After exploring the ancient town of Luang Prabang, we made our way to Nong Khiaw, a small beautiful village on the bank of the Nam Ou River in Laos. Nong Khiaw is famous for its amazing limestone karst mountain scenery, unspoiled virgin rainforest and the tranquil river of the Nam Ou. From Luang Prabang, we took a public minibus and we arrived at the Nong Khiaw bus station after 4 hours of journey through the beautiful landscape of Laos. Our first impression of Nong Khiaw was very peaceful and laid-back, and we didn't see any tour buses or tourist crowds like what we saw in Luang Prabang.
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| The unspoiled virgin rainforest and the tranquil river of the Nam Ou |
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| Limestone karst mountain scenery |
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| The Street of Nong Khiaw Village |
Just a short 5 minute walk from the bus station, we arrived at the Mandala Ou Resort, the place where we stayed for 2 nights. We chose Mandala Ou Resort because it was one
of the most charming and exclusive accommodation in Nong Khiaw. The Mandala Ou Resort is a boutique accommodation situated along the idyllic Nam Ou river offering 10 spacious and comfy bungalows with an eco-friendly room design and modern conveniences. The main features of this resort are the infinity edge pool, river side Yoga Sala, poolside bar, covered restaurant serving Lao, Thai and Western cuisine, and free Lao herbal steam sauna during the winter months.
River Bungalow
We booked ourselves a twin bed river bungalow that is fitted with a balcony overlooking the river. Back to basic! The interior of the room is designed like a typical mud house with a very natural finishing, using local building materials like hardwood, teak trees, and traditional style bamboo roof tiles. The wall is painted with joyful yellow color that create a warm and inviting vibe, we also like how they have this quirky idea of insetting recycled bottles in the walls as window to allow more natural light into the room. The room is comfortably furnished with natural and recycled decor such as wooden frame, glass bottles, bamboo, colorful hand woven products sourced from Ban Chabeau. The room does not come with air conditioning, but cooled with a ceiling fan and the other facilities includes wardrobe, en suite bathroom with good pressure of hot and cold shower, toiletries, cloth slippers and also the tea/coffee maker. There is free Wi-Fi access in the room and in the common areas.
River View Covered Restaurant
A fresh and delicious buffet breakfast was included in the room rate and it was served in the covered restaurant overlooking the Nam Ou river and surrounding mountains. Most of their ingredients and vegetables are sourced daily from the fresh market in Nong Khiaw. Although Mandala Ou resort didn't have a wide range of food, I would say the selection of food was a quality and nutritious one, definitely a great energy booster to start off the day. The Mandala Ou kitchen also serves lunch and dinner, great choice of local dishes from Nong Khiaw & Laos, as well as classic Thai and Western cuisine.
Infinity Edge Pool
The perk of staying in the Mandala Ou Resort was we got to enjoy a refreshing dip in the splendid outdoor infinity pool after a day of outdoor activities under the hot sun. Overlooking the tranquil river of Nam Ou, both the infinity pool and the poolside bar are great central spot to hang out and relax with a few bottles of ice cold Lao beer.
River Side Yoga Sala
The Yoga Sala is built at a cozy corner directly above the Nam Ou river with a spectacular view of the Pha Xang limestone cliffs. During our stay, the Yoga mats, blocks and straps were free to use, just remember to return and put back neatly. And no booking is required, hence you may use the Yoga Sala to practice your own meditation or Yoga anytime you like. If you are not into Yoga, you could also enjoy the space by simply observe the river life of Nam Ou while relaxing yourself in one of the colorful hammocks.
Explore Nong Khiaw
Nong Khiaw is considerably small, you can explore the beautiful town slowly at your own pace on foot or make use of the free guests bicycles provided by the Mandala Ou Resort. These are the 3 places that you should visit in Nong Khiaw:
1. Nong Khiaw Bridge
Location: Click Here for Map
2. Patok Cave
Location: Click Here for Map
3. Phadeng Peak or Nong Khiaw Mountain Viewpoint
Location: Click Here for Map
If you do not feel like staying in a budget guesthouse and want something exclusive, I would strongly recommend Mandala Ou Resort to you. The Mandala Ou Resort is an ideal place for a relaxing holiday where you could indulge yourself in the deluxe outdoor infinity pool or a yoga meditation retreat to fuel your mind, body and soul in a peaceful and serene environment. The Mandala Ou Resort is perfectly a destination in itself and also one of the best hidden gems in Nong Khiaw.
