune Guesthouse USD 28 to USD 55 per night
Where to eat
- Keochampar Asian
- Chennai Restaurant Indian
- Pasta e Pizza Italian
- Mini Local Food Restaurant
- Kuuma Coffee Cafe
- Mackara Restaurant
- Petro's Bungalows & Hostel
- Ma Ma Alex Restaurant
Getting to Nong Khiaw
Nearest airport: Luang Prabang (LPQ), about 88 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Walking
Best time to visit Nong Khiaw
- Jan 25°C
- Feb 28°C
- Mar 32°C
- Apr 33°C
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct 28°C
- Nov 26°C
- Dec 24°C
More in Laos
Frequently asked questions about Nong Khiaw
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Nong Khiaw?
- The highest-rated places in our Nong Khiaw guide are Sop Houn Temple, Phadeng Peak Viewpoint, Sleeping Lady View Point 2, Yensabai Organic Farm, Tad Mook.
- How do I get around Nong Khiaw?
- Ways to get around Nong Khiaw covered in our guide: Walking.
- What is the weather like in Nong Khiaw?
- Average daytime highs in Nong Khiaw run from 24°C in Dec to 33°C in Apr.