Nong Phou is a new village, established in 1993 and located in southern Chomphet District.
The villagers originally came from Ngoi and Phonsay districts and Phonsaly Province looking for better opportunities. There are approximately 140 families in Nong Phou representing the three major ethnic groups; Lao Loum, Lao Theung and Lao Soung (Hmong). The primary source of income is generated from farming. Average family income is $100.
To travel to Nong Phou, one takes a water taxi across the Mekong River from Luang Prabang. Pickup trucks are the key means of travel in Chomphet District and will drive you on Chomphet District’s only main road. The road takes you southward for a 2-3 miles passing a half dozen Mekong River villages before turning inland. Nong Phou is about 11 miles from the Mekong. It takes about one hour during the dry season by truck, which drives across the Chan River en route Nong Phou. During the rainy season, travel time varies depending on road conditions and the depth of the Chan River. Sometimes, the river is unpassable.