Muang Ngoi

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A gorgeous, sleepy town, Muang Ngoi gets our vote as one of the friendliest places in all of Laos, which is a big call. There is no road access, and the lack of motorbikes and other vehicles is refreshing.

Limited electricity means that the locals' lifestyle is aligned with daylight hours, and the town shuts down by nine or ten at night, and starts up again very noisily at daybreak!

Smaller than Nong Kiaow, Muang Ngoi offers more in the scope of local activities, and a few of the guesthouses offer trekking, walking, boating or caving day trips. Almost all the guesthouses wisely have hammocks on their balconies, and the favourite pastime of most visitors is simply swinging and appreciating the view.

Directly in the path of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, the area was quite heavily bombed during the war, and locals lived in caves to avoid the falling bombs. Some of these caves can now be visited on walking expeditions out of Muang Ngoi.

From Nong Kiaow and Muang Ngoi it is possible to head upriver to Muang Khua and eventually Phongsali, or by land to Udomxai, which is the hub that opens up the north. Whether you only have a few days to spare and want to get out of Luang Prabang, or want to use these places as a stepping stone to a more in-depth exploration of the north, Nong Kiaow and Muang Ngoi are both great destinations.

Text and/or map last updated on 10th August, 2009.
Further reading
» Luang Prabang escape
» Muang Ngoi Escape

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Picture of Phetdavanh Guesthouse, Muang Ngoi Neua Main Street, Muang Ngoy

Phetdavanh Guesthouse
Muang Ngoi Neua Main Street, Muang Ngoy
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Picture of Phetdavanh Guesthouse, Muang Ngoi Neua Main Street

Phetdavanh Guesthouse
Muang Ngoi Neua Main Street
From: US$3.50 with HostelWorld

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Fresh off our Asia travel forum

Here are some discussions off the Travelfish forum, perhaps related to Muang Ngoi. You can find the full forum here.

Topic	Replies	Views
Vang Vieng vs Muang Ngoi In Laos: by Romily, last reply by austral31	6	1774
Muang Ngoi or Nong Khiaw? In Laos: by JoHe59, last reply by somtam2000	1	1421

Muang Ngoi reviews

Backchat from the Travelfish community

Its not that bad
By robydog (dabbler - 1 review)
Written on 3rd January, 2010 after a visit to Muang Ngoi in December, 2009
Had some trepidation about Muang Ngoi as had read negative crits along the lines of being ripped off and the place being a mini Vang Vieng. Not assured by first glimpse which suggested serious case of bungalowitis. However in end enjoyed 21/2 day stay a lot. If sight of other tourists gets too much it's easy to walk for 10 minutes and they're all gone. Sunsets are just superb and the absence of vehicle traffic gives the whole place a very relaxed vibe. And there is always the chance to just have a quiet drink with others watching the water flow past if not feeling too energetic

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