Where Is Nong Khiaw Located?
Nong Khiaw is a small village located 152km northeast of Luang Prabang located on the banks of Laos's second biggest river, the Nam Ou. At an altitude of 400m, it is famous for its stunning limestone karst mountain scenery, untouched virgin rainforest and variety of Lao ethnic groups, primarily the Khamu and Hmong tribes. Connected by an impressive high bridge linking both river banks, Nong Khiaw boasts the beautiful Patok Cave, command center and living quarters for the Pathet Lao independance movement and Bank Of Laos during the war in the 1960's and 70's. Famous for its unique Nam Ou freshwater shrimp during July and August, tourist attractions and activities include the famous '100 Waterfalls' tour, kayaking, mountain biking and tubing down the Nam Ou.
Google Map Coordinates: 20.569635,102.610717
Where Is Mandala Ou Resort Located In Nong Khiaw?
Our resort is situated on the left bank of the Nam Ou river - before the bridge crossing. Located approximately 500m from the center of the village, Mandala Ou is in the south of Nong Khiaw, only a 5 minute walk from the bus station - you do NOT need to take a tuk-tuk from the bus station!
By Road
Be adventurous! If you are making your way independently here, catch a public minibus or open-topped taxi from the Northern Bus Station in Luang Prabang. Vehicles leave at 08:30am, 10am and 1pm daily and the journey takes approximately 3 hours ending at Nong Khiaw Bus Station.
At Nong Khiaw bus station, turn left on to the main street - the driveway entrance to Mandala Ou is 100m on your right side ...look out for our sign and the pink Bouganvillea flowers...
Alternatively, reserve your place on a private minibus, booked through any reputable travel agency in Luang Prabang town. You will be collected from your hotel, and head off towards Nong Khiaw directly without any stops, to be dropped off directly at the resort.
Should you wish to be picked up directly from arrivals at Luang Prabang Airport, we can arrange for you to be met by your driver and driven straight to the resort. Please email us for the charge for this service and further information.
By River
Nong Khiaw can also be reached by boat traveling downstream the Nam Ou river from Muang Khua or Muang Ngoi.
An incredibly scenic route, the journey from Muang Khua in northern Phongsaly province takes approximately 6 hours, leaving the Muang Khua boat landing at 09:30am and reaching Nong Khiaw at 15:30pm. Boat tickets are bought on the day and are 150,000 Kip per person.
Boats from Muang Ngoi - one hour upstream from Nong Khiaw - leave at 09:30am and reach Nong Khiaw at 10:30am. Boat tickets cost 25,000 Kip per person and can be bought on the day at the Muang Ngoi ticket office top of the boat landing steps. From the Nong Khiaw boat landing, jump onto a tuk tuk and ask to be taken to Mandala Ou or 'Nic's resort' - tuk tuk tickets 10,000 Kip per person.
Nong Khiaw is a small village located 152km northeast of Luang Prabang located on the banks of Laos's second biggest river, the Nam Ou. At an altitude of 400m, it is famous for its stunning limestone karst mountain scenery, untouched virgin rainforest and variety of Lao ethnic groups, primarily the Khamu and Hmong tribes. Connected by an impressive high bridge linking both river banks, Nong Khiaw boasts the beautiful Patok Cave, command center and living quarters for the Pathet Lao independance movement and Bank Of Laos during the war in the 1960's and 70's. Famous for its unique Nam Ou freshwater shrimp during July and August, tourist attractions and activities include the famous '100 Waterfalls' tour, kayaking, mountain biking and tubing down the Nam Ou.
Google Map Coordinates: 20.569635,102.610717
Where Is Mandala Ou Resort Located In Nong Khiaw?
Our resort is situated on the left bank of the Nam Ou river - before the bridge crossing. Located approximately 500m from the center of the village, Mandala Ou is in the south of Nong Khiaw, only a 5 minute walk from the bus station - you do NOT need to take a tuk-tuk from the bus station!
By Road
Be adventurous! If you are making your way independently here, catch a public minibus or open-topped taxi from the Northern Bus Station in Luang Prabang. Vehicles leave at 08:30am, 10am and 1pm daily and the journey takes approximately 3 hours ending at Nong Khiaw Bus Station.
At Nong Khiaw bus station, turn left on to the main street - the driveway entrance to Mandala Ou is 100m on your right side ...look out for our sign and the pink Bouganvillea flowers...
Alternatively, reserve your place on a private minibus, booked through any reputable travel agency in Luang Prabang town. You will be collected from your hotel, and head off towards Nong Khiaw directly without any stops, to be dropped off directly at the resort.
Should you wish to be picked up directly from arrivals at Luang Prabang Airport, we can arrange for you to be met by your driver and driven straight to the resort. Please email us for the charge for this service and further information.
By River
- Due to ongoing construction of the foundations of the future dam, the Nam Ou river has been closed to boat traffic upstream between Luang Prabang and Nong Khiaw since November 2013. Currently it is not possible to take a direct river journey from Luang Prabang to here. The dam is scheduled to open in late 2015.
Nong Khiaw can also be reached by boat traveling downstream the Nam Ou river from Muang Khua or Muang Ngoi.
An incredibly scenic route, the journey from Muang Khua in northern Phongsaly province takes approximately 6 hours, leaving the Muang Khua boat landing at 09:30am and reaching Nong Khiaw at 15:30pm. Boat tickets are bought on the day and are 150,000 Kip per person.
Boats from Muang Ngoi - one hour upstream from Nong Khiaw - leave at 09:30am and reach Nong Khiaw at 10:30am. Boat tickets cost 25,000 Kip per person and can be bought on the day at the Muang Ngoi ticket office top of the boat landing steps. From the Nong Khiaw boat landing, jump onto a tuk tuk and ask to be taken to Mandala Ou or 'Nic's resort' - tuk tuk tickets 10,000 Kip per person.