Welcome to Luang Namtha!

The town of Luang Namtha is located in the province of the same name, which has a population of about 125,000 people, made up of 39 ethnic groups. Each group has a distinct lifestyle, dialect and culture, and Luang Namtha tours to local villages are a highlight of a visit to the region. The province is gradually earning a name for itself as an eco-adventure spot and tourists are beginning to take notice. The town itself is becoming the hub of the region's tourism industry, and its Luang Namtha hotels, restaurants and transportation options allow visitors to enjoy the cultural diversity offered by the region.

The damages of war divided the Luang Namtha town into two distinct parts - the new town, which houses most of the Luang Namtha hotels and other travel services, and the old town, which is located about six kilometres away and makes for a fascinating visit. You can use our Luang Namtha map to choose your hotel in Luang Namtha based on its location.

The mountainous and jungle scenery of the area is the major attraction in Luang Namtha, and treks throughout the region its most popular activity. The Nam Ha National Protected Area offers stunning scenery and cultural interaction with the local villages, and is the ideal place for a Luang Namtha tour. The Central Core Zone, Nam Kong and Phou Song Phan are the three protected zones of the National Park, about 30% of which are covered by uninterrupted forestlands. The 104 villages around the National Park depend on it for their livelihood, water, food, medicines and building materials. Designated multi-use areas of the National park are used for agriculture, collection of non-timber forest products and hunting.

The town itself offers a small number of attractions, such as the Luang Namtha Museum, a waterfall at the village of Ban Nam Dee and the That Phum Phuk Stupa, but its laidback feel and relaxed ambience make it easy to lose track of time. A cycling trip into the countryside, meeting local people and stopping to eat authentic local food is a great way to relax.

The attractive town of Muang Sing is located around two hours northeast of Luang Namtha Town, very close to the Chinese border. It makes for a fascinating visit, with an abundance of local ethnic minority groups and gorgeous scenery. Its busy Sunday market is especially a good way to observe local life, with men and women in traditional dress a common and spectacular sight. There's a lot to see and do in Muang Sing, including gorgeous local walks and guided trekking trips into the lush surrounding countryside. You'll also find good value and authentic Muang Sing hotels and guesthouses.

Vieng Phouka is another great place to visit in Luang Namtha province, offering a refreshingly remote cultural experience. Trekking and hiking in the area surrounding here is a great opportunity to really get off the beaten track and explore an area that very few tourists get to see. Local ethnic groups include the Akha, Hmong, Khmu and Lahu and the town borders the Nam Ha Protected Area. You can also discover the ruins of an ancient city and explore a number of caves. The town itself is small, but extremely welcoming with friendly and curious locals.

You can reach Luang Namtha province by air, water or land. The most favoured land routes begin and end at Luang Prabang and Vientiane. The international border crossing between China and Laos takes place at Boten. Laos Airlines operates regular services from Vientiane. The river route is a two-day journey from Ban Houi Xay up the Namtha River, or from Ban Houi Xay up the Mekong River to Xieng Kok in Muang Long. After reaching the province, the cheap local Luang Namtha transport options include tuk-tuks or a song taeow (bus). Bicycles can be easily rented for short trips into the countryside.

Our Luang Namtha hotels site features pictures of each of our properties in Luang Namtha, which means you can know exactly where you are staying and what kind of Luang Namtha hotel and room you are booking. Let us help you find the perfect place to stay for your Luang Namtha holiday.