My decision for hiking in Nong Khiaw was easy. I constantly look for opportunities to hike to enjoy mother nature and check out cities from a high viewpoint.
But, where are the hiking trails in Nong Khiaw that get you the best view?
In this guide, I will share my experience hiking in Nong Khiaw.
DISCLOSURE
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360° view of Nong Khiaw from Phar Khew Lom
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Where to hike in Nong Khiaw?
There are 4 hiking trails, each with its challenges.
Which is the best viewpoint and hiking trail in Nong Khiaw?
If you are short on time and can only do one hike in Nong Khiaw, I recommend going for Som Nang Viewpoint (#1).
View from Som Nang Viewpoint when the clouds have not cleared up yet! Photo by Som Nang NongKhiew View Point
If you have an extra day, go for Phar Khew Lom’s 2D1N hike. This may sound challenging, but you will be amazed at yourself for going for it!
The entrance to this viewpoint is located just after crossing the bridge. It is easily accessible and is an easy hike to the viewpoint.
The hiking trail is well-marked. Viewing platforms with benches are well-maintained at the halfway point and the top of the hiking trail. The view at the top gets you a brilliant view of Nong Khiaw town and Nam Ou River.
Entrance location: navigate here. This is an approximate location to the entrance of the viewpoint.
Entrance fee: 40,000 kips (USD 1.80)
Hiking duration: 20 to 30 minutes/way
My recommendation: The viewpoint is located opposite the river where the sunset is. I’d recommend you plan to hike just before sunset to enjoy the great view. Bring some snacks to enjoy while you wait.
Entrance of Som Nang Viewpoint. Photo by Deborah Crpr
The entrance to this viewpoint is located on the main road 1C, near Hive Bar. The hiking trail is more challenging than Som Nang Viewpoint, involving scrambling and climbing over some boulders.
View of Nong Khiaw from Noth side of town. Photo by Lisa Feeser
This viewpoint is located just slightly behind the town. Hence, you will be able to have a full view of Nong Khiaw town. If you hike in the wee hours in the morning for sunrise or late in the evening for sunset, this gets you the best Instagrammable shot of Nong Khiaw town.
One word of caution, if you are not very familiar with hiking, I’d not recommend checking out this hiking trail for sunrise or sunset. There is a risk that you may injure yourself as you are unable to put your footings well or good view of the hiking trail. Opt for #1.
Entrance location: navigate here
Entrance fee: 20,000 kips (USD 0.90)
Hiking duration: 1.5 hours/way
Hiking trail at Sleeping Lady Peak Viewpoint. Highly recommend for you to bring a torch when hiking in the dark. Photo by Den
The entrance to this viewpoint is located after passing Home Cafe on your left. The trails are well-marked and remember to stay on the path! Based on local villagers’ experience, there are still some unexploded bombs along this hiking path.
View from Pha Daeng Peak. Photo by Sam Townson
Entrance location: navigate here
Entrance fee: 40,000 kips (USD 1.80)
Hiking duration: 1 to 1.5 hours/way
Ticket counter at Pha Daeng Peak. Photo by Thai bin Thai
The entrance is located a 10 to 15-minute drive from Nong Khiaw town. Just after the entrance, you will cross a bamboo bridge to get to the starting point.
A river crossing at the start of the trail
Along the hiking trail, there are 3 rest stops for you to rest and grab a drink. At the viewpoint, there is a platform that gives you a nice 360° view of Nong Khiaw town.
I went with a group of friends on a 2D1N tour. We put a night at the peak and the experience was amazing! The wind started getting stronger as night drew closer. Sleeping bags were provided to keep us warm.
View from the peak just before the sunsets
On the day of my hike, it was cloudy, so we could not see the sunset. However, the sky was very clear and we were able to see the stars and shooting stars in the night sky.
In the morning, a sea of clouds was seen from the platform. The rooster’s crow woke us up in time for the sunrise. We enjoyed the view from the top for a little longer before we started our descent.
I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I greatly recommend doing this tour. The tour costs USD 30, including dinner, breakfast, water, sleeping bags, hiking guides and a memorable experience.
My guide enjoying his food before the sunsets
Entrance location: navigate here. This is an approximate location for the entrance.
Tour fee: 655,000 kips (USD 30)
Hiking duration: 2.5 to 3 hours/way
Ticket booth to purchase tickets
Is a hiking guide needed for hiking in Nong Khiaw?
After hiking various hiking trails, hiking trails in Nong Khiaw are clear. A hiking guide is not required to hike in Nong Khiaw.
You may then ask, why did I go for a tour when hiking Phar Khew Lom?
I wanted to experience a night at the highest peak in Nong Khiaw. My friends and I did not have any sleeping bags with us. Hence, we opted for a tour.
Enjoying our dinner after the hike at the highest viewing platform in Nong Khiaw
What to bring for hiking in Nong Khiaw
The list is not extensive, but highlights some of the important things to bring:
- A windbreaker / windproof jacket. Do not bring a winter jacket as you will get warm during the hike
- Torchlight. Do not depend on your phone as your phone may fail you and the light is not bright enough to see ahead.
- Water. To keep you hydrated.
- Snacks. To avoid getting hungry and give you energy.
- Cash. to purchase food right after you arrive at the starting point.
