Our next stop in Laos was a small town about 3-4 hours north of Luang Prabang called Nong Khiaw. A lot of people come here for outdoor activities and some even make this just a day trip from Luang Prabang. We decided to spend 4 nights here and looking back it’s a good thing we did because Caitlin came down with her first illness (the flu) on the first full day we were there. It was good we had a room and didn’t have to get back on the bus. Four days was also perfect because we (well just me during Caitlin’s sick days) went on three different hikes and when she recovered, our first ever zip lining experience. Here is the list of hikes we/I did for anyone that finds themselves in Nong Khiaw.
Phadeng Peak - This is by far the most popular hike in the area and I think it’s because of those people that come for 1 day. It is right in the middle of town so it’s easy to reach. It is a recommended hike to see the sun rise or sun set. We chose sunset on our first night in town because we aren’t morning people or at least not 5:30 AM morning people. The hike should only take about an hour to reach the top, if not a little less. The views over the town and surrounding valley are spectacular and watching the sun set was also special. Just be careful on the way down because it will be dark.
Sleeping Woman - Go to the Hive Bar and the entrance is just after. I did this one solo and then Caitlin and I did it together on the last day when she was feeling better. This hike takes just about an hour and we thought much steeper than Phadeng Peak. It has a lot of ropes and bamboo rails which usually is a sign that it’s somewhat steep. Once you reach the top there are a couple of great little benches and huts to hang out and drink it all in because the views are once again phenomenal. There are FAR less people on this trail. When I went solo there were only two others and when Caitlin and I went we probably saw 10.
Phar Khew Lom 360 Viewpoint - I think I read somewhere this a newer trail so maybe that’s why there isn’t as much on the internet about it AND when I went solo there was not a single person I passed going up or down. It takes about 20 minutes to walk to the trail head. Sleeping Woman may have been steeper, but this one was longer and took about an hour and a half to reach the top. I think this hike may have been the best because it allows for a 360 degree view at the top. So if you are in town for a couple of days and are looking for a decent little challenge/workout and an amazing reward, head up to Phar Khew.
The most fun we had was on our last day when we went on our very first ziplining adventure! We went through a company called Jungle Fly and they were nice enough to let us reschedule when Caitlin was sick. The only thing to note is that they have this real jacked up pricing structure so if there are only two of you, it’s more expensive than if other people show up-so it’s hit or miss. Anyway, they took us out about 20 minutes outside of town into the jungle where we did about 10 different zip lines and other obstacles. We both said afterwards that we weren’t ever scared, but there definitely were a couple of times that the thought crossed our minds how high up we were or that our lives were in the hands of a couple of these young workers—especially one of the obstacles where you literally jump from a massive tree in the jungle and the guy on the ground is holding onto a rope and dictates how fast you come down. Super fun experience and only cost about $30/person and from what I understand that’s a pretty good price.
We stayed at a family-run bed and breakfast—the accommodations weren’t bad and were’t great, but the family was incredibly welcoming and the breakfast was delicious. The town is very small and seemed very poor, so don’t expect really nice lodging or really nice restaurants. However, if you’re looking for nice people, great hikes and cheap outdoor activities, then make Nong Khiaw a stop and for more than just one day!