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Nong Khiaw is a beautiful rustic tiny village on the Ou River in Northern Laos' Luang Prabang Province. Tour boats and kayaks routinely travel the river. Nearby, tiny walkways wind through the jungle and reach sheer limestone cliffs for panoramic vistas. Tham Pha Thok is a network of limestone caves used as a shelter during the Second Indochina War. Small communities dot the surrounding forested hillsides and rice fields.
Behind the picturesque communities of Nong Kiau and their placid existence lurks a tragic past. Nong Kiau suffered the most during the secret war, particularly Operation Menu, which began in 1964 and ended in 1973. During this operation, the Americans bombed Laos heavily, particularly in Northern Laos, in an attempt to sever the Viet Cong's supply stream. Exploring Nong Kiau without a guide is perilous since approximately one-third of Laos' two million tons of explosives remain unexploded. Even now, residents and foreigners continue to experience the impacts of the conflict as a result of the activation of unexploded bombs.
Watch beautiful sunset
General weather in Nong Khiaw
Nong Khiaw experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
- Dry Season (November to April): During the dry season, Nong Khiaw enjoys cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall. Daytime temperatures typically range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). This period is considered the best time to visit for outdoor activities and trekking, as the weather is generally more comfortable.
- Wet Season (May to October): The wet season brings warmer temperatures and frequent, heavy rainfall. Daytime temperatures can range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). While the landscape becomes lush and vibrant during the wet season, occasional rain showers may impact outdoor plans.
Admire Nong Khiaw from above
Best season to go
Nongkhiaw has high temperatures year round ranging between 25°C and 35°C. The best time to visit is during the drier months: January, February, November and December. During these months, the weather is more comfortable for exploring the town and its surroundings. However, the lush landscapes of the wet season provide a unique appeal for those who don't mind occasional rain showers.
Read more at: Laos Tours 5 days
Taking public transportation is the best way to get to Nong Khiaw. Local buses from Luang Prabang can transport you to Pak Mong, where you can catch a tuk-tuk to Nong Khiaw. Buses from Udomxai may be able to take you directly to Nong Khiaw, but expect a change along the way. Alternatively, minivans from Luang Prabang can be reserved for the entire journey (at a slightly higher cost).
With the building of a hydroelectric dam, direct boat trips from Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw are no longer available. If money is not an issue, or if you have a large enough group, you can charter a boat to transport you to the dam, where you can walk or negotiate a ride to the other side before continuing your journey on another boat.