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| The Reception Hut |
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| The River Bungalows |
River Bungalow
We booked ourselves a twin bed river bungalow that is fitted with a balcony overlooking the river. Back to basic! The interior of the room is designed like a typical mud house with a very natural finishing, using local building materials like hardwood, teak trees, and traditional style bamboo roof tiles. The wall is painted with joyful yellow color that create a warm and inviting vibe, we also like how they have this quirky idea of insetting recycled bottles in the walls as window to allow more natural light into the room. The room is comfortably furnished with natural and recycled decor such as wooden frame, glass bottles, bamboo, colorful hand woven products sourced from Ban Chabeau. The room does not come with air conditioning, but cooled with a ceiling fan and the other facilities includes wardrobe, en suite bathroom with good pressure of hot and cold shower, toiletries, cloth slippers and also the tea/coffee maker. There is free Wi-Fi access in the room and in the common areas.
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| Twin Bed Room |
River View Covered Restaurant
A fresh and delicious buffet breakfast was included in the room rate and it was served in the covered restaurant overlooking the Nam Ou river and surrounding mountains. Most of their ingredients and vegetables are sourced daily from the fresh market in Nong Khiaw. Although Mandala Ou resort didn't have a wide range of food, I would say the selection of food was a quality and nutritious one, definitely a great energy booster to start off the day. The Mandala Ou kitchen also serves lunch and dinner, great choice of local dishes from Nong Khiaw & Laos, as well as classic Thai and Western cuisine.
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| Outdoor Seating with a River View |
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| Breakfast by the river |
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| Pad Lao is the Lao version of Pad Thai |
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| Yam Salat - Lao Salad |
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| Indoor Seating |
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| Khao Khua - Lao Fried Rice |
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| Thot Pa - Deep Fried Fish |
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| Thai Food - Massaman Curry |
Infinity Edge Pool
The perk of staying in the Mandala Ou Resort was we got to enjoy a refreshing dip in the splendid outdoor infinity pool after a day of outdoor activities under the hot sun. Overlooking the tranquil river of Nam Ou, both the infinity pool and the poolside bar are great central spot to hang out and relax with a few bottles of ice cold Lao beer.
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| Beautiful reflection of the surrounding mother nature. |
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| Poolside Bar |
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| Hangout and Relax |
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| BeerLao is a must in Laos! |
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| Relaxing Dip in the splendid outdoor pool overlooking the surrounding nature |
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| Mandala Ou Resort's Infinity Pool at Twilight. |
River Side Yoga Sala
The Yoga Sala is built at a cozy corner directly above the Nam Ou river with a spectacular view of the Pha Xang limestone cliffs. During our stay, the Yoga mats, blocks and straps were free to use, just remember to return and put back neatly. And no booking is required, hence you may use the Yoga Sala to practice your own meditation or Yoga anytime you like. If you are not into Yoga, you could also enjoy the space by simply observe the river life of Nam Ou while relaxing yourself in one of the colorful hammocks.
Explore Nong Khiaw
Nong Khiaw is considerably small, you can explore the beautiful town slowly at your own pace on foot or make use of the free guests bicycles provided by the Mandala Ou Resort. These are the 3 places that you should visit in Nong Khiaw:
1. Nong Khiaw Bridge
Location: Click Here for Map
2. Patok Cave
Location: Click Here for Map
3. Phadeng Peak or Nong Khiaw Mountain Viewpoint
Location: Click Here for Map
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| River toward Muang Ngoi Neua direction |
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| River toward Luang Prabang direction |
If you do not feel like staying in a budget guesthouse and want something exclusive, I would strongly recommend Mandala Ou Resort to you. The Mandala Ou Resort is an ideal place for a relaxing holiday where you could indulge yourself in the deluxe outdoor infinity pool or a yoga meditation retreat to fuel your mind, body and soul in a peaceful and serene environment. The Mandala Ou Resort is perfectly a destination in itself and also one of the best hidden gems in Nong Khiaw.
<< Mandala Ou Resort >>
Rate & Reservation: Click Here
Location: Click Here for Map
Year Visited: 2016 Nov
Related Posts:
- What to Eat in Laos
- Where to Stay in Vientiane (Laos)
- Where to Stay in Vang Vieng (Laos)
- Where to Stay in Luang Prabang (Laos)
Written By: Q.J.
Photography By: Q.J. & K.K.
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