LUANG NAMTHA

TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF 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

1.NAM HA NPA
Nam Ha NPA is the National Protected Area around Luang Namtha and is also one of the easiest nature reserves to visit when you are in Laos. The main reason to come here is for the chance to check out the endangered clouded leopards and tigers that are said to roam in the park, although don’t be too disappointed if you don’t find any as they are somewhat elusive. The park is covered in lush woods and jungles and there are also several local villages here that are home to the Khamu, Akha and Lao Huay ethnic minorities. Top activities in the park include trekking and bird watching, and the entire area stretches for some 2,224 square kilometers.

2.THAT PHUM PHUK
That Phum Phuk is the name for a grand stupa in Luang Namtha, although the one on display is actually a model of the original and was built in 2003. The original stupa was bombed during the Second Indochina War but the new gold version is still very pretty in its own right. As with many temples and stupas in Laos, this one of located on a grassy hill so you can enjoy great views over the northwest part of Luang Namtha on a visit.

3.LUANG NAMTHA MUSEUM
Luang Namtha Museum. If you want to check out some antiques in Luang Namtha then you need to head to the Luang Nam Tha Museum which has a huge number of items on show. These include galleries dedicated to ancient textiles as well as musical instruments and pottery pieces. As you would expect, you will also find statues of the Buddha as well as exhibits that tell the story of Laos’ history.
 

4.THE GOLDEN STUPA
The Golden Stupa is sometimes also called the Luang Namtha Stupa and is said to be the town’s central landmark. This is basically a large stupa that gleams with gold leaf under the sun and is modeled in the traditional style with eye catching, glittery design features. This is the second of two important stupas in town and is an impressive sight if you like religious architecture. It is also located on a hill so it is worth a visit just for the views.
 
5.CYCLE TO BOTEN
If you want cover long distances around Luang Namtha then you will need a motorbike, but if you want to stay fairly local then you can rent a bicycle. A popular route to take is the road from Luang Namtha that leads up to the border with China, and you can stop at the village of Boten. This takes you over idyllic hillsides and through gleaming rice fields.

6.EAT AT MINORITY RESTAURANT
Eat at Minority Restaurant: As the name suggests, Minority Restaurant is an eatery in Luang Namtha that focuses on serving up traditional bites made by members of the local ethnic communities. Many of the dishes here are traditional plates eaten by the Akha, Tai Dam and Khamu tribes and you can try these alongside dishes eaten across wider Laos such as laap or laab which is a minced meat salad as well as being the national dish.

YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO LUANG NAMTHA

Luang Namtha has the claim to fame of being the biggest city in the northwest of Laos and it is also a popular stopping off point for anyone travelling over the border between Laos and China.
People usually spend time in Luang Namtha to take advantage of the opportunity to trek in the surrounding resplendent countryside and this is a mountainous region of Laos which is also studded with ethnic villages.
Luang Namtha is also close to one of the most famous national parks in Laos and you can go hiking to scenic waterfalls in the area as well as enjoy the town itself which is packed with eateries, markets and temples.
 
HOW TO GET LUANG NAMTHA
By air
If you’re planning to get to Luang Namtha by air, Lao Airlines has scheduled flights from Vientiane about 4 days per week. Some tuk-tuks will take you to your hotel in town for relatively low prices.
By road
If you’re travelling from China, there’s a direct bus to Luang Namtha from Jing Hong. The bus leaves from the north bus station at 10.40am and stops en route at the south bus station at 11am. You need to scan your luggage at the Chinese Customs Hall before crossing the border into Laos.
By Water
Boats depart from Huay Xai to Luang Namtha, but there’s no fixed regular service available. You may have to depend on cargo ships for this, which can be tricky and depends on your luck.
Green Discovery arranges for boat trips at steep prices ($170–$450), as it’s one of the few tour agencies offering this service. Travelling to Luang Namtha by water takes about 2 days, which means you have to spend the night at a nearby village.


THINGS TO DO IN LUANG NAMTHA

• Explore the renown Nam Ha National Protected Area
• Visit the authentic ethnic villages
• Create your own souvenir with local artisans
• Live like a local in Luang Namtha province
• Visit the Golden Stupa
• Cook with ingredients from the Morning Market
• Kayak along Luang Namtha rivers
• In the soothing Herbal sauna
• Luang Namtha by night
• Have a food adventure at the night market
• Camp in the protected areas

TIPS FOR TREKKING IN LUANG NAMTHA
One of the most common comments people make about trekking in the Nam Ha National Protected Area is “that was harder than I expected” so, be prepared to challenge yourself on the steep uphill and often slippery (especially in wet season) downhill sections of the mountainous NPA jungles. A trek in Luang Namtha is definitely not a gentle walk in the park as some people expect, it is real trekking! Trekking in the primary (first growth) forest is the most challenging but also the most rewarding. Other things you should expect from your trek are:
– Insects; wear long sleeves and pants while trekking and at night.
– You probably will have to carry your own water (3 or 4.5 litres per day) for the duration of the days walking.
– Showering will usually be in a river or using a bucket of water; so bring soap. Girls should do as the local females and wear sarongs.
– Toilets will be of the squat variety, or a ‘dig your own’; BYO toilet paper is a very good idea.
Now you should be informed enough to have an outstanding trekking experience while in Luang Namtha.
Among the Luang Namtha trekking routes, Nam Ha Forest trek route is the most popular. This trek is entirely within the Nam Ha National Protected Area, an ASEAN Heritage Site.

Due to the mountainous location, weather mostly takes easy and pleasure around the year, an available season of the region is dry and rainy.
From October to February next year is concerned to be the best visiting point of all, with cool weather from 10 – 20°C but in some extreme point of winter, the temperature can go down to 0°C. In addition, lots of local events and daily activities will take place and observable also supports you for best photos shooting.
From May to October is rainy time and can turn really heavy, a flood could be caused. Hottest seasons occur from March to April but people can still bare the temperature of 25°C (average), this period also considered as the second appropriate time for a visit. Best time or not, now it is up to you.

LUANG NAMTHA FOOD

Luang Namtha restaurants mostly serve Chinese, Thai and Lao dishes, though you might find a few offering western food. Most locals earn their living by tending to their paddy fields, with some complementing this agricultural income by serving indigenous cuisine such as Khao Niaw (sticky rice), larb (minced meat salad), and or lam (Lao stew). Luang Nam Tha Night Market has several stalls selling Lao dishes, fresh fruit, noodles, and BBQ meat.