Laos · Beyond Luang Prabang
Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoy from Luang Prabang
Mountains, the Nam Ou river, villages reached by boat: how to get to Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoy, how long to stay, and what to do.
Nong Khiaw
2 to 4 days
Muang Ngoy
2 to 3 days
The river
The Nam Ou
For whom
Nature lovers
North of Luang Prabang, the Nam Ou river winds between tall limestone mountains. That is where you find Nong Khiaw and, a little further up, Muang Ngoy, a village reached mainly by boat. It is also where NK Seeds was born. Here is how to get there, and what to do.
Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoy
North of Luang Prabang · on the Nam Ou · Muang Ngoy by boat
You reach Nong Khiaw by road from Luang Prabang. From there, a boat goes up the Nam Ou to Muang Ngoy, where there is almost no traffic. People come here to slow down.
“Muang Ngoy is still one of my favourite places in the country. There, you forget the time a little, you slow down, you just enjoy the landscape, the river and the silence.”
Things to do in Nong Khiaw
- The viewpoint: climb early for sunrise above the mist
- The Nam Ou: by boat or kayak
- Pha Tok caves: shelters during the war
- Pace: 2 to 4 days to enjoy it
01
In Muang Ngoy
Arriving
By boat from Nong Khiaw, up the Nam Ou.
Walking
To nearby villages, among rice fields, buffaloes and mountains.
Caves
They were used as shelters during the war.
Ban Na and Huay Bo
Two villages best seen from July to October, when the rice fields are bright green.
Slowing down
A hammock, the river: don't come with a packed schedule.
Do
- Climb the viewpoint before sunrise
- Stay at least two nights in Muang Ngoy
- Carry kip in cash
Avoid
- Doing a day trip from Luang Prabang
- Arriving with a packed schedule
- Leaving the trails without a guide
Start in Luang Prabang
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang temples and Mount Phousi
A day in the old town with your guide, in French, English, Chinese or Thai: the day market, the Royal Palace, Wat Xieng Thong and Wat May, then Mount Phousi, by private tuk-tuk.
From 65 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Mekong cruise and Pak Ou caves
The town in the morning, then about two hours by private boat on the Mekong to the Pak Ou cave and a village where rice spirit is distilled.
From 78 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Kuang Si waterfall and Hmong village
About an hour's drive to the Kuang Si waterfall, a stop in a Hmong village and at the buffalo farm, then the Ock Pop Tok textile workshop before returning to your hotel.
From 72 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Street food at the night market
A street food evening guided by our students in training: they learn French with NK Seeds and introduce you to Lao food among the stalls of Luang Prabang.
From 30 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Sindad evening, the Lao barbecue
An evening around the sindad, the Lao barbecue you share, with our students in training: they learn French with NK Seeds and introduce you to the meal Lao people love to share with friends.
From 30 € / person
See the tour
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw?
By road, by minivan or bus.
How do I get to Muang Ngoy?
By boat from Nong Khiaw, on the Nam Ou. The village is reached mainly by river.
How many days in Nong Khiaw?
Two to four days, plus two or three days in Muang Ngoy.
What is the best season?
The dry season for clear skies; July to October for bright green rice fields.
A question about northern Laos?
Write to us: we answer you ourselves, from Luang Prabang. Please book at least one week in advance.
Ask a question