Sabaidee (Welcome) to our Resort in Nong Khiaw for sale

Resort

Sabaidee (Welcome) to our Resort in Nong Khiaw

Nong Khiaw, Luang Prabang, Laos

NEGOTIABLE

445 000 USD

Agent: Cliff Jacobs - Operations Director - South Africa & Africa - EC Mobility
Agent Cellphone: +27 (0) 84 413 1071
Agent Office Number: +27 (0) 21 554 0283
Agent Email Address: Cliff.jacobs@ecmobility.hk
Type: Resort
Bedrooms: 10
Bathrooms: 10
Showers: 10
Parking: 10
Yield: Not Disclosed

Nong Khiaw

Nong Khiaw is a popular tourist destination because of the walking and cycling routes near the village and the mountain-climbing opportunities. The only good way to get there used to be by boat from Luang Prabang or Muang Khua, near the Vietnamese border. This is not the case anymore due to the construction of dams on the Nam Ou river since 2017. There is also a road from Pak Mong to Hat Sao. The village is well known in Laos because of the bridge, which was given by China, that connects the two parts of the town. The bridge gives you a great view of the Nam Ou river, and the breathtaking rocks, mountains and hills around it.

Luang Phabang

Luang Phabang, commonly transliterated into Western languages from the pre-1975 Lao spelling ຫຼວງພຣະບາງ (ຣ = silent r) as Luang Prabang, literally meaning "Royal Buddha Image", is a city in north-central Laos, consisting of 58 adjacent villages, of which 33 comprise the UNESCO Town Of Luang Prabang World Heritage Site. It was listed in 1995 for its unique and "remarkably" well preserved architectural, religious and cultural heritage, a blend of the rural and urban developments over several centuries, including the French colonial influences during the 19th and 20th centuries.

The centre of the city consists of four main roads and is located on a peninsula at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers. Luang Prabang is well known for its numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries. Every morning, hundreds of monks from the various monasteries walk through the streets collecting alms. One of the city's major landmarks is Mount Phou Si; a large steep hill which despite the constrained scale of the city, is 150 metres (490 ft) high; a steep staircase leads to Wat Chom Si shrine and an overlook of the city and the rivers.

The city was formerly the capital of a kingdom of the same name. It had also been known by the ancient name of Xieng Thong. It was the royal capital and seat of government of the Kingdom of Laos, until the Pathet Lao takeover in 1975. The city is part of Luang Prabang District of Luang Prabang Province and is the capital and administrative centre of the province. It lies approximately 300 km (186 mi) north of the capital Vientiane. Currently, the population of the city as a whole is roughly 56,000 inhabitants with the UNESCO protected site being inhabited by around 24,000.

History

Dvaravati city-state kingdoms

By the 6th century in the Chao Phraya River Valley, Mon peoples had coalesced to create the Dvaravati kingdoms. In the north, Haripunjaya (Lamphun) emerged as a rival power to the Dvaravati. By the 8th century, the Mon had pushed north to create city-states, in Fa Daet (modern Kalasin, northeastern Thailand), Sri Gotapura (Sikhottabong) near modern Tha Khek, Laos, Muang Sua (Luang Prabang), and Chantaburi (Vientiane). In the 8th century CE, Sri Gotapura (Sikhottabong) was the strongest of these early city-states and controlled trade throughout the middle Mekong region. The city-states were loosely bound politically, but were culturally similar and introduced Therevada Buddhism from Sri Lankan missionaries throughout the region.

Lan Xang period

Xieng Dong Xieng Thong experienced a brief period of Khmer suzerainty under Jayavarman VII from 1185 to 1191. By 1180 the Sipsong Panna had regained their independence from the Khmers, however, and in 1238 an internal uprising in the Khmer outpost of Sukhothai expelled the Khmer overlords. Xieng Dong Xieng Thong in 1353 became the capital of the Lan Xang kingdom. In 1359 the Khmer king from Angkor gave the Phra Bang to his son-in-law, the first Lang Xang monarch Fa Ngum (1353-1373); to provide Buddhist legitimacy both to Fa Ngum's rule and by extension to the sovereignty of Laos and was used to spread Theravada Buddhism in the new kingdom. The capital name was changed to Luangphabang, where it was kept, named after the Buddha image. Luang Prabang was briefly occupied by the Vietnamese forces during Emperor Lê Thánh Tông's 1478–1480 expedition against Lan Xang and Lanna. The capital was moved in 1560 by King Setthathirath I to Vientiane, which remains the capital today.

