Nam Ou Boat Charter, Nong Khiaw
Laos, Luang Prabang and The North

Whilst the boat journeys which cruise up or down the Mekong River have become a fixture on journeys through Laos, most visitors are unaware of a glorious and largely unknown alternative.

The Nam Ou is one of the most spectacular waterways in Laos meandering through spectacular mountain valleys and remote villages from Northern Laos towards Luang Prabang.  

Hiring a private boat is the only way to do this journey - you dictate the time and the stops. Traditional wooden boats will be your transport and the journey is wonderfully peaceful and relaxing. The price also compares favourably with the shared Mekong cruise.

Your journey will take you past remote fishing communities, gold panning villages and miles of jagged mountains. The river is also clean and safe for swimming unlike the Mekong.

We can arrange various tours along the Nam Ou and make arrangements for you to meet your boat along the way. For example at Muang Khoua, a 1 hour drive from the Muang La Resort where you can join a two day cruise via Nong Khiaw and onto Luang Prabang, with journey times of approximately six hours each day.

Alternative you can take a shorter journey between Luang Prabang and Nong Khiaw or v/v, this would involve an over night stop at Nong Khiaw Riverside.

The Nam Ou meets the Mekong River in front of the Pak Ou caves and the final hour of the cruise takes you downstream and into Luang Prabang along the Mekong.

Look at more of our Laos holidays here.

You can book this experience on its own, with flights or as part of an Experience Travel Holiday Itinerary.

Here are some of our popular holiday tours or we can create bespoke itineraries specifically tailored to you...