If you are looking for a good camping experience, we have a great hike for you! Pha Khao is a stunning viewpoint located 1070m above sea level. There are two beautiful viewpoints, Pha Khao and Phanoi, and you can witness both for a single entry fee. With a promise of a view that takes your breath away, this blog contains all the information you need to hike through Pha Khao independently, without a guide. Serving as your virtual guide, this blog details everything from planning to packing to your stay and food, tips, tricks, and everything in between. 

Pha Khao Viewpoint Hiking Guide

How To Reach Pha Khao?

You can reach Nong Khiaw on the road from Luang Prabang or take the ferry from Muang Ngoy. We have a blog on how to reach Nong Khiaw in the best and most effective ways to reach the village. 

From Nong Khiaw, you can walk to the hike starting point, where you can see a large board indicating the entrance of the hike. Follow the directions given there to reach the ticket counter or the hike starting point.

Network Availability

We observed intermittent network availability in Unitel. However, Lao Telecom has a better network connection. To better navigate the hike, we recommend downloading offline maps in OSMAND and maps.me. 

Languages Spoken in Nong Khiaw

You can see that Lao is the only language spoken in Nong Khiaw. Very few people are seen speaking in English and French.

Parking Availability

The hike’s entrance has no dedicated parking space. It is recommended that you park your vehicle near the ticket counter. The entry point is located within walking distance of the village. There is no dedicated parking available at the hike entrance. However, you can park your vehicle near the ticket counter. Since the hike entry point is within walking distance from the village, you can park your vehicle at your accommodation and walk to the entrance.

Restroom Facilities

Unfortunately, there are no restrooms available throughout the hike. Attending to your nature calls before you start the hike is best. There is no restroom available throughout the hike. It is good to finish off your nature calls before starting the hike. While hiking, you are dependent on nature at all times.

Best Time To Visit Pha Khao Viewpoint

The Pha Khao viewpoint remains a vision throughout the year. However, it is best to undertake this hike after the monsoon season between October and February. The weather is pleasant after this period. March to May remain the hottest months of the year, but since the trail is shadowed by trees on both sides, it shouldn’t make much of a difference. A torrential downpour starts in June and lasts well into September. Be warned that the trail is extremely slippery during the rainy season. 

Where To Eat?

Unfortunately, there is not much you can find in the way of eateries or water sources on this hike. There are no snack shops at the peak either. So our advice is that you carry a sufficient amount of water, fruits, energy bars, and snacks. Also, make sure that you have a healthy meal before going on this hike. If you’re planning to camp overnight, make sure to carry at least 2 L of water per person, packed dinner, and breakfast.

Where To Stay at Pha Khao Viewpoint?

We stayed at the Ou River House. True to its quaint and charming name, the place was a beautiful property beside the river. When you compare the other places in Laos, the stay is generally on the pricier side. Be sure to check the websites booking.com and Hostel World to book your stay in advance. Dilalahs has the most affordable bunk beds in the village but they accept only direct walk-ins and the beds get filled up pretty fast. Here are a few other recommendations in Nong Khiaw.

• Riverview Bungalows & GH ($)
• Arthith Guesthouse ($$)
• Nong Kiau Riverside ($$)
• Resort Maison De Nongkhiaw ($$)
• Nongkhiaw the Float House ($$$)
• Mandala Ou Resort ($$$)

We camped at the viewpoint and made our descent the next day. Tents are pitched at the top, and all you have to do is pay a small fee to use this service. There are hiking tours organized every day with a guide, and you can try negotiating the price.

Hiking Details

Entry Fee: 30000 KIP or 1 USD.

Registration: No registration or pre-online booking is required. You can walk up to the entrance and start the hike directly.

Timings: There are no restricted timings. However, we highly recommend ascending during the early hours of the day. Camp overnight at the viewpoint if you start after noon. Do not start your hike after 3 PM.

Duration: 2 – 3 hours for the ascend and 1-2 hours to descend.

Summit Height: 1080 m

Hike Distance: 3.06 Km one way

Difficulty Level: Moderate, highly subjected to your fitness level.

Terrain: Mud, sand, bamboo or wooden bridges, stones, boulders, and forest

Hiking Route:

The hike begins right after crossing the ticket counter, where you will pass a bamboo bridge. Head straight on the path visible, and you will come across a couple of bamboo stairs that are there to prevent animals from entering.

There is a brief gradual path made of mud stairs that will guide you for a while. Enjoy the shade that the tall trees provide and continue till you reach a split, where the path divides leading to two different viewpoints – Phanoi Viewpoint and Pha Khao Viewpoint.

If you follow the left direction, the Phanoi viewpoint is only 200 m away. You can head there first and relax in the shelters on the edge.

At an altitude of 430 m, the Phanoi Viewpoint gives you a closer look at the Nong Khiaw. Make your way back to the split point and continue the hike toward the Pha Khao Viewpoint.

The hike starts out slow, easing you upwards for a few meters. As you move forward, you can see banana plantations. You can spot the red direction marks on the trees in some places. You can also see a very steep descent that goes past huge boulders.

Several bamboo ladders are kept to assist while climbing. They are quite sturdy, so just place your feet gently. Most of this hike is an ascend with no flat surfaces. Take rest as and when needed. When you can see the sky up to your front, you can also briefly see the viewpoint on your right. Continue your ascend for a few meters, followed by a short descent to reach the viewpoint. 

At The Pha Khao Viewpoint:

As you approach the viewpoint, you’ll notice numerous tents set up, inviting you to take in the breathtaking scenery. A large shelter stands prominently nearby. At the cliff’s edge, a flag flies high, overlooking the picturesque Nong Khiaw village below. You can witness the mesmerizing sunset, painting the sky with vibrant orange hues behind the endless mountains.

During my solo hike, I met a few fellow hikers at the summit and we decided to camp overnight with them at the viewpoint. We gathered around a campfire, mesmerized by the billions of stars above, and retreated to our tents as strong winds blew throughout the night. Waking up to the sunrise, we shared a hot drink, it was an unforgettable experience.

Important Things to Remember

• You don’t need a guide to hike the Pha Khao Viewpoint.
• Considering that Laos is the most heavily cluster-bombed country in the world, our advice is that you do not deviate and venture into far-off spots from your existing trail. It is safe, and it is recommended that you stick to the trail throughout the hike.
• Download the offline maps in that area in both maps.me and OSMAND. The trail is marked in both applications. You can crosscheck to make sure you’re following the correct trail.
• Using plastics and smoking is strictly prohibited. As a hiker, you must keep clean and not litter. Pick up your trash with you and dispose of it in the proper dedicated bins.
• There is no source of water available on this hike. Make sure to carry enough water with you. 
• We highly recommend you wear good hiking shoes as the terrain is slippery.
• Disclaimer: You can find leeches during monsoon season. Learn how to treat leeches the right way. 

Essential Things To Carry

• Ensure you carry at least 1 L of water per person.
• Take sufficient energy bars and snacks.
• Have your first aid kit handy.
• Do not forget your head torch if you plan to camp overnight or hike during the golden hours.
• Cap, sunscreen & sunglasses are essential and absolutely non-negotiable to ward off the summer heat.
• Carry a poncho or raincoat in case of rain.
• Above all, ensure you wear comfortable shoes with good traction and grip.

Read the blog to know more about what we usually carry for day hikes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve found this blog helpful, drop a comment down below! And if you’re eager for more extensive hiking guides and travel tips, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and give us a follow on social media – find us on Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!