Muang Ngoi Neua Viewpoint
Muang Ngoi Neua Viewpoint
Muang Ngoi Neua Viewpoint
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Joe G
London, UK8 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
I climbed to the three viewpoints in Muang Ngoi yesterday and really enjoyed all three.
I initially planned just to do the higher of the two Pha Noi viewpoints but when I arrived soon after 9am the gate was locked so I went to the lower of two instead (the entrances are close to one another and there are signs on the main street to the viewpoints). The owner was there and I paid my 20,000 kip and started hiking. I went in the cave on the way up which was worth checking out, although not amazing. The climb was quite steep but short and relatively easy. The view from the top was good and the platform itself was excellent (the owner has recently rebuilt it). I was the only one on the platform but did pass a few people on the way down.
I then went to the higher Pha Noi viewpoint (which by now had opened), again paid 20,000 kip and hiked up. The climb was a little more challenging than the first but not as hard as I expected. There's a route up and a different route down which was a pleasant change. The view was definitely better from this one and the climb was probably more enjoyable too.
After lunch I headed to the other end of the main street and followed the signs to Pha Boon. There was nowhere to buy tickets at the entrance so I just started climbing. What was clear from the beginning was that work had been done very recently to clear the trail and make it easier to climb by adding wooden footholds. After about 15 minutes I came across two men working on the trail and paid one of them my 20,000 kip. There wasn't much to see from the first viewpoint but the view from the middle viewpoint was fantastic. There wasn't a platform but the area had been cleared. The route to the second was generally pretty good, although definitely more challenging than the other two (and was much higher).
I then continued up to the top viewpoint. It soon became clear that this part of the trail had had little or no work done to it and so was difficult to climb. I was often pulling myself up very steep dirt climbs with no real footholds (just old rope). After about 20 minutes with no end in sight I decided to turn back. If I wasn't on my own or there were others using the trail I might have continued but I didn't feel comfortable on my own. It's also worth noting that going down was a lot harder than going up!
I would definitely recommend climbing up to the middle viewpoint at Pha Boon but the trail to the third is a real challenge and not for everyone!
I initially planned just to do the higher of the two Pha Noi viewpoints but when I arrived soon after 9am the gate was locked so I went to the lower of two instead (the entrances are close to one another and there are signs on the main street to the viewpoints). The owner was there and I paid my 20,000 kip and started hiking. I went in the cave on the way up which was worth checking out, although not amazing. The climb was quite steep but short and relatively easy. The view from the top was good and the platform itself was excellent (the owner has recently rebuilt it). I was the only one on the platform but did pass a few people on the way down.
I then went to the higher Pha Noi viewpoint (which by now had opened), again paid 20,000 kip and hiked up. The climb was a little more challenging than the first but not as hard as I expected. There's a route up and a different route down which was a pleasant change. The view was definitely better from this one and the climb was probably more enjoyable too.
After lunch I headed to the other end of the main street and followed the signs to Pha Boon. There was nowhere to buy tickets at the entrance so I just started climbing. What was clear from the beginning was that work had been done very recently to clear the trail and make it easier to climb by adding wooden footholds. After about 15 minutes I came across two men working on the trail and paid one of them my 20,000 kip. There wasn't much to see from the first viewpoint but the view from the middle viewpoint was fantastic. There wasn't a platform but the area had been cleared. The route to the second was generally pretty good, although definitely more challenging than the other two (and was much higher).
I then continued up to the top viewpoint. It soon became clear that this part of the trail had had little or no work done to it and so was difficult to climb. I was often pulling myself up very steep dirt climbs with no real footholds (just old rope). After about 20 minutes with no end in sight I decided to turn back. If I wasn't on my own or there were others using the trail I might have continued but I didn't feel comfortable on my own. It's also worth noting that going down was a lot harder than going up!
I would definitely recommend climbing up to the middle viewpoint at Pha Boon but the trail to the third is a real challenge and not for everyone!
Written January 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ebonyh
Singapore, Singapore66 contributions
Jan 2020
We started around 130pm. We took about 2.5 hours to ascend up to the peak with tips and guides from aquaintances. Thankfully we didn't get lost so it was good chatting up with travellers :)
We took our time to descend, nearly 3.5 hours and waited for the sunset. It was the best experience ever.
