Nong Khiaw
A very peaceful sleepy town nestled between two magnificent mountains and lying on the bank of the Nam Ou River. This place is perfectly suited for travelers who love wildlife activities: climbing to Pha Deang Peak, cycling to local villages, exploring Ta Mok waterfall, or taking a steam bath, etc. Totally escaping the noisy cities, you will find your blissful soul while living with the loving local people.
Here are some tips to help you get into the cultural beauty of the city even more!
Tham Pha Thok cave
One of the tourist attractions in Nong Khiaw, Laos, is the Pha Thok cave. A portion of the stunning limestone rocks for which Nong Khiaw province is renowned can be found in this location, which is about 2 km outside of town.
Stepping onto the Tham Pha Thok Cave – Source: Charlie Pauly.
These caves are also important historically because it is believed that the Pathet Lao used them as a hideout during the Second Indochina War. On the way to the caves, you must pass through both dense forests and emerald-green rice fields, which is an experience in and of itself. Remember that to get to the mouth of the caves, you must ascend a steep staircase.
Pha Daeng Peak
The chance to climb Phadeng peak is one of the motivating factors for people to experience Nong Khiaw tourism. Remember that the hike up this mountain takes about an hour and a half, and that there are some steep sections. However, once you get to the top, you can take in breathtaking views of the surroundings of Nong Khiaw and, if you arrive early enough, you can even see the sun rise over the summit.
Pha Daeng Peak viewpoint – Source: Discover Laos Today.
The return trip down a different path gives you the chance to see parts of the Nam Ou River and its secluded riverbanks, which is another highlight of the ascent.
Upon reaching the summit, get ready to be greeted by layers of mountains, covered by a sea of clouds and the town below slowly appearing from its best side. The clouds were hovering just above the town and the mountains surrounding us were peaking through the top! SOURCE: Charlie Pauly.
Local Food
Laos has many regional specialties, but its cuisine is definitely underrated. The national dishes of Laos are known as Laap or Larb, and tourists should not be missed when visiting Nong Khiaw Laos, according to another intriguing aspect of the destination.
Lao minced beef salad with fish sauce, lime juice, roasted ground rice and fresh herbs. Taste of Southeast Asia!
This dish is made with meat that has been chopped into a salad and is typically eaten with regional sticky rice along with herbs, chili, and spices.
There is a small local Indian community in Nong Khiaw. If you’re looking for a filling breakfast in Nong Khiaw, this is a great place to go. You can also savor delectable curries here.
Food buffet full of delicious dishes.
