Getting here
There are two ways to travel between Nong Kiau and Luang Prabang. The one is by road, the other by river. Buses leave from Luang Prabang Northern Bus Station in the morning around 8.30 and then again around 10.00 and 12.00. Schedules tend to fluctuate, so please check before travelling.
The river trip, at the other hand is by far the most interesting. It is more expensive, but it's worth every penny it cost. Tickets are sold in Luang Prabang by various travel agents, and boats can be chartered exclusively at the boat pier in Luang Prabang. Boats leave from the boat pier in the morning. Boats from Nong Kiau to Luang Prabang leaves in the morning as well. Boat departures depends on the number of passengers and in the low season they sometimes have difficulty filling up, which means that you will have to charter or partly charter the boats if you wish to go.
There are bus connections to and from Udom Xai, Muang Vieng Kham and Sam Neua. Boats connect Nong Kiau with Muang Ngoy and Muang Khua through a part of the river that runs through some of the most amazing gorges in the country. To Muang Khua a boat will have to be chartered in most cases as there is little traffic on this part of the river.
From Udom Xai there are connecting buses to Luang Nam Tha and Muang Sing. From Muang Khua public boats departs daily to Had Sa and Phongsali.
To and from Vietnam
A
new and very interesting option of travelling to and from this
part of Laos is the newly opened Tay Trang border allowing travel
between Dien Bien Phu and Muang Khua. A few adventurous travellers
find their way regularly, but this route deserves the attention
of a much broader audience. Dien Bien Phu is a historical highlight
of Vietnam, but nevertheless not visited by very many. This
mountainous part of Vietnam is as remote and untouched as it's
counterpart in Laos across the Annamite Mountains.
The
border post is a small highland outpost a short ride from Dien
Bien Phu. On the Lao side it's a 76 k's descend into one of
the most beautiful valleys hidden anywhere in the north. The
bus ride goes through unseen Thai Dam villages and amazing mountain
landscapes. The road is unpaved and access is occationally interrupted
during the height of the rainy season. During the second half
of July, all of August and first half of September, bus services
can be irregular.
Otherwise
the bus leaves Dien Bien Phu 5.30 AM and arrives early enough
to catch a boat to Nong Kiau. A river journey on the top of
an adventurous bus journey ensures that this day has been packed
amazing impressions.
Map of Nong Kiau

Minibus Service
We have bought this factory new Hyundai minibus, the most comfortable vehicle you are likely to come across in all of Northern Laos. You can hire it at quite reasonable rates. Drop us a mail for more information.

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