Nam Ou River: A Lifeline of Northern Laos
Discover the Nam Ou River: A scenic journey through Laos's cultural heartland, offering breathtaking landscapes and authentic village life.
The Nam Ou River, one of Laos's most significant waterways, stretches 448 km from Phongsaly to Luang Prabang, offering stunning scenery, cultural encounters, and a glimpse into rural life. It serves as a vital transportation route and a source of livelihood for the communities along its banks.
A brief summary to Nam Ou River
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Local tips
- Travel during the dry season (November-April) for the best weather and river conditions.
- Bring cash, as ATMs are not readily available in smaller towns along the river.
- Respect local customs when visiting villages; dress modestly and ask permission before taking photos.
- Consider a multi-day boat trip to fully immerse yourself in the scenery and culture of the Nam Ou River.
- Pack light layers, as temperatures can fluctuate, especially during the cooler months.
Getting There
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Boat
The primary way to experience the Nam Ou River is by boat. From Luang Prabang, take a minivan or tuk-tuk to Nong Khiaw, the gateway to the upper Nam Ou. From Nong Khiaw, rent a longtail boat for a journey upriver to Muang Ngoi or further north. Boat prices vary depending on the distance and duration, starting from approximately 10,000 Kip. Negotiate the price beforehand. A full day tour can cost around $139.
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Road
While the river is the main attraction, roads connect some towns along the Nam Ou. From Luang Prabang, you can take a bus or shared minivan to Nong Khiaw. The journey takes about 3-4 hours. Expect to pay around 50,000-80,000 Kip for a one-way ticket. From Nong Khiaw, you can explore nearby viewpoints and villages by tuk-tuk or bicycle. A tuk-tuk ride to a nearby viewpoint may cost 20,000-30,000 Kip.
Discover more about Nam Ou River
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Nam Ou River
0.0 km
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Yensabai Organic Farm
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Pakmong Bus station
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Nam Xuang River
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Namkat Waterfall
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Namkat Yorla Pa Resort
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bus station
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Oudomxay Guesthouse
62.7 km
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Oudomxay Bus Station
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Phu That Pagoda
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Tourism Activities in Oudomxay
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Oudomxay Train Station
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Golden Triangle Park, Laos
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Slow Boat Terminal
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Unmissable attractions to see
Sleeping Lady Peak View-Point
3.1 km
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Pha keo viewpoint
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Nong Khiaw Bridge
4.0 km
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Ban Pha Toke Community Museum and caves
4.2 km
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Phar Noi History Cave
4.4 km
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Nong Khiaw Viewpoint Trail Entrance & Ticket Office
4.4 km
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Phar Khew Lom 360 Viewpoint
4.6 km
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Nong Khiaw Viewpoint
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Tad Mook Waterfalls
12.2 km
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Pha Nam Lod
14.6 km
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Pha Boom Viewpoint
16.4 km
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Giant Rice Fields
17.3 km
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ムアンゴイの托鉢
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Giant Tree
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Enormous Cactus Wall
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Essential places to dine
Pheunchai
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Mountain restaurant
3.4 km
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Pharm Xai River view Restaurant
3.4 km
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Noi & Ni Restaurant
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View Nam ou Restaurants
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Namlin Lao restaurant
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Riverside Restaurant and Bar
17.3 km
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Lattanavongsa Restaurant
17.3 km
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Phou sa Restaurant. [ຮ້ານອາຫານ ພູຊາ]
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Ruen Pae Lao Restaurant
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ຮ້ານ ບຸບເຟແວວດາວ ສາຂາ 1
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Manyluck Cake Shop
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Green Restaurant
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Mimee Restaurant
62.7 km
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Nhà Hàng Lào Việt
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Ou River View Garden of khampom Dokfa
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Minimart
55.3 km
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SCG อุดมไช
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UNILEVER OUDOMXAY (WHOLESALE SHOP) ຮ້ານ ຈັນທະວົງ ຕົວແທນຈຳໜ່າຍເຄື່ອງ ຢູນິລິເວີ
62.6 km
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Jin Taiwan Bubble Tea
62.7 km
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Bread shop
62.7 km
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Dan Sawan supermarket
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Khmu Gu Ler Handicraft
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Ming Mouang Silk Oudomxay ຮ້ານເຄືາອງໄໜມິ່ງເມືອງ
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Charming Lao Coffee
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Mrs Khamphou Beer Lao Sundry Shoo
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Hive Bar
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The Trio Bar
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oke
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Cool breeze
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MOON SKY Bar
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62.0 km
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ຮ້ານ 2 Friends Bar
62.1 km
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62.1 km
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The night restaurant&bar
62.1 km
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Hong Tieng Coffee and Bar
62.5 km
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