The far north - The Rough Guide to Laos - page 255

NONG KHIAW TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES
Nong Khiaw has half-a-dozen tour operators , three of which are excellent. All offer
trekking, kayaking, rafting and mountain-biking trips in the surrounding countryside. They
can also arrange private buses and charter boats along the Nam Ou.
Green Discovery Main street, north of the river 071 810081, greendiscov-
erylaos.com . A long-established operator with impeccable eco credentials, offering a par-
ticularly good range of cycling (from $40) and kayaking trips (from $41), and there are
dozens of options for “multi-sport” two- and three-day trips.
NK Adventures South of the river 020 5868 6068, [e-mail] .
Nong Khiaw's best locally owned outfit is run by helpful and forward-thinking Home, and
offers very good value. His most popular day excursion begins with a boat journey upriver
to visit two tribal villages, followed by a hike through rice fields and lunch at a waterfall,
returning to Nong Khiaw by kayak or boat (from $22 for six people, up to $35 for two).
Two-day treks, staying with a Hmong or Khmu family, start from $55.
Tiger Trail In the same building as Delilah's, north of the river 071 252655, laos-
adventures.com . Tiger Trail offers an impressive range of day and overnight treks, includ-
ing the highly recommended “100 Waterfalls” one-day trek, which begins with a beautiful
journey on the Nam Ou before hiking through streams and rice paddies to the eponymous
waterfalls ($63).
ACCOMMODATION
Bamboo Paradise On the southern side of the bridge; take the first turning (a dirt track) to
the right 020 5554 5286. The original bamboo-thatch rooms (60,000K) here each have ap-
pealing hammock-slung private balconies at right angles to the river. Cool, cement-floored
rooms in the newer building above (70,000K) are bigger and enjoy wider views, though bal-
conies are shared. Bigger s till (yet also cheapest) are the plain, viewless rooms at the back.
All are good value. 50,000K
Delilah's North side of the bridge, on the main street 020 5439 5686. Nong Khiaw's
cheapest accommodation, above the café-restaurant of the same name, has a couple of small
dorms (double bed an extra 10,000K) and a small double with shared bathroom. Dorm
35,000K , double 55,000K
Mandala Ou Resort Off the main street, 200m southeast of the bus station 020 2881
1039, mandala-ou.com . Opened in 2013, Nong Khiaw's most stylish place to stay occu-
pies a gorgeous, tranquil position on the river. Rustic-chic rooms feature big cement beds
and bathrooms, nice personal touches (with items sourced from British owner Nic's travels
around the north) and private sit-outs. Breakfasts (with warm, fresh bread and croissants) are