Luang Namtha in northern Laos is a gateway to exploring the diverse and culturally rich province. Visitors can enjoy homestays, trekking, cycling, kayaking, and rafting in the stunning Nam Ha National Protected Area.

About Luang Namtha

Settled in mountainous northern Laos, on the banks of the Namtha river, just a hop from the Chinese border, Luang Namtha is an exceptional base for discovering many natural wonders of the same-named province. It is the largest city in Luang Nam Tha Province and well-known as a stopover place on the trail from China to Laos, and as an alternative to the journey between Luang Prabang and Huay Xai.

Luang Namtha province has surprising ethnic diversity, being home to more than 20 ethnic groups. It is the most varied province in Laos and one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse areas of Southeast Asia. The Akha, Yao, Black Tai, and Lahu are a few of the ethnic minorities, and the best way to experience their way of life is when you have an opportunity to learn about a village homestay.

Tourism infrastructure in recent years has improved as the province makes a name for itself with trekking to ethnically diverse villages, as well as cycling, kayaking, and rafting in and around the stunning Nam Ha National Protected Area (NPA). The Nam Ha NPA covers nearly 30% of the province's land area, and it makes sense to be a great way to enjoy the scenery and the wilderness of the area when enjoying amazing outdoor activities here.

Best time to visit Luang Namtha

November to February is considered to be the best time for visiting Luang Namtha. During this period, the average temperature is cool and dry, making it to be the peak season for tourists coming.

August to October is considered a low season for tourism. Heavy rainfall can be expected during this time. Be extra careful during the trekking of Nam Ha NPA as it could be muddy and slippery due to the rain.

Things to see and do in Luang Namtha

Visit Nam Ha NPA

Nam Ha NPA is the National Protected Area in Luang Namtha and is also one of the first nature reserves in Laos.

Tourists coming here is for the chance to check out the endangered clouded leopards and a few remaining tigers that are said to roam in the park. However, in case you don’t find any of them as they are somewhat elusive, don’t be too disappointed. The top activities in the park are trekking and bird watching.

The 2,224-square-kilometer park is covered in lush woods and jungles and there are also numerous local villages and here that is home to the ethnic minorities including Khamu, Akha, and Lao Huay.

Luang Namtha Museum

If you are looking for ancient things in Luang Namtha then you need to head to the Luang Nam Tha Museum which has a huge number of items on show, includes the galleries of ancient textiles, pottery pieces and musical instruments. As you would expect, you will also find statues of the Buddha as well as exhibits that tell the story of Laos’ antiquity.

Nam Dee waterfall

If you want to get out of town then make sure you head to some of the waterfalls on the surroundings of Luang Namtha.

Some waterfalls are close by Namtha town to be seen including Nam Dee waterfall and the Gneung Phou Ku Lom waterfall, near Muang Sing.

Nam Dee waterfall

It takes no more than 30 minutes on a bicycle to get from the main street to Nam Dee waterfall, passing through paddy fields and picturesque scenes of the mountains that surround Luang Namtha.

There is a stream of water crosses the road you’re following. You can climb to the top of the fall and enjoy the view or refresh yourself in the pool at the bottom, deep enough for one to stand with water up to the neck.

That Phum Phuk

That Phum Phuk is the name for a grand stupa in Luang Namtha, However, it is just a display for a model of the original and was built in 2003. The 1628 original stupa was bombed during the Second Indochina War but the new red-gold version is still very pretty in its own right.

That Phum Phuk locates on a hillock, so you can enjoy its great views over the northwest of Luang Namtha while visiting.

It’s especially appealing in the rainy season when the surrounding hills are green, and also any time of year at sunset when the sky can sometimes turn a hundred shades of pink and red.

Luang Namtha Night Market

The Night Market in Luang Namtha is one of the top spots to sample the local cuisine, but visitors should be prepared for an adventurous culinary experience. The market is populated by vendors from surrounding villages, each offering their own traditional dishes. Local Lao delicacies, including offal, soup, and even chick embryos, are also available. Visitors are advised to exercise caution and ask questions if they are unsure about a particular dish.

Trekking around Namtha

Marvellous scenery! Source: https://imageearthtravel.com

Due to the heavy rainfall during the wet season, it is recommended to opt for a two-day, one-night trek to the Lahu Hill Tribe Village, which is a less popular route among foreigners.

How to go to Luang Namtha?

By Plane

Luang Namtha airport is 5 kilometres south of town. Lao Airlines operates the flights between Luang Namtha and the capital city Vientiane once daily. It takes an hour to fly between the two cities.

By Boat

You can take a boat along the river, all the way to/from Huay Xai, but there is no scheduled service so you just can jump on a boat randomly. The trip would take a minimum of two days and requires overnighting in a village (you might need to take some backup food in case meals are not served in the village). In the dry season after November, the northern parts of the river (towards Luang Namtha) may not be passable.

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