Luang Namtha

  Nature The mountainous 2,224 km2 Nam Ha National Protected Area (NPA) stretches from the Chinese border to Bokeo, and Luang Namtha Province’s natural attractions and activities are in or around it. Mixed deciduous and evergreen forest covers most of the NPA, with dozens of rivers and streams crisscrossing its rugged landscape, where more than … Read more

  Archaeological evidence, including stone tools found in the Nam Chook River Valley in Vieng Phoukha, and cliff paintings near Nalae, suggest that Luang Namtha Province was inhabited as early as 6,000 years ago. The first local written account of the province’s history appears in the “Xieng Khaeng Chronicles” that recount the founding of Xieng … Read more

  The Akha live in the mountains, and follow a cultural code called Akha Zang, the “Akha Way”, which defines traditions and laws, as well as how they farm, hunt, treat illnesses, and relate to each other and outsiders. Women wear black cotton miniskirts, tight-fitting bodices, embroidered jackets, and intricate head-dresses. Villages feature tall swings … Read more

Luang Namtha is the Adventure Capital of Laos. Dozens of trails take all levels of trekkers through pristine forests to ethnic villages and mountaintop vistas. Mountain bikes, kayaks and boat rides reach into the Nam Ha National Protected Area. Visitors can stay in a hotel or a jungle camp, and eat in a restaurant or … Read more

Jump into Laos’ adventure capital, where everyone can get close to nature and experience the lifestyles of ethnic groups. With so much to do, pick one of Luang Namtha’s five districts to explore. Luang Namtha District is adding value to its adventure list with combination tours, while Muang Sing is blazing trails to the Green … Read more

  Nam Bo Twin Falls Take half-hour hike to the top of Long District’s Nam Bo Waterfalls, where a giant jutting rock slices the mountain river in two, as it dives 20 metres over a cliff. The narrow, twin cascades then crash over a rock-filled gorge to a calm forest swimming pool. To visit the … Read more

  Most of Luang Namtha’s rooms are in and around the provincial capital on the Nam Tha River, and west in Muang Sing in the Green Triangle. You’ll also find village homestays, jungle camps and forest retreats. Back in the tourist enclaves, you’ll uncover a choice of some 100 eco-lodges, hotels, bungalows, and guesthouses down … Read more

    Lao Airlines offers daily flights from Vientiane to Luang Namtha at 14:30 for the 1-hour flight, and Lao Skyway offers daily flights at 14:50. A bus departs daily from Vientiane Capital’s Northern Bus Terminal for Luang Namtha in the morning (LAK140,000) for the 22-hour trip. Two busses depart Oudomxay (LAK40,000) and Houay Xay … Read more

  Tuk tuks are available in Luang Namtha and Sing Towns to explore the various attractions. You can also rent bicycles and motorbikes for sightseeing around these towns and to reach other districts. Several tour operators offer a choice of cycling itineraries throughout the province. You can find sawng taews (Pickup trucks with benches) for … Read more

  Inspect a pair of Tai Yuan Buddhist temples in “Old Luang Namtha”. Head to hilltop That Phoum Pouk Stupa built in 1628 to demarcate the Lane Xang and Lanna Kingdoms. Visit hilltop That Xieng Teung stupa, which is said to contain Buddha’s Adam’s apple. Luang Namtha Town Temple Tour: Take a tour of Luang … Read more