In 1707, Lan Xang fell apart because of a dynastic struggle and Luang Prabang became the capital of the independent Kingdom of Luang Phrabang. When France annexed Laos, the French recognised Luang Prabang as the royal residence of Laos. Eventually, the ruler of Luang Prabang became synonymous with the figurehead of Laos. When Laos achieved independence, the king of Luang Prabang, Sisavang Vong, became the head of state of the Kingdom of Laos.

World War II

The town was the scene of many events during and in the aftermath of World War II and it was occupied by several foreign countries during the war (Vichy France, Thailand, Imperial Japan, Free France, and Nationalist China). Initially, the Vichy French controlled the city but lost it to Thai forces following the Franco-Thai War of 1940–1941. On 9 March 1945, a nationalist group declared Laos once more independent, with Luang Prabang as its capital but on 7 April 1945 two battalions of Japanese troops occupied the city. The Japanese attempted to force Sisavang Vong (the King of Luang Phrabang) to declare Laotian independence but on 8 April he instead simply declared an end to Laos' status as a French protectorate. The King then secretly sent Prince Kindavong to represent Laos to the Allied forces and Sisavang Vatthana as representative to the Japanese. Following Japan's surrender to the Allies, Free French forces were sent to reoccupy Laos and entered Luang Prabang on 25 August, at which time the King assured the French that Laos remained a French colonial protectorate.^[33] In September the Chinese Nationalist forces arrived to receive the surrender of the remaining Japanese forces but also quickly set about buying up the Laotian opium crop.

Laotian Civil War era

In April and May 1946, the French attempted to recapture Laos by using paratroops to retake Vientiane and Luang Prabang and drive Phetsarath and the Lao Issara ministers out of Laos and into Thailand and Vietnam. During the First Indochina War, the Viet Minh and Pathet Lao forces attempted to capture the city several times in 1953 and 1954 but were stopped before they could reach it by French forces. During the Laotian Civil War of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, a secret American airbase was located at Luang Prabang and it was the scene of fighting. Luang Prabang remained the royal capital until 1975 when the Pathet Lao communist forces seized power with North Vietnamese support and dissolved the ancient monarchy.

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Key features

Where Is Our Resort Located In Nong Khiaw?

Our resort is situated on the left bank of the Nam Ou river - before the bridge crossing. Located approximately 500m from the center of the village, Mandala Ou is in the south of Nong Khiaw, only a 5-minute walk from the bus station - you do NOT need to take a tuk-tuk from the bus station!

Where Is Nong Khiaw Located?

Nong Khiaw is a small village located 152km northeast of Luang Prabang located on the banks of Laos's second biggest river, the Nam Ou. At an altitude of 400m, it is famous for its stunning limestone karst mountain scenery, untouched virgin rainforest and variety of Lao ethnic groups, primarily the Khamu and Hmong tribes. Connected by an impressive high bridge linking both river banks, Nong Khiaw boasts the beautiful Patok Cave, command center and living quarters for the Pathet Lao independence movement and Bank Of Laos during the war in the 1960s and '70s. Famous for its unique Nam Ou freshwater shrimp during July and August, tourist attractions and activities include the famous '100 Waterfalls' tour, kayaking, mountain biking and tubing down the Nam Ou.

Your 'Home Away From Home'...Comfort & Style At Our Resort

At our resort, your comfort is important to us. Whether it's after an adventurous day of trekking or a long day on the boat, we aim to make your stay with us as comfortable and relaxing as possible.

We offer 10 deluxe detached units - six 'River Bungalows' with direct Nam Ou River views and four 'Fountain Garden Bungalows' set in our tropical garden. Each bungalow has an ensuite bathroom, ceiling & standing fan, safety box, tea & coffee making facilities and WiFi internet reception. Room service is available daily if requested.

