Nong Khiaw Riverside, Nong Khiaw Laos, Luang Prabang and The North

The Nhong Khiaw Riverside is the best of a selection of simple guest houses and bungalows in the rustic riverside town of Nong Khiaw.

Perched overlooking the glorious countryside and river below, 15 stilted bungalows offer a selection of simple twin and double accommodation. The wooden bungalows are dispersed over a 300 metre stretch along the banks of the river. Each bungalow has en-suite bathroom with hot water and a private balcony with superb views. The rooms are simply furnished with cushions and chairs and include tea and coffee making facilities. There is no air conditioning as this is surplus to requirements at night. There are heaters for the colder months and times when a mist blows in off the river. Please note that this is a basic hotel and you come here for the breathtaking scenery than anything else.

The resort has a simple wooden decked restaurant overlooking the river where breakfast and basic a la carte meals are served however just a short stroll away are a wide variety of restaurants offering up some fantastic cuisine and views of the limestone karst scenery. An excellent selection of quality mountain bikes are available for hire to explore the surrounding hills and villages. Some of the best cycling in the country can be accessed from here. There are also caves to visit, great walks, rafting, tubing and swimming in the river below the rooms.

The town is the ideal stopover on a river voyage along the Nam Ou between Muang Khoua and Luang Prabang, being approximately six hours boat ride from each. The town can also be reached by road, a drive of about four hours from Luang Prabang. The journey by boat is the best way to arrive though. Cruising through idyllic mountain scenery and occasional minority villages, the journey is one of the most relaxing and spectacular ways to see the country.