Eat and meet

Nong Kiaow

Most of Nong Kiaow's diversions are on the east side of the Nam Ou (across the bridge from the boat landing and bus station). Two exceptions are Le Cinema and Nong Khiaw Bar Restaurant. The former, though not a dining spot, provides about the only thing to do after dark. A Luang Prabang transplant, Le Cinema offers over 700 titles with individual screening rooms, and snacks and beer to accompany your flick of choice. Nong Khiaw Bar Restaurant is a rustic little patio cafe shaded by white umbrellas. Along with the standard Asian and Western fare, some standouts include a garlic veggie sandwich and fried chicken. With great prices and plenty of tourism info, this place is a good stop on your way into town.

For other dining options, you'll have to cross the bridge. Many of these eateries are those at guesthouses and all offer a decent range of Asian and Western food. Of particular note is the restaurant at Nong Kiau River Side Resort with its tempting selection of both traditional Lao dishes -- try the brothy pumpkin soup -- and more Western selections like pastas and toasted baguette sandwiches. The setting is particularly lovely perched on a deck overlooking the river and the house wine hits the spot both in terms of taste and price.

CT Restaurant at Pha Noy Guesthouse offers more generic fare and average food, but also occupies a pretty riverside spot. Off the guesthouse restaurant track, there are a few options. Vinat Restaurant and Vongmany Restaurant are a short walk from the bridge and share the same standard mammoth menu and paper-lanterned ambience. While Vinat boasts a dusty wine display and slightly longer hours, Vongmany offers an array of Lao cocktails, a tiny book exchange, and a small raised platform for floor seating, perhaps making it the better choice.

CT Restaurant Southeast side of bridge on the river. Tel: (071) 600 019. Open daily, 07:00-22:00.
Le Cinema West side of bridge on the road leading to the boat landing. Open daily, 10:00-late.
Nong Khiaw Bar Restaurant West side of bridge on the main road. Tel: (071) 600 060. Open daily, 07:00-19:00.
Nong Kiau River Side Resort Northeast side of bridge on the river. Tel: (071) 600 004. Open daily, 07:00-22:00.
Vinat Restaurant East side of bridge on main road. Tel: (020) 2004786. Open daily, 06:00-23:00.
Vongmany Restaurant East side of bridge on main road. Tel: (020) 244 4132. Open daily, 07:00-21:30.