The far north - The Rough Guide to Laos - page 256

excellent; the romantic, lantern-lit restaurant is a great spot for a well-mixed sundowner; and
there's nowhere better in tow n than the infinity pool - Nong Khiaw's first and only - to soak
up the views. Free bikes. $60
Nam Ou River Lodge Off the main street, 800m southeast of the bus station 020 5537
9661, namouriverlodge.com . Spacious, whitewashed, if rather sparse, rooms in a two-
storey building with a shared terrace and big views across the river. Sinking into the ham-
mock in the cute little bamboo-thatc h bar is a welcome way to end the day. Good value and
very handy for the morning market. 100,000K
NongKiauRiverside South side of the bridge 071 810004, nongkiau.com . These huge
wood and thatch bungalows, set a little off the main road, have incredible views of the karsts
and the bridge, and are beautifully decorated with dark-wood furniture. Each bungalow has a
wide private balcony that you could easily l ose days on, and the large, cool restaurant serves
excellent Lao food. Rates include breakfast. $56
Sengdao Chittavong North side of the bridge 030 923 7089. Conveniently located by the
bridge, this tranquil place has big bamboo huts, each with a balcony, neatly arrange d around
a long, pretty garden. There's also a nice, breezy restaurant that looks over the river. 80,000K
Sunrise On the southern side of the bridge 030 985 3899. A collection of simple, clean,
bamboo-thatch bungalows on the river, all w ith ham mocks and balconies (shared in the
cheapest rooms, which also have squat toilets). 60,000K
Sunset South side of the bridge, first turning to the right (past Bamboo Paradise) 071
810033. Though it has arguably the best situated bungalows in Nong Khiaw, with amazing
views over the river, this former favourite is looking a little tired these days, and rates are
overpriced compared with what you can get elsewhere . Noneth eless, the on-site restaurant is
the perfect place to finish the day with a cold Beerlao. 150,000K
Vongmany South of the bridge 020 5499 0787, [e-mail] . This tall,
brand-new guesthouse, behind the popular Vongmany restaurant, looks a little out of place
among the other more ramshackle properties along the river, though the modern rooms are
surprisingly basic and simple. There are good views from the hammock-strewn wraparound
balcony (the be st attrac t a 40,000K premium), though overall it lacks the character of else-
where in town. 80,000K
EATING AND DRINKING
Alex South side of the bridge, on the same lane as Bamboo Paradise. A rustic, bamboo-
walled place that's widely agreed to provide the best Thai-Lao cooking in town (mains
15,000-25,000K), though the care they show in preparation tends to show in painfully slow
service. Also offers packed lunches and daily specials. Daily 6am-10pm.