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Nong Khiaw

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City
—°5
Nong Khiaw (Laos)
ℹ️

Practical info — Nong Khiaw

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Climb the Phou Pha Daeng viewpoint before dawn; don't forget to bring a headlamp.
  • Pack plenty of mosquito repellent, especially for river trips and jungle treks.
  • A boat trip to Muang Ngoi is highly recommended; check the departure schedule directly at the pier.
  • ATMs are available now, but always keep small bills handy for minor purchases in the village.

🍽 Food

🍽
Mok Pa

Fish steamed in banana leaves with herbs, often served in the riverside restaurants.

🍽
Sticky rice with bamboo shoots

A simple but delicious local side dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats.

🍽
Beerlao by the river

Enjoy the local beer at sunset in one of the small bars overlooking the Nam Ou river.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Handwoven Textiles

Find beautiful scarves and fabrics in the small shops lining the main road.

🛍
Local Honey

Occasionally, villagers sell fresh, wild honey in recycled bottles.

🧘
Nam Ou river banks

Especially the eastern side of the river provides quiet spots to admire the karst cliffs.

🧘
Pha Tok Cave

A historic and serene spot, just a short walk or bike ride from the town.

Nong Khiaw, sometimes spelled Nong Khiao, is a small town in Nong Khiaw District of Luang Prabang Province in northern Laos. It sits dramatically on the Nam Ou River, an important tributary of the Mekong, which has carved a green gorge between sheer limestone cliffs. Local landmarks include the old and new bridges across the river, viewpoints such as Pha Daeng and the so-called Hundred Waterfalls trekking trail on the surrounding mountains. From the small boat landing, regular long-tail boats run upstream to Muang Ngoi Neua, an even quieter village without road access. The area was contested during the civil war and the nearby Pha Tok caves sheltered civilians and fighters from heavy American bombing campaigns that left scars throughout the river valley.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C182124262726252525242118
Rain mm1672862109124210211105512512

Geography

Population
2,045 (2026)
Coordinates
20.56670, 102.61670

Facts

  • Picturesque town situated on both banks of the Nam Ou River in northern Laos.
  • Surrounded by incredibly steep and dramatic limestone karst rock formations.
  • The high concrete Nong Khiaw bridge visually connects the two sides of the town.
  • A highly popular destination for outdoor activities like rock climbing and trekking.
  • Features several accessible caves, notably the Pha Tok cave used during wartime.
  • Riverboat travel along the Nam Ou remains a major mode of regional transport.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Muang NgoiMuang Ngoi7 km · NWExplore →
Nam Ou River CascadeNam Ou River Cascade17 km · SWExplore →
Phou Khoun PassPhou Khoun Pass34 km · SEExplore →
Phou Den DinPhou Den Din40 km · WExplore →
Vang ViengVang Vieng44 km · SEExplore →
Vang Vieng Organic FarmVang Vieng Organic Farm44 km · SEExplore →
Elephant Village SanctuaryElephant Village Sanctuary45 km · SExplore →
Phu Bia Copper MinePhu Bia Copper Mine46 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Nong Khiaw (5)

Ban Manda🏛 museum

A museum showcasing traditional Lao village life in Khiaw.

Endpoint: Hike to Nang None Mountain View🌿 nature

The endpoint of a hike offering views of Nang None Mountain near Khiaw.

Sleeping Lady View Point 2🌿 nature

Sleeping Lady View Point 2 has scenic elevated views in Nong Khiaw.

Nang None Mountain View 1🌿 nature

Nang None Mountain View 1 is a natural observation point situated in Nong Khiaw.

Phamery viewpoint hike start📍 landmark

Phamery viewpoint hike start marks the beginning of a popular scenic trail in Nong Khiaw.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous view in Nong Khiaw?
The Nong Khiaw Viewpoint gives a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the river and mountains.
Can you visit caves nearby?
The Pha Tok caves served as shelter during the war and are easily accessible.
Are there boat trips on the Nam Ou?
Yes, boat trips to the remote village of Muang Ngoy are a very popular activity.
How long is the journey from Luang Prabang?
By minibus, the road journey takes about 3 to 4 hours.
Is Nong Khiaw family-friendly?
Yes, the relaxed atmosphere and nature activities are great for adventurous families.
Nong Khiaw: where is it located?
Nong Khiaw is located in Laos.
Nong Khiaw: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ban Manda, Endpoint: Hike to Nang None Mountain View, Sleeping Lady View Point 2.
Nong Khiaw: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Nov.
Nong Khiaw: why is it worth visiting?
Nong Khiaw, sometimes spelled Nong Khiao, is a small town in Nong Khiaw District of Luang Prabang Province in northern Laos.
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Nearby cities

Luang Prabang — Nong Khiaw (Laos)
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a historic city in northern Laos.
Muang Ngoi — Nong Khiaw (Laos)
Muang Ngoi
Muang Ngoi is a picturesque riverside village surrounded by towering karst peaks, offering a tranquil escape along the Nam Ou River.

History & landmarks

Pak Ou Caves — Nong Khiaw (Laos)
Pak Ou Caves
Sacred caves along the Mekong where thousands of small and large Buddha statues have been left by pilgrims.
Wat Xieng Thong — Nong Khiaw (Laos)
Wat Xieng Thong
One of the most historically significant Buddhist temples in Luang Prabang, famous for its sweeping roof and rich decorations.
Wat Visounnarath — Nong Khiaw (Laos)
Wat Visounnarath
One of the oldest temples in Luang Prabang, known for its unique watermelon-shaped stupa.
Mount Phousi — Nong Khiaw (Laos)
Mount Phousi
A 100-meter high hill in the center of Luang Prabang offering religious shrines and a panoramic view of the city.
Royal Palace Museum — Nong Khiaw (Laos)
Royal Palace Museum
The former royal palace of Luang Prabang, blending Laotian and French Beaux-Arts architecture.
Wat Mai — Nong Khiaw (Laos)
Wat Mai
The largest and most richly decorated monastery in Luang Prabang, famous for its gilded reliefs on the front facade.

Nature

Nam Khan River — Nong Khiaw (Laos)
Nam Khan River
A major tributary of the Mekong River in northern Laos, which flows into the main river at the historical city of Luang Prabang.

More places

Phou Khoun Pass — Nong Khiaw (Laos)
Phou Khoun Pass
A strategic mountain pass connecting Luang Prabang and Vientiane provinces, often called the gateway to the north.
Elephant Village Sanctuary — Nong Khiaw (Laos)
Elephant Village Sanctuary
A peaceful sanctuary that rehabilitates former working elephants and gives them a life on the banks of the Nam Khan River.
Nam Ou Valley — Nong Khiaw (Laos)
Nam Ou Valley
The valley carved by the Nam Ou River, one of the most important rivers in Laos, known for its dramatic limestone karst landscapes.
Luang Prabang SEZ — Nong Khiaw (Laos)
Luang Prabang SEZ
An economic center under development, aiming to bring light manufacturing and services to the historic and tourism-focused province.
Wat Aham — Nong Khiaw (Laos)
Wat Aham
A small but important historical temple in Luang Prabang that was once the center of both animist and Buddhist worship.
Wat Visoun — Nong Khiaw (Laos)
Wat Visoun
The oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang, home to the unique watermelon-shaped stupa.
Royal Palace Museum — Nong Khiaw (Laos)
Royal Palace Museum
The former royal palace of Luang Prabang, which is now a museum detailing the history of the Laotian monarchy.
Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham — Nong Khiaw (Laos)
Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham
One of the largest and most richly decorated temples in Luang Prabang, famous for its golden bas-relief work on the facade.