Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
station. The 11am boat continues to Muang Khua (120,000K, seven hours) for connec-
tions to Phongsali and Dien Bien Phu in Vietnam.
Public boats make the five- to eight-hour trip through striking karst scenery to Luang
Prabang. With a minimum of 10 people, tickets cost 110,000K per person. If this is not
happening you can charter the boat for 1,500,000K.
BUS & SŎRNGTĂAOU
The journey to Luang Prabang is possible in three hours but in reality usually takes at
least four. Minibuses or
sŏrngtăaou
(40,000K) start at around 9am and 11am, plus there's
a minivan (50,000K) at 1pm. Tickets are sold at the bus stand but the 11am service actu-
ally starts at the boat office, filling up with folks arriving off the boat(s) from Muang
Ngoi. When a boat arrives from Muang Khua there'll usually be additional Luang Pra-
bang minivans departing at around 3pm from the boat office.
For Udomxai, a direct minibus (50,000K, three hours) leaves at 11am. Alternatively
take any westbound transport and change at Pak Mong (25,000K, 50 minutes).
Originating in Luang Prabang, the minibus to Sam Neua (130,000K, 12 hours) via Vi-
eng Thong (100,000K, five hours) makes a quick lunch stop in Nong Khiaw around
11.30am. Another Sam Neua bus (arriving from Vientiane) passes through at night.
Getting Around
Bicycle rental makes sense to explore local villages or reach the caves. Town bicycles cost
20,000K per day and mountain bikes cost 30,000K, both available from unsigned
Leh's
Place
on the main drag.
Muang Ngoi Neua
Flanked in all directions by sculpted layers of majestic karsts, this almost roadless village
enjoys one of northern Laos' prettiest riverside settings. The one 500m-long 'street'
shoots straight from the main monastery towards a dramatic pyramidal tooth of forest-
dappled limestone. Short unaided hikes take you into timeless neighbouring villages,
while kayaking trips are a great way to savour the memorable Nam Ou, which has its most
scenically spectacular stretches either side of the village.
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