Yoga Retreats at our Resort

Our purpose-built raised wooden Yoga Sala sits directly on the Nam Ou Riverbank opposite the impressive Pha Xang cliff - with stunning views down the Nong Khiaw valley, mountains and sunset.

Our resort has been proudly hosting the popular all-inclusive yoga retreats organised and taught by the cooperative of experienced instructors of Luang Prabang Yoga - the original Yoga School in Luang Prabang- since November 2013. Luang Prabang Yoga was started by Julie Moksim, an internationally qualified instructor and founder of Urban Yogis in Singapore. She has developed an intrinsic Yoga program that includes philosophy, meditation, Pranayama, Vinyasa yoga, Restorative yoga and Yoga Nidra, giving all participants the benefit of a full 'Sadhana' or spiritual practice.

Enjoy Delicious Food & Wine On The River's Edge...

The covered restaurant seats up to 30 people and offers great views overlooking the Nam Ou river and surrounding mountains. Our kitchen offers a select choice of local dishes from Nong Khiaw & Laos, as well as classic Thai and Western cuisine.

Nearly all of our ingredients and vegetables are sourced daily from the fresh market in Nong Khiaw - but also provided by our staff's own organic vegetable and herb gardens! We use no artificial ingredients or flavour enhancers (MSG) in our dishes, and all food is cooked to order. Our delicious, 100% natural breakfast fruit jams are homemade by our dear friend Monica of 'Tamasat Jams' in Luang Prabang - Passion Fruit, Mango-Vanilla, Papaya-Pineapple, Orange or Mulberry. To get your day started, our inclusive buffet breakfast is served daily and includes fresh filter coffee, herbal teas, a selection of local exotic fruit & juices, yoghurt, muesli, cornflakes, croissants, home-baked toast bread, fruit jams, Nutella, salami, ham & Cheddar cheese, scrambled eggs and a daily Asian dish of fried rice or rice soup.

Jungle Waterfalls Mountain View Point Caves, Kayaking, Zip Line over Nam Ou River Gorge...

Nong Khiaw is the ideal place for you to relax or be active...

There are several exciting local attractions nearby that can be reached independently on foot or with our free guest bicycles. Alternatively, there are several fascinating half-day or full-day guided trips around Nong Khiaw that require a qualified tour guide and are booked at the travel agencies in the village centre. Here are a few activities that we can recommend: Independent Half Day Trips (No Tour Guide Necessary)

Patok Cave: Head towards the centre, cross the big bridge and follow the main road another 2.5 km out of the village (30mins by bicycle / 60mins by foot). A large wooden sign on your right announces the famous 'Patok Cave', the entrance fee is 5,000 Kip per person (includes free torch) cross the small Nam Houn river over a bamboo bridge and follow the path 300m through the rice paddies. In front of you are the cement steps & railing leading into the cave entrance 50m high off the ground. Used as a headquarters by the Pathet Lao communist command during the War, as well as a shelter for villagers during American bombing runs, the cave has an impressive cathedral dome on two levels, openings with stunning views onto the surrounding mountains and rice paddies, and some remaining pieces of rotting furniture. Special Tip: Just before the main stairs, take the small path 50m to the right. Some local boys will lead you to a smaller cave entrance on ground level, used as a safe depository for the Bank Of Laos during the War, makeshift hospital, cooking facilities. Some parts are a tight squeeze. Total trip time: 3 hours

Mountain ViewPoint: Head towards the centre, cross the big bridge and follow the main road through the village for 300m (15mins by bicycle / 30mins by foot). On your left-hand side, you will see a vinyl sign 'Nong Khiaw Mountain ViewPoint'. The entrance is 20,000 Kip per person (includes a small bottle of water), and you start following the path up the gentle slopes of the mountain. Further on there are rough-cut steps on the steeper sections, and for the average person this climb will take 1.5 hours to the top, and 1.5 hours back down again. Upon reaching the top of the mountain, the views are truly stunning - at an altitude of approx. 1,100m you will have a 360-degree stunning vista of the surrounding mountains, the river & bridge, Nong Khiaw village below you, and the Nam Ou valley towards Muang Ngoi. Time to sit down, relax and soak up the atmosphere. Special Tip: It is advisable to take an additional big bottle of water (especially during midday), and to wear strapped sandals or closed shoes. Although this is an easy-medium climb, during the rainy months (July-Sept) it can get very slippery and muddy at the top - there are no handrails. In March and April, the view might be limited due to the annual slash-and-burn haze. The best day time to start this climb is 8.00am - still cool enough, and by the time you reach the top, witness beautiful cloud bands hugging the valley tops. Total trip time: 5 hours

