I have written earlier how beautiful and impressive the Muang Ngoi area is, where you can explore beautiful little towns such as Ban Huaybur, Ban Na, Ban Huaysen, Ban Kioukhan and Ban Hatsaphuai. If you haven’t read the other article yet, please take a look at this first: Laos off the beaten track: The Muang Ngoi area.
How to get to Muang Ngoi?
It’s easy. Your route is: Luang Prabang – Nong Khiaw – Muang Ngoi. You’ll first have to get on a minivan from Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw. Ask your hostel or a local tour agent for the times and prices. You will find that the minivans run frequently and are inexpensive. From Nong Khiaw you will take the boat to Muang Ngoi. These leave daily at 11:00 and 14:00 for only 25.000 kip which means they are synched with the minivan timings. There are possibilities to get there from Udomxay too.
How to hike the Muang Ngoi area?
Once you arrive in Muang Ngoi, refer to this map and the signs along the road for the rest of the hike:
Please note: if you are attempting to hike from Ban Kioukhan all the way to Ban Hatsaphuai, consider getting a guide. There are many side paths and the trails are not marked, so it is easy to get lost. There are at least 2 local guides available in Ban Na. From Ban Hatsaphuai you can hitch or charter a boat ride with one of the farmers. It takes about an hour to get back to Muang Ngoi. Don’t be afraid, it will work out!
Did you attempt the hike? Please comment and let me know if the information was useful.
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