
A short, sinuous run threading between towering limestone karst to the dramatic Nam Ou river gorge at Nong Khiaw, one of mainland Southeast Asia’s finest mountain approaches.
From the junction at Pak Mong the paved road curves east into a landscape of sheer limestone karst, the peaks rising abruptly from paddy and Hmong villages. The driving is flowing rather than frantic, but the scenery is relentless, building to the cliff-walled gorge of the Nam Ou where the road drops into Nong Khiaw beneath some of the most photographed mountains in Laos.
Pak Mong to Nong Khiaw on the map18.5 mi · point to point
Pak MongStart · Luang Prabang
Nong KhiawEnd · Luang Prabang
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Character
Corners12bends
Tightness5of 10
Max gradient9%≈ 1-in-11
Climb236 mtotal ascent
Summit387 mhighest point of the line · 1,270 ft
Corners
busiest around mile 11Elevation
under 4%4 to 8%over 8%333 to 387 mPoints of interest3 stops
- Nang None Viewpoint (Sleeping Woman)Viewpoint18 mi in
- Pha Nang Non ViewpointViewpoint18 mi in
- Pha Bor CaveLandmark7.2 mi in
Hazards
- Livestock and pedestrians in villages along the road
- Fog in the river valley early in the day
- Occasional rockfall below the karst cliffs
- Limited services between towns
Sources
“At Pak Mong turn off Route 13 and on to Route 1C, heading north east. Continue on this road as it weaves its way through valleys before following it along the edge of the Nam Bak River”
Route traced from OpenStreetMap, with its stats measured from that line. How the roads are mapped
Driving the Pak Mong to Nong Khiaw: quick answers
How long does it take to drive the Pak Mong to Nong Khiaw?
Pak Mong to Nong Khiaw runs 18.5 miles (30 km) and takes about 37 min to drive without stops.
How difficult is the Pak Mong to Nong Khiaw to drive?
We rate it moderate: 12 corners, a maximum gradient of 9%, and a tightness of 5 out of 10.
When is the best time to drive the Pak Mong to Nong Khiaw?
Spring and Autumn and Winter are best.
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Pak Mong to Nong Khiaw
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