Independent Full Day Trips (No Tour Guide Necessary)

Private Nam Ou River Trip: Since Nov 2013, it is no longer possible to travel directly downstream between Luang Prabang and Nong Khiaw by boat due to the construction of a hydroelectric dam. Thus we recommend hiring a private roof-covered boat for a full day trip upriver instead - leaving at 9:30am and returning at 16:30pm the local boat driver will take you an hour upriver, past Muang Ngoi, and passing through what we consider to be the most beautiful stretch of the Nam Ou - a natural river gorge with vertical, virgin rainforest-covered mountains falling straight into the water on both sides. Your destination is Ban Sop Jam - a lovely, traditional Lao village on the river banks, famed locally for its traditional hand weaving skills of Sarongs and scarves. In your own time, your boat driver will bring you back down to explore Muang Ngoi village - have lunch, a drink or explore the village and caves. Again, at your own pace, return to Nong Khiaw in the late afternoon. Special Tip: the boats are covered, however, it is advisable to bring a hat or sunscreen, as well as a bottle of water. Simple pens and paper are always appreciated by the kids in Sop Jam village! Departure and return times are completely up to you - the boat trip needs only be booked a day before at the Resort, just let us know what times suit you best. Price: 550,000 Kip for the whole boat/max 12 persons (can be shared with other interested guests!) Total trip time: 7 hours Full Day Trips (Local Travel Agency Booking & Tour Guide Necessary)

100 Waterfalls Trek (by Tiger Trail): an absolutely unique experience, this adventurous trail and trek was only discovered and 'opened' for visitors to Nong Khiaw just a few years ago, and is organized exclusively by Tiger Trail. Pre-book your place on the next day's tour by visiting the Tiger Trail office in the village centre. A maximum group size of 12, you will be accompanied by a local qualified English-speaking guide, leaving at 09:30am and traveling 45mins downstream by riverboat to a local Hmong village where you will disembark and follow local trails through the rice paddies to the foot of the forested mountain slopes. For the next 3 hours, you will follow the cascading stream as you ascend the mountain covered in thick virgin rainforest, following the water through dozens of pools, cascades and huge rocks before having a complimentary Lao lunch at the top of the falls served by your guide in the traditional way - folded banana leaves. Along the way, your guide will explain the local fauna and flora, use of plants for traditional medicine, and local culture and traditions. After lunch its time to relax in the pools before making your way down the other side of the mountain, and returning by boat to Nong Khiaw at approx. 17:00pm. Special Tips: This medium-hard trek involves climbing over rocks and bamboo ladders and is not recommended for the very young or physically impaired. You will get wet in places as you ascend the cascading water. Closed shoes, sturdy sandals or hiking boots are necessary - simple flip flops are not recommended although these should be taken along for swimming at the top. A zip-lock or diving bag is also recommended to keep cameras and valuables dry. Lunch and water is provided free of charge, however, taking an extra bottle of water -and sunscreen or insect repellent- will do no harm. For more information, prices and booking - please contact Tiger Trail directly at the office in the village, or check out their website, 100 Waterfalls Trek as well as the Tiger Trail sustainable tourism Fair Trek initiative. Total trip time: 7 hours

Nong Khiaw Zip Lining (by Laos Outdoor Adventures): Nong Khiaw's NEWEST attraction, opened in June 2016. Operated by Laos Outdoor Adventure using brand new Western equipment with fully qualified instructors and guides. The zip lines are located approx 20km outside of Nong Khiaw crossing the bridge, passing through lush vegetation, huge primary rain forest trees and past limestone karsts. Both half and full-day ziplining is available. For enquiries & rates please visit the local Laos Outdoor Adventures office.

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