Nong Kiaow

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 minibuses and songthaews and those headed back to Luang Prabang meet boats arriving at the landing but then drive the short distance to the bus station so passengers can buy tickets.

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 Khiaow itself, departure times are laidback so prepared to spend some time waiting. The most recent departure times and prices are posted at the bus station.

Overland destinations include:
Luang Prabang: Minivans depart 13:00, 15:00, cost 50,000 kip; songtheaws depart 7:00, 11:00, 12:00 and 15:00, cost 40,000 kip. Overland transport takes 3-4 hours.
Sam Neua: Departs at 19:00, costs 90,000 kip and takes 13 hours.
Udomxai: Departs at 11:00, costs 40,000 kip and takes 4 hours.
Vieng Kham: Departs at 10:00, costs 30,000 kip and takes 3 hours. (songthaew)

Boat

The boat onward to Muang Ngoi departs at 11:00 and 14:00 and costs 20,000 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 100,000 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.