Nong Khiaw

SNAPSHOT

NONG charming

KHIAW

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PHOONSAB THEVONGSA TEXT BY JASON ROLAN

Just 140km north of Luang Prabang sits the charming town of Nong Khiaw, hugging the banks of the Ou River among rugged karst mountains. An ideal jumping-off point for kayaking or caving or hiking, the town itself is an even-more chilled out location than popular Vang Vieng.

An hour’s boat journey north brings you to the zen backpacker retreat of Meuang Ngoi – a one-street village full of river-facing guesthouses with hammocks on their verandahs, caves to visit, and local villages you can trek. Both spots are perfect for relaxation and exploration – you will wish you stayed longer and will want to return often to this scenic little piece of heaven.

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1. A bridge spanning the Ou River and linking Luang Prabang and Houaphan Provinces 2. An aerial view of Meuang Ngoi fl anked by karst. This was the district capital until war drove villagers south to Nong Khiaw. 3. Colorful fi shing boats are used daily by locals to collect their primary source of protein. 4. The splendid ambiance of an Ou River sunset

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1. Guesthouses line the one street of Meuang Ngoi 2. During the Indochina War, some bombs were dropped in the area, causing locals to move southward to safety 3. The scenic entrance to Pha Kuang Cave, near Nong Khiaw

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