LAOS – Nong Khiaw – Boat Cruise on the Nam Ou River

Description

A cruise along the Nam Ou to experience local life along the riverbanks. A leisurely journey along the green waters of a Mekong tributary with stunning views of steep jungle-clad limestone peaks which are often shrouded in early-morning mist, and where locals can be seen going about their daily chores on their long-tail boats. Fishermen can sometimes be spotted casting their nets with the hopes of catching something tasty for dinner. Village handicraft visits to get up close with the locals can also be arranged. Travelling on a medium-sized local boat is a good choice for trips from Muang Khua to Nong Khiaw (via Muong Ngoi).

Selling points

• Provides travelers with a more authentic Lao experience.
• Stunning scenery.
• Opportunity to see village life along the riverbanks.
• Easy way to travel between Nong khiaw and Muang Khua (via Muang Ngoi).

Notes

Itineraries:

• Nong Khiaw – Muang Ngoi – Muang Khua

Note:

• Between Muang Ngoi and Muang Khua guests must change boats before and after the dam.

Disabled Facilities

Pros

• Provides travelers with a more authentic Lao experience.
• Stunning scenery.
• Opportunity to see village life along the riverbanks.
• Easy way to travel between Nong khiaw and Muang Khua (via Muang Ngoi).

Cons

• Not ideal for large groups wanting to travel on one boat – small boat can hosts 6 pax + guide (including luggage)
• For large groups they will be split in several boats.
• Captain cannot speak English.
• No tea, coffee etc because the boat is small.
• No high roof so clients have to stay in their seats (there is enough space for legs).
• No toilet and no meals served on board.

Notes

• Small boat can hosts 6 pax + guide (including luggage)
• Captain cannot speak English.
• Inform clients that the service on board is not the same than Mekong boats. No tea, coffee etc because the boat is small.
• Note that there is no high roof so clients have to stay in their seats (there is enough space for legs).
• Cruise with or without guide – no need to pay any supplement for guide.
• Transfer from Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang is possible by car.
• Visits to villages (textiles, whiskey etc.) are also possible if requested.

JOURNEY DURATION AND TRANSFER AROUND THE DAM:

• Muang Khua – Dam: 2.5 hours downstream,  3 hours upstream
• TukTuk (Songtheo) cross the Dam : 10 minutes
• Dam – MuangNgoi: 30 minutes downstream, 50 minutes upstream.
• MuangNgoi – NongKhiaw: 1 hour downstream,  1.15  hours upstream
• Clients & luggage will be transferred by songthaew (8 pax max + guide per songthaew, include luggage) from 1 pier to another (10 minutes). They will then continue the cruise on the same kind of boat.
• Please note that clients will have to walk up the last 30 meters of the downstream pier. Songthaew cannot come down.
• Luggage will be handled by the Songthaew driver and the boatmen.

Important notes

Mr. Chansouk: 030 45 92 558 / 020 55 77 28 35

Contact

• For large group please coordinate with supplier.
• Transfer from NK to LPB is possible by car.

• Boat Photos