Nong Kiaow

Getting there and away

Bus

Unlike Muang Ngoi, overland travel to/from Nong Kiaow is available and there is a very small bus station with stalls selling bottled drinks and snacks. Transport is usually in the form of minivans and songthaews with departures to Luang Prabang linking up with boat arrivals from Muang Ngoi.

Often they will not leave until very full, so get there early or use a backpack (filled with non-valuables, of course) to reserve a seat otherwise you might end up cramped into the front with the driver. Like Nong Kiaow itself, departure times are laidback so be prepared to spend some time waiting. The most recent departure times and prices are posted at the bus station.

Overland destinations include:
Luang Prabang: Departs at 08:30, 10:00, 12:00 and 13:30, costs 40,000 kip and takes three hours. Although these times are official, the reality is that minivans leave when they are full irrespective of the time.
Sam Neua: Departs at 19:00, costs 130,000 kip and takes 12 hours.
Udomxai: Departs at 11:00, costs 45,000 kip and takes 4 hours.

Updates from Travelfish readers

The Nong Kiaow map on Travelfish (http://www.travelfish.org/map_detail/laos/northern_laos/luang_prabang/nong_kiaow/66) is either out-of-date or misleading if you are arriving from Luang Prabang my minivan. The minivans are dropped about 800-1000m out of town, so be prepared for a little hike. Alternatively, ask the driver if they can run you in closer to the bridge, which is where the main accommodation is located.

Check out Hobomaps (http://hobomaps.com/) for a better indication of where the bus stop is.

Update by busylizzy (2)
Written on 2nd October, 2011

Have an update or correction?

Boat

The boat onward to Muang Ngoi departs at 11:00 and 14:00 and costs 25,000 kip. It's about an hour and a very scenic ride. The boat to Luang Prabang departs around 12:00 (once the boat from Muang Ngoi arrives) and costs 110,000 kip. Downriver to Luang Prabang is faster than coming up, and takes 5-6 hours. Tickets can be bought near the boat landing site and there's a restaurant there to grab a light meal while you wait.

Updates from Travelfish readers

Boat tickets between Nong Kiaow and Muang Ngoi are now 25,000 kip each way. Cost for tickets from Non Kiaow to Luang Prabang are now 110,000 kip.

Update by busylizzy (2)
Written on 4th October, 2011