Muang Ngoi, Laos

Muang Ngoi, Laos

Muang Ngoi is located just north of Nong Kiew in Luang Prabang Province. It is on one of the loveliest stretches of the Nam Ou (the Ou River) and must be reached by boat. If Laos itself isn't far enough away from the rat race then you will do well to head to Muang Ngoi. With no road access - and therefore no trucks, cars or motorcycles - this little Laotian village feels like a beach on a remote island. Find yourself one of the numerous bungalows, a hammock and a good book and let two days stretch into six. If you aren't charmed into relaxing with the locals, there are many treks available to explore the surrounding area and villages. However, you won’t be getting the most out of your visit if you don’t set aside a large chunk of time to do absolutely nothing.

Boat docked at Muang Ngoi, looking up the Nam Ou (Ou River).

Sunset on the Nam Ou (Ou River).

One main road connects most of the village.

A typical bungalow looking out over the river.

Old bomb casings put to good use.

On market day, the main road looks busy.

Teenaged girls walking along the main road.

A bicycle seems like an unnecessary luxury with so few places to go and all the time in the world to get there.

Wheelbarrows are one of the few wheeled contraptions in the village.

Boys heading off to school.

Daily activity in the heart of the village.

Daily activity in the heart of the village.

Mending a net along the road.

Monks at work.

Goods are dropped off by boat and then carried by hand into the village.

Goods are dropped off by boat and then carried by hand into the village.

The morning market.

The morning market.

Boys playing takraw.

Playing pétanque. Laos national pastime.

Playing pétanque. Laos national pastime.

Net fishing in a small river.

Net fishing in a small river.

A nearby village.

Surrounding farmland.

The nearby waterfalls plunge in several stages.

The largest drop of the nearby waterfalls.