Luang Namtha (Louangnamtha, Luang Nam Tha) is the largest city in Luang Nam Tha Province, Northern Laos. It lies on the banks of the Nam Tha river, and the meaning of the name is “The area (luang) around the Tha river (nam Tha)”. Best known as a stopover point on the backpacker trail from China to Laos, and as an alternative to the long and cramped boat journey between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang, Luang Namtha has become increasingly popular as a starting point for hill tribe treks, especially those into the Luang NamTha NPA – National Protected Area. While short on jaw dropping sights, it’s a compact and fairly pleasant little town, albeit one divided in two distinct parts: the “old” or original town near the airport (bombed out in the 1970’s war), and the “new” or replacement town to the north where the trekking companies and most guesthouses can be found. The two are about 6 km apart. The “old” town sits aside Highway 3 – the modernised route from China to Thailand. The “new” town is located along highway 17A which serves to connect Muang Sing.
Luang Namtha Overview
Get In
- By plane to Luang Namtha Airport (LXG) from Vientiane
- By road from China, Vietnam’s border
- By boat from Huay xai
Get around
- On foot
- By tuk tuk
- By mountain bike
- By small semi-auto motorbike
See & Do
- Trekking to Nam Ha Protected Area
- Nam Dee Waterfall
- Gneung Phou Ku Lom waterfall
- Kao Rao caves
- Herbal Saunas
- Tai Dam Village
- Golden Stupa
- Morning Market
- Night market
- Eat at Minority Restaurant
- That Phum Phuk
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