Nong Khiaw
Nong Khiaw is a very peaceful, sleepy town nestled between two magnificent mountains and lying on the bank of the Nam Ou River. This place is perfectly suited for travelers who love wildlife adventures: climbing to Pha Deang Peak, cycling to local villages, exploring Ta Mok waterfall,… Escaping the noisy cities, you will find your blissful soul while living with the loving local people. Let’s explore Nong Khiaw with Lua Viet Tours!
Overview of Nong Khiaw
Nong Khiaw, a picturesque town nestled in Northern Laos, is approximately 80 miles north of Luang Prabang in Luang Prabang Province. The scenic Nam Ou River meanders through the town, while towering limestone peaks create a breathtaking backdrop, making Nong Khiaw an ideal destination for adventure seekers and those seeking a tranquil escape.
Nong Khiaw appears like a beautiful natural painting. (Image Source: Internet)
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Top Things to Do in Nong Khiaw
Blessed with diverse nature and landscapes, this is truly a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Below are the top 6 things to do in Nong Khiaw.
1. Explore the Pha Tok Caves
One of the best things to do in Nong Khiaw Laos is exploring the Pha Tok Caves – the main tourist attraction. This can be found about 2 km outside of town and the caves are part of the beautiful limestone formations that Nong Khiaw province is famous for.
Pha Tok Caves are the must-see attractions in Nong Khiaw. (Image Source: Internet)
These caves are also historically important. Getting to the caves is an experience in itself as you will have to walk through emerald green rice fields as well as through dense forests. To reach the mouth of the caves, keep in mind that you will need to climb a steep flight of stairs.
2. Visit Pha Kuang Cave
Pha Kuang Cave is located about 3 km from the center of Nong Khiaw village and is one of the most interesting caves in the area as the inner chamber extends for about 300 meters.
The entrance to the Pha Kuang Cave is quite narrow.(Image Source: Internet)
One thing to note is that the entrance to the cave is quite narrow, as are some parts of the route inside, so you need to be prepared to squeeze through some holes in the cave to get the full experience. However, it is worth exploring, as the inside of the chamber is covered with stalactites and stalagmites as well as shimmering rock crystals.
3. Climbing Phadeng Peak
One of the reasons why people are so keen on Nong Khiaw is the opportunity to climb Phadeng Peak. Keep in mind that it takes about an hour and a half to hike to the top and the route can be quite steep.
Climbing Phadeng Peak is a must for adventure seekers. (Image Source: Internet)
However, once you reach the top, you can enjoy stunning views of the countryside surrounding Nong Khiaw and you can even catch the sunrise over the summit if you get there early enough.
Another highlight of the trek to the top is the trek back down, where you will take a different route that offers views of the Nam Ou River with its secluded riverbanks.
4. Kayaking through Nam Ou River
The Nam Ou River passes through the center of Nong Khiaw. The town is divided and connected by the river and the bridge that spans it. The river flows from east to west, connecting the town to several local attractions as well as towns and cities farther away. Renting a kayak at Nong Khiaw to enjoy the river, kayaking to Pha Kuang Cave or north upstream to the riverside towns and watching the sunset is a wonderful experience.
Feel the vastness of nature while kayaking at Nam Ou River. (Image Source: Internet)
5. Walking around the town
One of the best things to do in Nong Khiaw is to spend some time in the town and explore on foot or by bike. In the town centre you will find a series of small but ornate temples that are well worth a visit and are colourfully decorated.
Take a walk and feel the rhythm of local life in the town. (Image Source: Internet)
Another favourite activity is to follow the Nam Ou River and walk along the banks to see the local sights. There are a few tours in Nong Khiaw that will take you to some of the town’s attractions but you can also go it alone as the town centre is relatively small.
6. Trying local food
Although Laos is not as world famous for its cuisine as other countries in the Southeast Asian region such as Thailand, in fact, the country has so many delicious local dishes. Another interesting thing about Nong Khiaw Laos travel is not to miss these dishes when visiting this region, and the national dish of Laos is called laap or laab.
Lao minced beef salad with fish sauce, lime juice, roasted ground rice and fresh herbs. (Image Source: Internet)
This dish is made from meat that is chopped into a salad and then served with herbs, chillies and spices, or often served with local sticky rice.
Tips for Visiting Nong Khiaw
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season, from November to February, is the best time to visit Nong Khiaw, as the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its most beautiful.
- Packing Essentials: Bring comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Currency: The Lao Kip is the official currency of Laos.
- Bargaining: Bargaining is common in Laos, so don’t be afraid to haggle for a better price, especially at markets and street vendors.
Although less well-known compared to other famous destinations, Nong Khiaw offers a truly exciting and wild experience. With its abundant nature and picturesque landscapes, Nong Khiaw will leave an unforgettable impression on visitors, especially those who love nature or adventure.
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