Nong Khiaw Travel Experience

#citypassguide #laos #nongkhiaw I spent 2 nights in Nong Khiaw. Accommodation is relatively expensive compared to other places in Laos, typically ranging between $10–12 per night. The town is mostly visited by people coming for trekking. There are popular 2- or 3-day trekking routes. I hiked to two different viewpoints myself. 😀 As of November 2024, the road to Nong Khiaw was in very poor condition. Although the journey should take around 4–5 hours, the numerous potholes make the minivan ride much slower. If you join a guided tour, everything is usually included: trekking, accommodation, meals, and transportation. On the first day, you hike to a viewpoint; on the second day, you stay in a village; and on the last day, you kayak along the river. I paid around $14 for a round trip to/from Nong Khiaw. Alternatively, you can rent a motorbike from Luang Prabang to explore the area on your own. Viewpoints: Nong Khiaw Viewpoint: One of the best places to watch the sunset. It’s also a popular camping spot. While I was there, a group was setting up their tents to camp overnight. Sleeping Lady Peak Viewpoint: The most challenging hike for me. I started at around 3 PM and it took me about 40 minutes to reach the top. This spot is often visited for sunrise hikes. There are also caves in the area, some containing leeches, so I decided to skip them. You can also go kayaking on the river. You can take a boat ride to Muang Ngoy, a nearby village about an hour away. Some of my friends stayed overnight there, and I recommend visiting if you have extra time. My suggestion: If you're comfortable riding a motorbike and can handle rough roads, renting a bike from Luang Prabang is a great way to explore Nong Khiaw. Besides viewpoints, there are also caves and museums worth visiting. Personally, I focused on hiking to viewpoints during my stay. #citypassguide