We took our time to descend, nearly 3.5 hours and waited for the sunset. It was the best experience ever.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScotsmanEssexUK
Essex UK493 contributions
Nov 2019
It was worth the climb and the huge crowds to see a magnificent sunset from the top. Managed to take a few lovely photos despite - it may have been better just to look at the scenes
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John W
Jindabyne, Australia577 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
There are three viewpoints in Muang Ngoi Neua. Phaboom, south of town is easily the highest. I was told that it is a steep and rugged two hour climb to the top. At the northern end of town is Phanoy which has two separate lookouts.
The higher of the two takes 30 minutes to climb to. There are steep rocky pitches where bamboo rails have been placed to aid. The viewing platform has views up and down the river, plus the feeling of superiority from looking down on the other lookout. Descent is by a more gradual, safer track, a consideration if you are choosing which lookout to visit in late afternoon.
The higher of the two takes 30 minutes to climb to. There are steep rocky pitches where bamboo rails have been placed to aid. The viewing platform has views up and down the river, plus the feeling of superiority from looking down on the other lookout. Descent is by a more gradual, safer track, a consideration if you are choosing which lookout to visit in late afternoon.
Written December 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LilyRoseD
6 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
This is going to be a long review but we would have really benefitted from this insight before attempting this climb! We have both done lots of trekking/hiking but this was by far the most difficult and dangerous we have climbed.
The first bit is steep but the path is mostly clear and there are steps and rope to help you until you get to the first clearing where you can see the river.
From here the path becomes more challenging with jagged rocks to climb over and sometimes no rope, resulting in you getting on your hands and knees to pull yourself up,l. The path has lots of loose gravel which makes you slip easily but this bit is still manageable and fun if you take your time.
It took around 1-1 and a half hours to reach the second viewpoint (about two thirds of the way up) which is where I would suggest most people stop. I wouldn’t recommend continuing if you are on your own as the path becomes so dangerous and we had to help one another on many occasions.
Be prepared, the last third is so vertical and takes about an hour. You will be pretty much rock climbing but without the helmet, harness, or even rope in a lot of places. Sometimes there aren’t even trees to grasp on to. If you fall, there are jagged rocks in places but which you could do some serious damage on. And remember that you have to get back down, which is even more difficult as it is so easy to slip. We were extremely careful and took our time but still came away with some scratches.
The view from the top is beautiful, but if you’ve done other viewpoints in Nong Khiaw you will have seen similar with much less effort! Unlike these viewpoints, there is nowhere to sit and rest as it is all jagged rocks.
The other thing worthy of note - it says the gate will be closed at 6:30pm but when we returned at 5:45pm the ticket booth was closed and the gate was locked! Clearly this means no one will come looking for you if you don’t return that I evening (despite them getting you to write your name in a book when you set off!) Luckily we were able to climb over some barbed wire to get out.
The first bit is steep but the path is mostly clear and there are steps and rope to help you until you get to the first clearing where you can see the river.
From here the path becomes more challenging with jagged rocks to climb over and sometimes no rope, resulting in you getting on your hands and knees to pull yourself up,l. The path has lots of loose gravel which makes you slip easily but this bit is still manageable and fun if you take your time.
It took around 1-1 and a half hours to reach the second viewpoint (about two thirds of the way up) which is where I would suggest most people stop. I wouldn’t recommend continuing if you are on your own as the path becomes so dangerous and we had to help one another on many occasions.
Be prepared, the last third is so vertical and takes about an hour. You will be pretty much rock climbing but without the helmet, harness, or even rope in a lot of places. Sometimes there aren’t even trees to grasp on to. If you fall, there are jagged rocks in places but which you could do some serious damage on. And remember that you have to get back down, which is even more difficult as it is so easy to slip. We were extremely careful and took our time but still came away with some scratches.
The view from the top is beautiful, but if you’ve done other viewpoints in Nong Khiaw you will have seen similar with much less effort! Unlike these viewpoints, there is nowhere to sit and rest as it is all jagged rocks.
The other thing worthy of note - it says the gate will be closed at 6:30pm but when we returned at 5:45pm the ticket booth was closed and the gate was locked! Clearly this means no one will come looking for you if you don’t return that I evening (despite them getting you to write your name in a book when you set off!) Luckily we were able to climb over some barbed wire to get out.
