Nong Khiaow was a bit of a suprise package in the best way possible. It was easily one of the most beautiful places we've been to in Asia, possibly on this whole trip. The small town, surrounded by towering limestone cliff faces and mountainous peaks creates a really special atmosphere, we were definitely glad to make the journey there. The road from Luang Nam Tha was winding but not too bad. We had to stop in this town in the middle of nowhere to catch a sangtheauw (think pick-up truck with 2 benches running along the sides) to Nong Khiaow and the journey was pretty amazing. Driving through the small tribal villages with people shouting "hello" and smiling and waving, the early evening sun setting behind us, the feeling of adventure and the stunning scenery will ensure I remember it for a long time.

We weren't dissapointed when we arrived either. Staying in a small bamboo thatched hut on the banks of the river, watching the sun set behind the mountains, the locals playing and working in the river, kids flying their kites from the bridge...it was a perfect evening.

The scenery and laid back feel to the town actually got to us on the second day, so we chilled out in the hammock on our balcony, wandered through town, swam in the river (actually, we just ended up having a mud-fight, much to the amusement of the locals) and enjoyed a few Beerlao. Incidently, Beerlao is amazing. The best beer in Asia that we've tasted and up there with my favourites from NZ. And for 633ml it only costs 10,000kip, about 60p :-)

As you can probably tell, we really liked it here!

-B