The other reviews have already pointed out that it's a muddy, steep walk that requires strong shoes and a decent level of fitness. A stick was available from a hollowed out bomb where you pay your 20,000kip pp entrance fee. Don't go if it's rained very recently, is raining or is about to rain. Insect repellent and lots of water will both be useful.
The views at the top make the effort worthwhile. We went late afternoon so had the top to ourselves before the sunset seekers arrived.
I was a little apprehensive as I'd heard this was a difficult walk. And, to make matters worse, it had been raining all day until a break came in the afternoon. I won't lie, this walk isn't for the faint-hearted. It's steep and slippery in parts, with ropes to aid the climb. But it's also very achievable. And so worth it for the breathtaking views at the top. So glad I didn't miss this. I was given bamboo walking pole and water, but to be honest the walking pole just made it tricky to juggle everything in the steeper sections with rope.
This viewpoint is well worth the 90 minute climb to the top. Be warned though that this climb is not for the faint hearted. You will need to have proper shoes and preferably cover your legs or have mosquito repellent because when you stop to catch your breath, the mosquitoes are having a field day.
Sunset here is truly breath taking and we recommend leaving a bit early as should you not get there in time you will miss the sunset entirely as the last 10 minutes of the climb is through thick forest.
Also if venturing up for sunset, please make sure you carry a powerful torch as it gets dark fast and the climb down is just as hard as the climb up.
In spite of all this, its definitely one of the most recommended sites to visit in Nong Khiaw and you will truly not regret it (mosquito bites, bruised knees and all) once you get to the top and watch the most incredible sunset.
Great views of Nong Khiaw and well worth the effort. The top was busy early in the morning (7:30am)
The path starts about 500m south of the east side of the bridge in Nong Khiaw. It is well signposted and the path easy to follow. The path is also on maps.me which is useful for knowing how far you have got left (although not required for navigation)
It took us (mid 30s, moderate fitness) 1 hour 15 mins up and 3 hours round trip from the hotel.
It costs 20,000 kip/person. There is no where to buy water once you have started but a few shops around the start
My boyfriend and I found out about the viewpoint from a lovely local man who pointed us in the right direction. The trip up is pretty steep, bamboo for a hand rail if you're lucky, strides that seem too big and rocks and twigs along the way as stepping stones! We loved it.
The view at the top is just gorgeous! We thought we'd found it once because the view was just incredible. Turns out if you go around the corner that's the real view point but both are stunning and give opposing views! Well worth the effort.
You'll get a change to look over the town and across the river. It's lovely! My boyfriend did it in flip flops which isn't advised but he did it all the same!
