Eating Around Luang Namtha

Lao people love to eat and you will find numerous restaurants, road-side stalls and beer halls where you can eat well for a reasonable price. International, Chinese, Thai and Indian are also available, mainly in Luang Namtha town with some Chinese in Muang Sing.

Whilst in Luang Namtha there are some places and dishes you really should try:

Luang Namtha Night Market – A social place to eat well and inexpensively. BBQ pork and chicken, papaya salad, sticky rice, beer lao, a perfect meal that won’t hurt your wallet. A few friendly hounds will keep you company, as they know this is the place to get fed. The share tables make it a great place to meet fellow travellers.

Khao Soy – A rice noodle soup with a pork bolognaise style sauce. The rich slightly salty tomato flavoured sauce with the soft rice noodles (preferably hand-cut) make this a hearty lunch. If visiting Muang Sing, visit Ban Siliheung, the khao soy noodles are made in this village every afternoon.

Lao BBQ or “Sinda” – This is a cook-yourself hot-pot-style dinner, great fun with two people and even better with more. Many towns have a “Sinda” restaurant so ask your guesthouse for recommendations. Thin strips of meat are cooked on a grill surrounded by broth which you add egg, noodles, vegetables, tofu. It is healthy and really tasty.

Accommodation

Luang Namtha province has a variety of accommodation to suit your budget and taste. In Luang Namtha town there are hotels, guest houses and home stays, whilst in more remote towns you will find guest houses, bungalows, and home stays. Trekking in remote villages, home stays are the norm. Travel companies work closely with the villagers to make your stay comfortable, that is why a reputable company and guide is a must.

See our lists for accommodation in each area, many are listed on booking.com or agoda.com making it easy to plan your stay.

Shopping

The Luang Namtha night market has some interesting shops within where you can purchase ethnic clothing and handicrafts. In the Muang Sing market, the Tai Dam women sell clothing, children’s clothing, scarves and assorted textiles. Other than that, you can purchase locally made crafts or textiles in the villages. Don’t be afraid to ask, but respect they are hand made and if you are offered old heirlooms, remember these are part of their heritage and may be better left in the family.

Travelling

Luang Namtha Province consists of 8 Tour Companies and 19 Travel Agencies particularly in Luang Namtha Town only 9 Travel agencies. All of agencies service the different programs that include trekking at Nam Ha National Biodiversity Conservation Area, Nam Ha & Namtha river kayaking , Homestay at local community, Cycling and Biking, Visit minorities in the town remote area.