Written March 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom
Germany9 contributions
Feb 2019 • Solo
Just follow the instructions as stated before.
The bamboo bridge was gone in Feb 2019 so you have to cross the stream on foot. Keep left and walk trough a wooden gate to get to the ticket booth. You can pay there but it seems more normal to buy it at the gecko bar.
Going up is more difficult compared to the viewpoint in the north. The first viewpoint is not really a viewpoint but just an opening in the forest, looking upstream. The second viewpoint is a bigger clearing also looking upstream.
There a small path starts to the third viewpoint on the top which immediately goes through bamboo trees. It is mostly climbing. There are NO ropes (well, only one somewhere halfway), it is very steep and easy to slip. Don't attempt this when it's wet.
You're scrambling over rocks, holding on to Bamboo branches and so on. Remember, you have to go down again.
It is a good challenge and the second viewpoint is probably enough since it offers really good views. I would only do this during day time, NOT for sunset. This side of the mountain is almost all day in the shade.
I actually liked the easier, northern viewpoint of the village more, it is easier and perfect for watching the sunset. But the views from the Pha Boom are just brilliant.
The bamboo bridge was gone in Feb 2019 so you have to cross the stream on foot. Keep left and walk trough a wooden gate to get to the ticket booth. You can pay there but it seems more normal to buy it at the gecko bar.
Going up is more difficult compared to the viewpoint in the north. The first viewpoint is not really a viewpoint but just an opening in the forest, looking upstream. The second viewpoint is a bigger clearing also looking upstream.
There a small path starts to the third viewpoint on the top which immediately goes through bamboo trees. It is mostly climbing. There are NO ropes (well, only one somewhere halfway), it is very steep and easy to slip. Don't attempt this when it's wet.
You're scrambling over rocks, holding on to Bamboo branches and so on. Remember, you have to go down again.
It is a good challenge and the second viewpoint is probably enough since it offers really good views. I would only do this during day time, NOT for sunset. This side of the mountain is almost all day in the shade.
I actually liked the easier, northern viewpoint of the village more, it is easier and perfect for watching the sunset. But the views from the Pha Boom are just brilliant.
Written February 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jcastravel
Antwerp, Belgium38 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
For all travellers coming to Muang Ngoi en doubting about doing this hike, I will explain and give directions about this amazing hike & viewpoint! Totally worth it!
- fitness level: average to good fitness required.
- duration of the climb up: 1h45 to 2h30.
- dirtyness: your clothes will get a bit dirty and you will have to use your hands constantly to hike this trail.
About tickets: my girlfriend and I didn’t have tickets
because the Gecko bar was closed and we just went along and were just fine!
The easiest way to start is just to walk the main road of the village to Bee Tree restaurant (good food!), once arrived, there is a sign that points to the left — follow it and you can start the hike! First you will arrive by the river. When you look left you can see a bamboo bridge about 120 meters away. Cross the bridge, a kind man will await you and ask for the 20 000 kip (per person).
IMPORTANT: always follow the red dots on the rocks for the correct path! (See picture)
The walk to the first small viewpoint is all right. There are steps and ropes and it took us about 30 minutes. (See picture) this one is not so impressive but worth a little water break.
The second part is a little bit more tricky and steep, but doable. There are rocks and slippery paths, so watch your steps! It took us about 25-30 minutes to reach the second viewpoint and the view is amazing. The trees are burned away so there is a open space to relax and take very nice pictures! (See pic)
When you look arround, you see a little path to the left, going right in the bamboo. Congratulations, you have found the hardest path! More ropes, more steep parts, more rocks and sometimes very slippery. Do not go here when it rained a lot or when it is raining! If you feel already very tired, do not go more uphill.
From here, it is a bit dangerous even without rain, but take your time and relax. This part took us about 40-45 minutes and was hard. The top is very rocky but the view is magical!!! (See pic)
Watch out when you go downhill, it can be very slippery! Not a lot of tourists go here, so you will probably hike alone (we liked it, had everything to ourselves).
Goodluck!
- fitness level: average to good fitness required.
- duration of the climb up: 1h45 to 2h30.
- dirtyness: your clothes will get a bit dirty and you will have to use your hands constantly to hike this trail.
