Crowned the best viewpoint to watch the sunset in the Nong Khiaw region is the Phadeng Peak, also known as the Nong Khiaw Viewpoint. Standing at about 1000m above sea level, your visit to Nong Khiaw cannot miss this viewpoint. If you were allowed to visit just one viewpoint in the whole of Nong Khiaw, this should be it. 

This blog details everything you need to know before undertaking the hike on your own. We’ve included the basics, tips, tricks, and everything in between to help you get started.  

Phadeng Peak Or Nong Khiaw Viewpoint Hiking Guide

How To Reach?

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.

Network Availability

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

Languages Spoken

The commonly spoken language in Nong Khiaw is Lao. Very few people speak English or French here. 

Parking Availability

Parking is not provided at the hike’s entrance. Visitors are encouraged to park their vehicles at their accommodations and walk to the entrance, which is within walking distance of the village.

Restroom Facilities

At the peak, a restroom is available; however, it is poorly maintained and typically lacks water. For the duration of the hike, visitors should be prepared to rely on natural facilities.

Best Time To Visit Phadeng Peak or Nong Khiaw Viewpoint

While Phadeng Peak or Nong Khiaw Viewpoint are accessible year-round, the best time for hiking is during the post-monsoon season from October to February when the weather is most pleasant. March, April, and May experience higher temperatures, but hikers need not worry, as much of the trail is shaded by trees. Rainfall typically begins in June and persists until September, making the trail extremely slippery.

Where To Eat?

Once you start the hike, no eateries or water sources are available, including at the peak. Carrying your own water, fruits, energy bars, or snacks is essential. We suggest that the hikers begin their hike after consuming a meal rather than on an empty stomach.

For those intending to camp overnight, it is recommended that they bring a minimum of 2 liters of water, dinner, and breakfast.

Where To Stay?

We lodged at the Ou River House, a charming property situated alongside the river, as its name suggests. Accommodation prices here are generally higher than those at other establishments in Laos, so it is advisable to book in advance through Booking.com and Hostel World. For budget-conscious travelers, Dilalahs offers the most economical bunk beds in the village. However, they only accommodate direct walk-ins, and beds tend to fill up rapidly. Here are some additional recommendations for accommodations in Nong Khiaw.

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

I opted for a day hike to the Nong Khiaw Viewpoint while staying in the village. However, it’s also possible to camp at the viewpoint, as further details will be provided below.

Hiking Details

Entry Fee: 40000 KIP or 2 USD for entry fee. Highest in the region.

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

Timings: From 5 AM to 7 PM.

Duration: 1-2 hours for the ascend and 40 minutes to 1 hour to descend.

Summit Height: 800 m

Hike Distance: 1.8 Km one-way

Difficulty Level: Easy – Moderate, highly subject to your fitness level.

Terrain: muddy steps with bamboo ends, boulders, and forest

Hiking Route: 

After paying the entry fee, walk towards the sand steps with bamboo at the ends. Surrounded by trees on both sides, step through them gently for about 222 steps.

The trial takes a short left turn and is followed by a flat trail where you see a resting point with swings hanging from the trees and sit-out benches made of bamboo.

Climb another 160 steps. The steep sections of the steps are guided by ropes (as shown in the picture). Halfway through the hike, a bamboo stone bench beneath a large shelter stone serves as a marker. Additionally, there is a board nearby indicating the same.

After completing halfway, climb about 108 steps through the visible trail. A mix of trail and 240 steps will lead you to the red-soiled terrain.

After an easy walk through the thick forest and twisted tree roots, climb 50 more large steps. The last section of the trail includes a mix of 50 more steps and a flat walk. The peak is visible only when you reach the last few steps.

At The Nong Khiaw Viewpoint:

You can find two large shelters near the viewpoint with wooden benches, giving the hikers the perfect spot to rest and admire the surrounding views. The Laos flag marks the summit.

While gazing towards the village of Nong Khiaw in the foreground, be sure not to overlook the breathtaking sight on the right side, where the Nam Ou River winds at the foot of majestic mountains. Take a stroll around the approximately 270° viewpoint to appreciate various perspectives. Witnessing the sunset from this vantage point is considered one of the highlights of Laos.

Important Things to Remember

• You don’t need a guide to hike the Phadeng Peak or Nong Khiaw viewpoint.
• Atchaya hiked by herself. The Nong Khiaw viewpoint is pretty popular compared to the others, so you will definitely meet people during your hike. 
• 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

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