This small, dusty market village in situated in northeast Laos, on the road between Vieng Khaw and Sam Neua. Nam Noen is definitely not the most exciting place in Laos, which is really saying something.
Although you won’t find neon signs and loud music here, Nam Noen does have electricity 24 hours a day, which makes staying here tolerable. The village is surrounded by mountains and Hmong villages and is a good place to go trekking and explore the countryside although there are much more interesting places elsewhere in Laos.
For people wanting to discover the ‘real’ Laos, it doesn’t get much realer than Nam Noen. Stop here for the night to experience village life before heading off to more tourist friendly places such as Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang.
Getting There & Away
The easiest way to get to Nam Noen is by bus from Phonsavan, which takes around 6 hours. Although there is a bus stop in the village’s market place, the bus is just as likely to drop you at the junction, which is located four miles from the town. You will either need to wait for a passing truck or walk. The closest airport is Phonsavan’s Xiang Khoang Airport, from where there are limited flights to Vientiane, Laos‘ main international gateway.
Memot attractions
- Hintang Archeological Park: exhibiting a collection of ancient megaliths which are cut from schist and placed in rows. In among the stones are what appear to be burial chambers covered with large round disks.
- Hmong villages: the Hmong communities in the area make for an interesting visit for those keep on getting up close with local culture.