Muang Ngeun
Muang Ngeun is a town in Northern Laos.
Understand
Muang Ngeun isn't really a town, but series of mostly Tai Lue villages spread out along the road.
Get in
Border from Ban Huay Kon
The main reason to come to Muang Ngeun is to cross the border from Ban Huay Kon (Thailand). Many don't know it, but the border with Thailand (Ban Huay Kon–Muang Ngeun) has been open for a year or two. You can get a visa-on-arrival on both sides of the border. You need to bring a picture for the visa.
The bus onwards to Udom Xai is at 12:00, so if you don't want to spend a night in Muang Ngeun – not a bad thing – you should cross the border in the morning.
By bus
It's also possible to get the slow boat heading north from Pak Beng (departs 08:30) to drop you at the road to Muang Ngeun. Costs 30,000 kip. At the top of the hill is a sort of bus station (empty car park with a hut by the entrance with a friendly Lao in it). From there you can get transport for 30,000 kip to Muang Ngeun.
See
- Wat Ban Khon.
- Wat Salibun Nyeun.
- That Mudkham stupa.
Do
You can take a walk on the main road to see the wats. There are also nice views of rice fields. The locals do not regularly see falangs, so be prepared to be gawked at, especially by the kids.
Sleep
- Wong Chaeng Kae Guesthouse (Near The bus station and the market). 6 rooms, double bed, toilet, cold water shower and a fan. 50,000 kip.
Go next
- Bus to Hongsa.
- Bus to Muang Xay at 12:00 from the bus station (near the market). Stops in Pak Beng. also.