Travel Guide to Nam Ngum River

Getting There

• Car

  If you are travelling by car, start from Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Head northeast on Route 13, which will take you through beautiful countryside and small villages. After approximately 90 km, you will reach the turn-off for Route 10. Follow Route 10 for about 30 km until you reach the junction for Route 13A. Turn left onto Route 13A and continue for about 20 km until you arrive at the Nam Ngum River dam and reservoir. There are several viewpoints and recreational areas along the river where you can stop and enjoy the scenery.

• Public Transportation

  To reach Nam Ngum River via public transportation, you can take a bus from Vientiane to the town of Nam Ngum. Buses depart regularly from the Northern Bus Station in Vientiane. The fare is approximately 20,000 to 30,000 LAK (about $2 to $3 USD) and the journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Once you arrive at the bus station in Nam Ngum, you can hire a tuk-tuk or a local taxi to take you to the river, which is about 10 km away. The tuk-tuk fare should be around 20,000 to 30,000 LAK (approximately $2 to $3 USD).

• Tour Package

  For a more organized approach, consider booking a day tour from Vientiane that includes transportation to and from the Nam Ngum River. Many travel agencies offer packages that include lunch and guided activities, such as boat rides on the river. Prices for these tours typically range from 300,000 to 600,000 LAK (approximately $30 to $60 USD) per person, depending on what is included in the package.