Ultimate Guide to Nong Khiaw, Laos: Best Stays, Eats, Activities & Tips
The charming riverside town of Nong Khiaw (also known as Nong Khiew, Nong Kiew, Nong Kiau, or Nong Kiao) is one of our favorite destinations in Laos. Its laid-back vibe along the Nam Ou River pairs perfectly with daytime adventures like hiking, cycling, and exploration, followed by relaxing evenings. After spending extra days here, we inspected nearly every guesthouse and restaurant to bring you this comprehensive, firsthand guide, covering:
- Where to stay in Nong Khiaw
- Where to eat in Nong Khiaw
- What to do in Nong Khiaw
- Free Wi-Fi spots in Nong Khiaw
Where to Stay in Nong Khiaw
This small village boasts numerous guesthouses, mostly bamboo bungalows on the east side of the Nam Ou River, with more options emerging. Budget-friendly stays dominate, but upscale choices exist for a treat.
Meexai
Meexai offers simple bungalows with terraces and hammocks. Basic amenities include hot showers; free Wi-Fi reaches rooms and the on-site restaurant (no river views).
Price: 60,000 kip (~$7.50) per bungalow
Nam Houn
Nam Houn features bungalows with hot showers and terraces (some with hammocks). Slightly pricier but comparable quality.
Price: 90,000 kip (~$11.30) per bungalow
Bamboo Paradise
Bungalows and a new building offer river views from select units, plus terraces, hammocks, fans, hot showers, and an on-site restaurant. Tours, treks, and massages available.
Price: From 60,000 kip (~$7.50)
Sunrise Guesthouse
Located east of the river near the bridge, older bungalows provide river views; newer stone ones offer sturdier comfort. All have terraces, hot showers, and a popular restaurant.
Price: From 80,000 kip (~$10) for older; 100,000 kip (~$12.50) for stone bungalows
Sunset Guesthouse
East-side bungalows with glass windows for better protection. Restaurant has Wi-Fi (not rooms).
Price: 150,000 kip (~$18.80)
Nong Khiaw Riverside Resort & Restaurant
Nong Khiaw's most upscale option near the bridge: spacious bungalows with river views, fans, nets, hot showers, hammock terraces. Paid Wi-Fi available.
Price: 350,000 kip (~$43.80)
CT Guesthouse
East side behind bridge; spacious, clean rooms with hot showers. Opt for lower building for river-view terraces. Wi-Fi in restaurant.
Price: 100,000 kip (~$12.50)
Phulisack
Five concrete rooms on the main road: clean, with hot showers, balconies, friendly owners (no river views).
Price: 60,000 kip (~$7.50)
Sengdao
West-side bungalows with nets, hot showers, terraces. Great location and garden; restaurant draws locals. Note: Check toilet seats.
Price: 80,000 kip (~$10) per bungalow
Top Things to Do in Nong Khiaw
Beyond the compact village, enjoy active days and serene nights.
Hike the 100 Waterfalls
A thrilling recent addition and Laos' top hikes. Book 1-day tours locally; prepare for wet, rugged paths and stunning scenery. (Tony Wheeler of Lonely Planet raved about it in 2009.)
Explore the Caves
Tam Phatok Cave (south, east side): 1-1.5hr walk or 20min bike. Entry: 5,000 kip (~$0.63); flashlight optional.
Northern caves (east side): 1hr walk. Entry: 10,000 kip (~$1.25); local kids guide.
Rent a Bicycle & Explore
Mountain bikes available both sides. Head north (caves, villages, falls) or south (mountains). Stunning views; bring pens for kids.
Herbal Steam Bath
Sabai Sabai (east side, opposite temple): 15,000 kip (~$1.85) unlimited time, with herbal tea.
Massage
Sabai Sabai: 1hr for 50,000 kip (~$6.25).
Sunset at Riverside Bars
CT or Sunset restaurants (east): Perfect for BeerLao with mountain views.
Movies at Coco Home
West side: 3 daily screenings with meals. Great food/drinks.
Day Trip to Muong Ngoi Neua
1hr boat north: Car-free village with caves, rice fields. Cheap stays (~40,000 kip/$5). Share boats to save (~$50/group).
Where to Eat in Nong Khiaw
Ample dining options ensure variety over multiple days. Our favorites:
Mekara Lao
Best Lao breakfasts (try pancakes); German options; Lao/Thai/Western dishes. Cocktails from 10,000 kip (~$1.25).
Deen’s Indian Restaurant
Incredible value: Veggie dishes $1.50-$1.90, naan <$1, BeerLao $1. Free Wi-Fi + internet café.
Coco Home
Lounge seating; Western/Thai/Lao. Curries 15,000 kip (~$1.85); fast Wi-Fi, movies.
CT Restaurant
Homemade baked goods; generous portions, cheap drinks. Prime sunset spot (service slow).
Sabai Sabai
Fusion + veggie menu; shakes 6,000 kip (~$0.75); 2-for-1 happy hour; curries 15,000 kip.
Delilah’s
Expats' fusion: specials, cakes, future pizzas. Try sticky rice balls. Excellent Wi-Fi.
Others: Sunset, Meexai, Vongmany, Sengdao, Sunrise guesthouses.
Free Wi-Fi in Nong Khiaw
Surprisingly accessible despite remoteness. Reliable for basics.
Top spots: Coco Home (strong, plugs), Delilah’s (best, Skype-ready), Deen’s, CT (views), Meexai, Vongmany, Sunset.
Use HoboMaps for locations.