About tickets: my girlfriend and I didn’t have tickets
because the Gecko bar was closed and we just went along and were just fine!
The easiest way to start is just to walk the main road of the village to Bee Tree restaurant (good food!), once arrived, there is a sign that points to the left — follow it and you can start the hike! First you will arrive by the river. When you look left you can see a bamboo bridge about 120 meters away. Cross the bridge, a kind man will await you and ask for the 20 000 kip (per person).
IMPORTANT: always follow the red dots on the rocks for the correct path! (See picture)
The walk to the first small viewpoint is all right. There are steps and ropes and it took us about 30 minutes. (See picture) this one is not so impressive but worth a little water break.
The second part is a little bit more tricky and steep, but doable. There are rocks and slippery paths, so watch your steps! It took us about 25-30 minutes to reach the second viewpoint and the view is amazing. The trees are burned away so there is a open space to relax and take very nice pictures! (See pic)
When you look arround, you see a little path to the left, going right in the bamboo. Congratulations, you have found the hardest path! More ropes, more steep parts, more rocks and sometimes very slippery. Do not go here when it rained a lot or when it is raining! If you feel already very tired, do not go more uphill.
From here, it is a bit dangerous even without rain, but take your time and relax. This part took us about 40-45 minutes and was hard. The top is very rocky but the view is magical!!! (See pic)
Watch out when you go downhill, it can be very slippery! Not a lot of tourists go here, so you will probably hike alone (we liked it, had everything to ourselves).
Goodluck!
Written May 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R0CKY142
Bellagio, Italy43 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
A good local hike. A man at the bottom collected 20000Kip per person but he was pleasant and so we gave him our 40000 and continued. The start of the walk up starts very steep, and... doesn't let up. It is steep the whole way. The track is in relatively good order though with stepping platforms made and a handrail or rope most of the way to guide and assist you through the steep sections. It took us less than 2hours to get up to the top. We took a few stops to catch our breath on the way up.
Once near the top we took a less common path left to get higher up. After that we went to the traditional view point. The view point is a clearing of tree and shrub and not that amazing although the view is pretty cool.
We enjoyed the challenge of climbing up but you would want to be careful in wet weather, and with weak legs or bad knees the climb down would be tough.
Because it doesn't last too long I would say mid to moderate fitness level is fine.
Once near the top we took a less common path left to get higher up. After that we went to the traditional view point. The view point is a clearing of tree and shrub and not that amazing although the view is pretty cool.
We enjoyed the challenge of climbing up but you would want to be careful in wet weather, and with weak legs or bad knees the climb down would be tough.
Because it doesn't last too long I would say mid to moderate fitness level is fine.
Written April 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Armee L
6 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
It is an interesting tourist attraction for tourists. For people who like to go hiking
This village is a pass-through for tourists.
If you visit is to help villagers affected by the Nam Ou Hydroelectric Dam.
Sopkinh village is a small and quiet village that is opening its doors for the tourist to explore, full of rocks, beaches, and other hidden biological diversity.
with the river flowing through. The watercolor is emerald. Some deep green places are waiting for you to see and touch them.
There will be a guide from the village to help you mobile 0304807078 Mr chan
Ban Sob Khing, Mueang Noi, Luang Prabang Subdistrict
This village is a pass-through for tourists.
If you visit is to help villagers affected by the Nam Ou Hydroelectric Dam.
Sopkinh village is a small and quiet village that is opening its doors for the tourist to explore, full of rocks, beaches, and other hidden biological diversity.
with the river flowing through. The watercolor is emerald. Some deep green places are waiting for you to see and touch them.
There will be a guide from the village to help you mobile 0304807078 Mr chan
Ban Sob Khing, Mueang Noi, Luang Prabang Subdistrict
Written February 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SerenaJaneB
Melbourne, Australia9 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
A very steep walk and wouldn’t do it if it was wet. Two caves on the way up, one of them huge! And a little further on the viewing point. Make sure you take one of the walking sticks provided for you at the start of the stairs and know there is a sheltered platform at the top with a wooden bench to rest and enjoy the amazing view before you head back down. We had a canine guide do the whole trip with us, including taking us into the caves and waiting for us to come down. He made it it all the more fun but watching him get down some of the wooden ladders was frightening. Do this if you can!!!
Written July 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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