Luang Namtha
One of the most diverse provinces in the entire country, Luang Namtha is home to over 30 distinct ethnic groups. Not only can you learn about the different groups, such as the Akha, Lanten and Khamu, you can also enjoy the diverse trekking and ecotourism opportunities available in the Nam Ha National Protected Area.
Top Tours in Luang Namtha
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Nam Ha Trekking Immersion
$177.00Experience life the Nam Ha National Park and immerse yourself in the rhythm of jungle living.
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Nam Ha Valley Village Trek
$121.00Explore ancient forests and remote villages on our most popular trek
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Nam Ha discovery
$74.00A one day trek exploring the national park and remote villages
Other than visiting the mystical religious stupa, immerse yourself in nature as you trek and kayak through Luang Namtha’s jungles and rivers. Visit ethnic villages and learn more about Laotians. Observe their way of life and listen to the beliefs and legends of each group.
What to do in Luang Namtha
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Explore the renown Nam Ha National Protected Area
Trek through the Nam Ha National Protected Area, one of the first of its kind in Laos. Whilst shaded by the dense forest canopy, enjoy the cooling temperature as you make your way pass streams, creeks, and the best sights. You can also learn about the local’s use of various species of plants found in the jungle.
With many ethnic groups living in Luang Namtha, visit the authentic villages …
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of these groups as you learn about their cultures and way of life. Possessing different traditions and history, be prepared to absorb a wellspring of information as you visit a few villages. Interact with the locals and reflect on how each of their cultures has influenced their lives and crafts.
Each ethnic village specializes in one or a few handicrafts, such as cotton, silk, bamboo weaving, …
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paper, or whiskey making. Attend a class with local artisans as you learn how to create objects such as bamboo baskets or knives. Challenge yourself to do the best you can as you get to bring these back as souvenirs too!
Integrate yourself into their village and try living as a local for a night …
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with a memorable homestay experience. Cook with the family and spend a night with them as you personally experience what it is like a day in their lives. Keep an open-mind and try out as many new activities as possible, it is sure to be a fulfilling and educational one.
Viewed to be the capital’s landmark, the gleaming golden stupa stands tall on a ridge in Luang Namtha.
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As you make your way up the hill, look out to the city to catch a pretty view of it, surrounded by majestic mountains. Exuding a calming atmosphere, take a deep breath of fresh air and let loose. Try to catch the sunset shading the sky in pink, and purple from the hill.
Stroll through the morning market as you immerse yourself in the local life, discovering new fresh local foods. Learn about these new ingredients and try your hand at using them to cook delicious local dishes in a cooking class.
Kayak along two of the most important rivers in Luang Namtha, Nam Ha and Nam Tha. Enjoy the calming river and navigate your way through some rapids as you enjoy the water against the warm Sun. Make several pit stops along the river as you try to spot some wildlife in the lush forests, and visit the ethnic villages located in the jungles.
Soak in the herbal saunas of Luang Namtha after a long day to refresh and re-energize. Have a healing massage and work out all your sore spots before heading down to the sauna. Enjoy the nice herbal scent as in bask in the heat and leave the place with silk-like skin.
Luang Namtha by night
Savour the local delicacies served at the Luang Namtha Night Market. Not really much to shop, but if you are an adventurous eater and are game, try out some of the exotic foods here, such as barbecued bats, fried crickets, ‘balut’, and more.
Camp in the protected areas as you enjoy a meal by the campfire, surrounded by endless nature. Round up by the fire as it keeps you warm, while sharing stories and creating intriguing conversations with your fellow campers.
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Sleep in your tent, with the calls of the wildlife as your lullaby, lulling you to sleep. Do join a tour if interested, in order to bring less damage to the precious soils of these areas.
When to go to Luang Namtha
There are two distinct seasons in Laos, which is the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season is from May to October, where you can partake in some activities that are especially amazing for this season. For example, you can kayak along the rivers and enjoy the sight of lush green farmlands and fields. However, it might not be the best season for you to go trekking in the Nam Ha National Protected Area.
During the dry season, you can experience winter in Laos from November to February, and summer from March to April. It may drop to approximately 15 degrees during winter and can go up to the 30s in the summer, so make sure to prepare well for these temperatures.
The weather today in Luang Namtha
How to get around Luang Namtha
In the city
Walk
The central area of Luang Namtha is small enough for you to wander around its streets as you head from place to place. However, there are still places that may be too far for you to walk.
Tuk-tuk
The friendly Tuk-tuk drivers would be more than happy to bring you around Luang Namtha but there are not as many compared to other places. If there is no rate stated on the tuk-tuk, do try to bargain for a cheaper price and make sure that the driver is clear of the bargained price.
Motorbike
Rent a motorbike at a rental shop and whizz your way through town. However, make sure that you are allowed to legally drive a motorbike in Laos and always wear a helmet before deciding on riding the motorbike.
Bicycle
The bicycle is a lovely way to explore Luang Namtha, whereby you can cycle several kilometers between the place of interests. Not only is it a healthier way, it also allows you to stop when you want to check out a certain place or observe an event.
Tours
Join tours where guides will bring you around Luang Namtha, feeding you with all the information you would need on the history, culture, and traditions of Luang Namtha and its people. One of the best ways to experience the city, check out the tours offered now!
Out of the city
Shared/Private Minivan
Take a minivan out of Luang Namtha , to numerous exciting tourists spots. You can also take the minivan to a different province or city in Laos. You may grab a shared or private minivan there. You can book through transportation or tour companies.
Bus
There are bus services, heading out of Luang Namtha to other cities and provinces, by some transportation companies. These buses area scheduled to go several times a day, so do check the schedule and prices before hand and book a ticket.
Tuk-tuk
There may be a few tuk-tuks available, but it is a small town. Thus, other modes of transportation would be better.
What to eat in Luang Namtha
Some ways to get to Luang Namtha
*price range is according to price for one-way
*disclaimer: the prices are approximate
*LEGEND:
$: 0-25
$$: 26-50
$$$: 51-100
$$$$: >100
| Bus/Van |
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Bus from Houayxai (Laos-Thai border) 4 hour drive Bus or shared van from Luang Prabang 8-9 hour drive Bus from Boten-China border 4-5 hour |
What bring to Luang Namtha
Tips
Money exchange
It is ideal to use USD as the currency to conduct your currency exchange here. There are many ATMs that will accept most major cards. Although most places allow you to pay in three currencies: USD, THB and Kip (local currency) their exchange rate may sometimes be quite high.
Health care
If you fall ill or need medical services you can head to Provincial Hospital . This simple hospital has X-ray facilities and can deal with broken bones, simple illnesses or malaria. However, if it is more serious, you will need to get to Vientiane or Thailand. It’s always a good idea to have a health insurance covering emergency evacuation to Thailand in case you have a more serious accident.