Hiking trail to the highest peak in Nong Khiaw. Hence, I’ll emphasize the importance of having a torch and the right gear
How to get to Nong Khiaw for hiking
Nong Khiaw is located 140km Northeast of Luang Prabang. Minivans are available and can be booked at any ticket counter in Luang Prabang.
There are 3 minivans every day: 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM. The journey takes approximately 4 hours as the minivan drivers will have to slow down at some part of the journey due to the poor road conditions.
I’d recommend getting the earliest minivan as you will arrive before sunset. This gives you ample time to find a guesthouse for the night.
Dusty roads en route to Nong Khiaw
The best time for hiking in Nong Khiaw
November to February are dry season in Laos and is the preferred time to visit. Hence, the path is dry and the risk of slipping and the hiking trails getting muddy is less.
I recommend hiking during the day as the hiking trails are slightly sheltered from direct sunlight. If you have some hiking experience and have proper equipment, go for a sunset or sunrise hike.
Dry hiking path through the banana trees as it was the dry season in November
What to eat before hiking in Nong Khiaw?
Many restaurants are serving local Laotian and Western food at reasonable prices. The majority of the restaurants take only cash.
As you will be hiking, avoid overeating before the hike, thinking that you will need the energy. Overeating may cause some discomfort halfway through the hike.
Restaurants that I recommend are for local Laotian food:
A great local restaurant that serves great Laotian food. I had a bowl of laksa soup and it tasted amazing. It is a bowl of rice noodles served with coconut milk curry broth and fresh herbs.
I was tempted to order a pork laap and a bowl of steamed rice after seeing a couple on the next table having it. However, changed my mind as I did not want to overeat before hiking in Nong Khiaw.
Price: 50,000 to 100,000 kips (USD 2.30 to USD 4.60)
Curry laksa at Ping Moo Restaurant
The restaurant has a simple menu, but the staff is friendly and helpful. You may be afraid to enter the restaurant based on the restaurant’s aesthetics, but the food will wow you and leave you coming back for more on the next day.
Laotian curries were great and had a great mix of Lao and Thai spices.
Price: 30,000 to 80,000 kips (USD 1.40 to USD 3.70)
Feel like treating yourself to a good meal after hiking in Nong Khiaw?
This restaurant has the best view of the Nam Ou River at sunset. Although menu prices are slightly pricier compared to the other restaurants in Nong Khiaw, the river view makes up for it.
Mok Pa served wrapped in banana leaves before I started digging in
I enjoyed a Mok Pa served with steamed sticky rice. Mok Pa is a traditional Laotian dish of steamed fish seasoned with local herbs and wrapped in a banana leaf.
Price range: 100,000 – 200,000 kips (USD 4.60 to USD 9.20)
Best view of Nam Ou River
How long to stay for hiking in Nong Khiaw?
Stay for at least 2 nights in Nong Khiaw. This will give you some time to explore the small town and check out the various interesting experiences, followed by enjoying the experiences.
To enjoy Nong Khiaw from different viewpoints, stay in Nong Khiaw for at least 4 nights to incorporate sufficient rest time after each hike in Nong Khiaw.
Nong Khiaw town
Other activities apart from hiking in Nong Khiaw
So, you may ask if there is anything else apart from hiking in Nong Khiaw, here are my 2 other recommendations to you.
- Explore Muang Ngoy village
Muang Ngoy is a small village located an hour’s boat ride north of Nong Khiaw. It offers a calming and peaceful retreat after hiking in Nong Khiaw. I’ll recommend spending a night at one of the guesthouses to fully enjoy the ambience.
Public boat tickets are available for sale at Nong Khiaw pier at 70,000 kips (USD 3.20). There is one boat daily.
Alternatively, if you are looking to explore Muang Ngoy but are short of time, sign up for one of the tours at Nong Khiaw town. The tour will take you on a private boat to Muang Ngoy early in the morning and take you back to Nong Khiaw town in the evening. The tour costs 655,000 kips (USD 30) per person.
Nong Khiaw town as we head towards Muang Ngoy village
- Kayak to Luang Prabang
Now, this sounds only like what a real adventurer would do! I was tempted to go for this 3-day 2-night tour to head back to Luang Prabang.
However, I ran out of time. So, I had to get the 4-hour minivan back to Luang Prabang.
As I spoke to the tour operators, the kayak journey along the Nam Ou and Mekong River will not be as challenging. You will be kayaking downstream, along the direction of the current and tour operators will transport your big backpacks overland.
Nam Ou River at sunset
Where to stay in Nong Khiaw?
Although platforms like Booking.com and Agoda list some properties in Nong Khiaw, most accommodations tend to be slightly expensive for a backpacker’s budget. In Nong Khiaw, there are fewer options for hostels.
Budget-friendly guesthouses are plentiful! However, they are not listed online as this will incur an additional cost for property owners.
Arriving in Nong Khiaw at 1 PM, my friends and I secured a 3-person private room at Namthip Guesthouse for 150,000 kip (USD 6.90).
Thus, for a budget-friendly trip to Nong Khiaw, book the earliest minivan service to Nong Khiaw to get the most available options for the night at local guesthouses.
A private room for my two friends and I
Conclusion
There you have it: the best guide for hiking in Nong Khiaw.
I’ve shared my best budget-friendly tips for hiking in Nong Khiaw which you can easily follow through without further research.
If there are any other questions, drop me a message on Instagram and I’ll be happy to help you out!
The best conversations at Nong Khiaw’s highest peak