| Location | on the Nam Ou, Ngoi district, 170 km northeast of Luang Prabang |
|---|---|
| Population | about 700, Lao Loum |
| History | heavily bombed during the Laotian Civil War |
| Name | ‘Muang Ngoi North’, from the Nam Ngoi river |
| Also called | Muang Ngoi Gao (Old Muang Ngoi) |
Most common destination when mentioning MuangNgoi is Ban Na village – the village of the rice paddies. The small and peaceful village is also known as the Elephant Village. Tourists will have a chance to watch group of elephants as well as other wild animals bathing, adventurous overnight stay with the villagers on the elephant observation tower. It is also worthwhile paying a visit to the nearby WatPhabath, one of the more important pilgrim sites of Laos because of its well-known Buddha footprint.Coming to MuangNgoi, tourists will be surprised at the scenery that no cars, motorbikes or even bicycles clutter the street. The district is covered by the chattering ducks blocking your path to the river, the chickens following their young around, and the nattering of people sharing gossip with their neighbors. Many tourists have to exclaim that: “Wow, how cool it is!” .Another part of MuangNgoi’s charm is NongKiaow,a similarly gorgeous riverside town three to four hours’ drive from LuangPrabang. Once in NongKiaow, you can stay and explore caves, perhaps staying the night in one of many simple guesthouses.
Among other destinations which include many historical buildings and amazingly beautiful landscape, MuangNgoi brings tourists interesting experiences on truly way of life of Laotians. Tourists will full know about the daily life of MuangNgoi in particular and Laos in common.
The small Nam Ou town
English Wikipedia describes Muang Ngoi Neua as a Lao town along the Nam Ou in Luang Prabang Province, in Ngoi district, 170 kilometers northeast of Luang Prabang. About 700 people live there, of Lao Loum ethnicity. The town is an old Tai Mueang and was heavily bombed during the Laotian Civil War. The name was changed to Muang Ngoi Neua to reflect population shifts during and after the war. We have not verified the older text on prices, opening hours, transport or tours, so check them before you go.
Sources (read in English, English Wikipedia): Muang Ngoi Neua. Last checked November 2026.
Muang Ngoi Neua: FAQ
Where is Muang Ngoi Neua?
On the Nam Ou, 170 km northeast of Luang Prabang.
How many people live there?
About 700.
What does the name refer to?
The Nam Ngoi river; Neua means north.
Was it bombed?
Yes, heavily, during the Laotian Civil War.
How many days do you need?
Two nights.