Pha Deng Viewpoint, Nong Khiaw
Pha Deng Viewpoint, Nong Khiaw
Photo by : Danou
农乔 Nong Khiaw

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农栲 Nong Khiaw

If you're looking for a throwback to the laid-back and unhurried Laos, this is your answer.

Nong Khiaw is a beautiful rustic little town on the bank of the Ou River, nestled in the Luang Prabang Province of Northern Laos. Tour boats and kayaks frequently traverse the river. Nearby, narrow footpaths wind through the jungle and ascend steep limestone cliffs for expansive views. Tham Pha Thok is a series of limestone caves that served as a shelter during the Second Indochina War. Small villages dot the nearby forested mountains and rice fields.

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Brief History

Behind the beautiful towns of Nong Kiau and its peaceful lives, lies a painful history. Nong Kiau suffered the most from the secret war, especially from Operation Menu which started in 1964 and ended in 1973. During this operation, the Americans bombed Laos intensely, especially in Northern Laos in an attempt to destroy the Viet Cong’s supply route. With nearly one-third of the two million tons of explosives left unexploded in Laos, it is dangerous to explore Nong Kiau without a guide. Till this days, the villagers and foreigners still suffers from the consequences of the war due to the activation of the unexploded bombs.

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Overall Weather

Nong Khiaw has three seasons:

- Cold-dry (November to February). During this time, the average temperature is around 23C and increases toward the end of the cold-dry season. The temperature may drop as low as 14C and soar as high as 31C. Do take note that temperature rapidly decreases after sunset, so do bring along warm clothing to wear. This period is also the best time to visit Nong Khiaw due to its comfortable weather.

- Hot-dry (March to April). During this period, the average temperature is around 30.5C. The temperature may soar as high as 36C especially in the month of April and drop as low as 17C. This makes it the perfect weather to get a refreshing dip in its beautiful waterfalls as you embark on the 100 waterfalls trek.

- Rainy Season (May to October). During this season, the average temperature is around 27C. The temperature may soar as high as 35C during the beginning of the season but cools down as it approaches the cold-dry season. The temperature may also drop as low as 16C. Rain is expected throughout the season and is the heaviest in July and August. It is advisable to bring along an umbrella and be extra careful during trekking as paths may be muddy and slippery.

 

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Public Bus details in Nong Khiaw

Transportation from other Provinces to Nong Khiaw

Departure

Destination

Kind of Bus

Distance

Departure Time

price*

Remark

Luang Prabang

Nong Khiaw

Local bus

152 Km

09:00am

11:00am

12:00am

40,000 Kip

 

minivan

08:30am

10:30am

13:00am

50,000 Kip

Muang Hiem (Viengthong)

Bus

 

12:30-13:30

130,000 Kip

Drops you at the Nong Kiaow Bridge, need to purchase another bus ticket to go Nong Kiaow. Tickets can be purchased at tour companies at the bridge

Sam Neua

Bus

 

17:00-18:30

160,000 Kip

Luang Nam Tha

Bus

 

11:00am

100,000 Kip

May not be available

Udomxai

Bus

 

11:00am

50,000 Kip

 

 

Transportation from Nong Khiaw to other Provinces

Departure

Destination

Kind of Bus

Distance

Departure Time

price*

Remark

Nong Khiaw

Luang Prabang

Bus

353 Km

09:00am

11:00am

40,000 Kip

Daily

Luang Prabang

Non Aircon Minivans

 

08:30am

10:00am

11:00am

37,000 Kip

 

Aircon Minivans

 

13:30pm

50,000 Kip

 

Private Minivans

 

 

500,000 Kip

 

Udomxay

Buses

 

09:00am

11:00am

45,000 Kip

 

 

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Boat in Nong Khiaw

Boat Timetable (Subject to change)

Departure

Destination

Boat 

Departure Time

Arrival Time

Price*

Nong Khiaw

Muang Ngoi

Shared

 

10:30am

14:30pm

11:30am

15:30pm

25,000 Kip

Private

10:30am

14:30pm

11:30am

15:30pm

500,000 Kip

Muang Khua

Shared

10:30am

16:30-17:30pm

150,000 Kip

Private

10:30am

16:30-17:30pm

1,500,000 Kip

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Getting Around in Nong Khiaw

Getting around

Although Nong Khiaw is a small town and is easily accessible by walking. Bicycles and motorbikes can also be used to get around the province and can be rented at most guesthouses. Renting a motorbike is advisable if you would like to visit the outskirts of the main center of town.