Luang Namtha is the gateway for Northern Laos. Access can be via plane from Vientiane, via road, bus, from Luang Prabang, Nongkhiaw, Udomxay and Houey Xai. It is 3 hours from the border with Houey Xai-Chiang Khong (Laos-Thai) border so a popular destination from Chiang Mai.

Luang Namtha is most famous for trekking and outdoor adventure. However there are many sights that can be enjoyed at a less strenuous pace, and interesting ethnic diversity. The Luang Namtha Valley Route covers many sights, take a bike or motorbike and enjoy a half or full day guiding yourself around the Valley.

Luang Namtha Province is tucked into the north-western corner of Lao PDR. It covers an area of 9,325 square kilometers, with 85% of that terrain being low calciferous mountains, rising between 800-2,000 meters.

Weather, like the rest of the country, is characterized by a rainy season from May to September, a cool dry period from October to February, and March, April are the hottest months. On average daily temperature is a please 25 degrees celsiu, but during the cool season it can dip to zero on the coldest nights.

To the north Luang Namtha shares a 140 kilometer land border with China, and it’s northwest frontier follows a 130 kilometer strech of the Mekong River.

The province is divided into 5 districts, Luang Namtha includes the capital and environs, and is the gateway to travels in the province. Muang Sing, Muang Long are located to the north-west of the capital, Vieng Phouka to the south-west, and Nalae in the south.

Luang Namtha Museum

The provincial museum has a variety of artifacts made by Luang Namtha’s multi-ethnic communities. Of particular interest is the extensive collection of indigenous clothing , as well as agricultural tools and household equipment. There is an excellent collection of Buddha images, bronze drums, ceramics and textiles. Also of interest are the traditional hand made weapons that were once used for hunting and national defense.

Luang Namtha Temples

The Tai Yuan and Tai Lue are devoutly Buddhist. Hence, there are 4 temples and monasteries in the area.  Luang Khone Temple, the most important in the area, is located on the main road next to the airport. Vieng Tai Temple, and Vieng Neua Temple, also quite beautiful temples, are as well located on the main road to the airport. The old temple of Vieng Neua village, before the village was moved for the extension of the airport, Vieng Neua Kao Temple is also charming.

There also are two impressive stupas in Luang Namtha located on hills, with wonderful views:

Luang Namtha Stupa
A long time ago Sy Sod So Tammikarad King of Xieng Sean (nowadays Xieng Sean in northern Thailand and Naleatafai King of Chantabouly (nowadays Oudomxay), built two stupas to symbolize their friendship. One stupa was That Phoum Pouk the second stupa, now called the Luang Namtha Stupa , once located on the eastern head of the Namtha River, was lost to the forest, but rebuilt in December 2004. Now called the Luang Namtha Stupa, It’s easy to access from the north end of town.

Poum Puk Stupa
The stupa is located near Nam Ngaen village on a hill in the northeast part of the Namtha Valley. The original stupa was constructed in 1628 to demarcate neutral territory between the Kingdoms of Lane Xang (centered in Luang Prabang) and Lane Na (centered in Chiang Mai). In 1966 the old stupa was destroyed when an American plane dropped a bomb on it. The new monument seen besides the older, ruined stupa was constructed in 2003.