Nong Khiaw is the ideal place for you to relax or be active...

There are several exciting local attractions nearby which can be reached independently on foot or with our free guest bicycles. Alternatively there are several fascinating half day or full day guided trips around Nong Khiaw that require a qualified tour guide and are booked at the travel agencies in the village centre. Here are a few activities that we can recommend:

Independent Half Day Trips (No Tour Guide Necessary)

• Patok Cave: Head towards the centre, cross the big bridge and follow the main road another 2.5 km out of the village (30mins by bicycle / 60mins by foot).  A large wooden sign on your right announces the famous 'Patok Cave', entrance fee is 15,000 Kip per person (includes free torch) cross the small Nam Houn river over a bamboo bridge and follow the path 300m through the rice paddies. In front of you are the cement steps & railing leading into the cave entrance 50m high off the ground. Used as a head quarters by the Pathet Lao communist command during the War, as well as a shelter for villagers during American bombing runs, the cave has an impressive cathedral dome on two levels, openings with stunning views onto the surrounding mountains and rice paddies, and some remaining pieces of rotting furniture.
  Special Tip: Just before the main stairs, take the small path 50m to the right. Some local boys will lead you to a smaller cave entrance on ground level, used as a safe depository for the Bank Of Laos during the War, makeshift hospital, cooking facilities. Some parts are a tight squeeze - tip for the local boys approx 25,000 Kip.  Total trip time: 3 hours
  
  
  • Pha Daeng View Point: Head towards the centre, cross the big bridge and follow the main road through the village for 300m (15mins by bicycle / 30mins by foot). On your left hand side you will see a vinyl sign 'Nong Khiaw Mountain View Point'. Entrance is 25,000 Kip per person, and you start following the path up the gentle slopes of the mountain. Further on there are rough cut steps on the steeper sections, and for the average person this climb will take 1.5 hours to the top, and 1.5 hours back down again. Upon reaching the top of the mountain, the views are truly stunning - at an altitude of approx. 1,100m you will have a 360 degree stunning vista of the surrounding mountains, the river & bridge, Nong Khiaw village below you, and the Nam Ou valley towards Muang Ngoi. Time to sit down, relax and soak up the atmosphere. Special Tip: It is advisable to take an additional big bottle of water (especially during midday), and to wear strapped sandals or closed shoes. Although this is an easy-medium climb, during the rainy months (July-Sept) it can get very slippery and muddy at the top - there are no hand rails. In March and April, the view might be limited due to the annual slash-and-burn haze. The best day time to start this climb is 6am - cool enough, and by the time you reach the top, witness beautiful cloud bands hugging the valley tops - the 'Sea Of Mist'.  Total trip time: 5 hours
  
  Independent Full Day Trips (No Tour Guide Necessary)
• Private Nam Ou River Trip: Since Nov 2013, it is no longer possible to travel directly downstream between Luang Prabang and Nong Khiaw by boat due to the construction of a hydroelectric dam. Thus we recommend hiring a private roof-covered boat for a full day trip upriver instead - leaving at 9:30am and returning at 16:30pm the local boat driver will take you an hour upriver, past Muang Ngoi, and passing through what we consider to be the most beautiful stretch of the Nam Ou - a natural river gorge with vertical, virgin rainforest covered mountains falling straight into the water on both sides. Your destination is Ban Sop Jam - a lovely, traditional Lao village on the river banks, famed locally for its traditional hand weaving skills of Sarongs and scarves. In your own time, your boat driver will bring you back down to explore Muang Ngoi village - have lunch, a drink or explore the village and caves. Again, at your own pace, return to Nong Khiaw in the afternoon. Another option is  to visit Sop Jam, Muang Ngoi and the beautiful Tad Mork Waterfall & natural pool on the way back. Special Tip: the boats are covered, however it is advisable to bring a hat or sunscreen, as well as a bottle of water. Simple pens and paper are always appreciated by the kids in Sop Jam village! Departure and return times are completely up to you - the boat trip needs only be booked a day before at the Resort, just let us know what times suit you best. Price 1) 1,500,000 Kip (Sop Jam + Muang Ngoi + Tad Maork Waterfall). Price 2) (Muang Ngoi + Tad Mork Waterfall) Price includes the whole boat / max 8 persons (can be shared with other interested guests!) Total trip time: 7 hours    
  
  Full Day Trips (Local Travel Agency Booking & Tour Guide Necessary)
  • 100 Waterfalls Trek (by Tiger Trail): an absolutely unique experience, this adventurous trail and trek was only discovered and 'opened' for visitors to Nong Khiaw just a few years ago, and is organized exclusively by Tiger Trail. Pre-book your place on the next day's tour by visiting the Tiger Trail office in the village centre. A maximum group size of 12, you will be accompanied by a local qualified English speaking guide, leaving at 09:30am and traveling 45mins downstream by river boat to a local Hmong village where you will disembark and follow local trails through the rice paddies to the foot of the forested mountain slopes. For the next 3 hours, you will follow the cascading stream as you ascend the mountain covered in thick virgin rainforest, following the water through dozens of pools, cascades and huge rocks before having a complimentary Lao lunch at the top of the falls served by your guide in the traditional way - folded banana leaves. Along the way, your guide will explain the local fauna and flora, use of plants for traditional medicine, and local culture and traditions. After lunch its time to relax in the pools before making your way down the other side of the mountain, and returning by boat to Nong Khiaw at approx. 17:00pm. Special Tips: This medium-hard trek involves climbing over rocks and bamboo ladders and is not recommended for the very young or physically impaired. You will get wet in places as you ascend the cascading water. Closed shoes, sturdy sandals or hiking boots are necessary  - simple flip flops are not recommended although these should be taken along for swimming at the top. A zip-lock or diving bag is also recommended to keep cameras and valuables dry. Lunch and water is provided free of charge, however, taking an extra bottle of water -and sunscreen or insect repellent- will do no harm. For more information, prices and booking - please contact Tiger Trail directly at the office in the village, or check out their website 100 Waterfalls Trek as well as the Tiger Trail sustainable tourism Fair Trek initiative. Total trip time: 7 hours