Attraction Category: River

A trip to the Nam Ou River offers tourists a chance to see the most stunning sights in Laos — along the way, panoramic attractions such as limestone mountains, well-preserved forests, holy caves, and interesting villages can be seen. While en route, you can make a stop at Pak Ou Caves, a special shrine for Buddha and the river spirit, or visit the idyllic villages along Nam Ou river such as the Ban Hoy Seen Village. A trip to Nam Ou River will not only give tourists a chance to relax and take a break; they can also get a glimpse of the ingenuity and creativity of the people of Laos. 

 

Location

The 450-kilometre stretch of Nam Ou river starts from the Phongsaly Province and ends in Luang Prabang province.

 

Opening Days and Hours

Nam Ou River can be accessed anytime. 

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Nam Ou River can be accessed for free. Bout tours along the Nam Ou river start from USD 78. 

 

How to Get There

  • Fly from Vientiane to Luang Prabang via Lao Airlines or Lao Skyways.
  • From the airport, board a taxi to Luang Prabang’s centre.
  • From the city centre, hire a tuk-tuk to bring you to Nam Ou River.

 


Suggested For

  • Backpackers/solo travelers
  • Couples
  • Group of friends
  • Families

 

Time to Spend

Those who want to see more of Nam Ou river can join the half-day boat tours.

 


Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Nam Ou River is between the summer months of April and June.

 

Activities

  • Village Hopping
  • Trip to Pak Ou Caves
  • Boat Ride

 

Food

Tourists exploring the Nam Ou river can order meals and drinks from nearby restaurants such as Duangdee restaurant, Lattanavongsa Restaurant, and Sabaidee. Tourists joining the boat trips can eat at food shops in different villages along Nam Ou river.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Pak Ou Caves
  • Nong Khiaw Bridge

 

Stay

For accommodations, choose among the hotels and resorts near Nam Ou river such as Nam Ou Riverside Resort and Hotel, Ningning Resort, Nong Kiau Resort, and Mandala Ou Resort. Rates range from USD 60 to USD 200.

The Kiulu River is a big name among white water rafting enthusiasts. The rafting distance is from 7 to 15 kilometres, with varying water levels. The rapids’ grades are 1 and 2, which makes it perfect for beginners.

 

Location

The Kiulu River is located at Kampung Pukak Kiulu, about an hour’s drive from the Kota Kinabalu city centre.

 

Opening Days and Hours

The Kiulu River is open daily, but most white water rafting providers operate from 09:00 to 17:00.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Prices vary among operators, but an inclusive half-day tour costs about RM 200 (USD 48.65).

 

How to Get There

You can get to Kiulu River via a 4WD vehicle, as a car cannot navigate the road conditions. Pre-booked white water rafting tour packages typically include transportation from Kota Kinabalu.

 


Suggested For

The Kiulu River whitewater rafting experience suits beginner rafters and even first-timers. Visitors consist of couples, backpackers, and groups of friends.

 

Time to Spend

Most white water rafting tours last about 5 hours.

 


Popularity and Best Time to Go

For rafters, the best time to go is after a bout of heavy rain, as the water level increases.

 

Activities

White water rafting

 

Food

Although there are some food stalls near the river, you will have more food options in Tamparuli town, including local dishes like the famous Tamparuli noodles. Since Tamparuli is a small town, food is very affordable.

 

Nearby Attractions

You can check out the Rumah Terbalik and 3D Wonders Museum (5-minute drive away) or visit the Tuaran Crocodile Farm (15-minute drive away).

 

Stay

The Kiulu River is accessible from any accommodation in Kota Kinabalu.

 

Good to Know

Use sunscreen even on a cloudy day, as you will be outdoors during most of the tour.

The Ang Nam Ngum Reservoir was created when the Nam Ngum River was dammed in 1971 and is located on the northern edge of the Vientiane Plain. Aside from supplying much needed hydroelectric power to this part of the country, tourists who make a stop at Ang Nam Ngum is also rewarded with the discovery of a breathtaking 250-square-kilometre span of water with islands, isolated beaches, and swimming spots.

 

Location

The Ang Nam Ngum Reservoir is located around 60 kilometres north of Vientiane, within the Nam Ngum tributary of Mekong, and is part of the Vientiane Capital Province.

 

Opening Days and Hours

The Reservoir is open during the day. Tours usually start in the morning and can take up a whole day.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Day tours start from USD 50 to 100 per person, and typically includes entrance fees, lunch, hotel pick up and drop offs, tour guide fees, boat rides, and taxes.

 

How to Get There

  • Fly in via the Vientiane International Airport at Laos.
  • If you have a tour booking, the tour group will pick you up at your hotel.
  • If you do not have a tour booking, you can ride a bus going to Huoi Mo from National Road 13. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Reservoir.

 


Suggested For

  • Family trip
  • Office outing
  • Backpackers
  • Solo travelers
  • Couples
  • Group of friends
  • Honeymooners

 

Time to Spend

Tours can take the whole day. For individual trips, you can spend around 2 to 5 hours in the area.

 

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit the Ang Nam Ngum Reservoir is during the summer months of March to June.

 

Activities

  • Sightseeing
  • Boating
  • Picnic
  • Water activities
  • Cave hopping

 

Food

Aside from the lunch included in packaged tours, you can also enjoy local cuisines and restaurants in the area. Must-try restaurants include:

  • Pizza Luka
  • IL Tavolo Pizza Italian Restaurant
  • Gary’s Irish Bar

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Tham Chang Cave
  • Tham Nam Water Cave
  • Tham Phu Kham Cav

 

Stay

Accommodations in the area costs around USD 10 per person for an overnight stay. Options include:

  • Leokhampaseurth Resort
  • Long Ngum View Resort
  • Namlik Eco Village

Garama Wetlands is one of the few great locations in Sabah to take river cruise and spot endangered proboscis monkeys, macaques, silver leaf monkeys, flying foxes, birds, and water buffalos. At night, it is a amazing place to see fireflies illuminate trees like Christmas lights.

 

Location

The wetlands is located along the Penampang-Papar old road, about two hours’ drive from the Kota Kinabalu city centre.

 

Opening Days and Hours

Garama Wetlands is open daily. The river cruise operate from 13:00 to 19:00.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

It is free to enter the wetlands but cruise price varies among operators and starts at about RM 180 (USD 43.78) per person.

 

How to Get There

Although you can get to Garama Wetlands on your own, most visitors will book an all-in package with a tour operator, which includes transportation to and from Kota Kinabalu.

 


Suggested For

Garama Wetlands is suitable f0r couples, backpackers, seniors, and families with young kids.

 

Time to Spend

A tour in Garama Wetlands takes about 6 hours.

 


Popularity and Best Time to Go

Garama Wetlands is popular among visitors who are interested to see birds and wildlife in the rainforest. These animals are best sighted during late afternoons.

 

Activities

You can go on river cruises, spot animals, walk on the longest boardwalk in the wetland area, have a buffet dinner as the sunset’s twilight enfolds you, and be amazed at the spectacular sight of thousands of fireflies.

 

Food

There are a few riverside stalls along the Garama River serving local dishes and drinks. However, most tour packages include an afternoon tea and buffet dinner.

 

Stay

There are many accommodation options in Kota Kinabalu that you can choose to stay in, from budget hostels to luxury five-star hotels. There are also homestays and Airbnb options too.

 

Good to Know

Remember to put on ample insect repellant and wear long pants if you are allergic to insect bites.