Paddling down the Nam Ha & Namtha River

A handful of tour companies offer one and two day kayaking tours, each unique in its way, but all pass through the green-filled landscape. There are also rafting tours, following the same itineraries. Of course, the longer you sign on for, the further you’ll go, the more villages you’ll visit, and the greater choice you’ll have for spending the night.

Kayaking tours begin south of Luang Namtha town with basic lessons, before entering the river with oars at the ready. The first stop is the Lanten village Ban Sop Tud, where you can experience their traditional way of life and purchase their crafts. The kayaking continues to the Tiger Leaping Rapids and through thick forest to Ban Sop Sim, a Khmu village where the Nam Ha River empties its waters into the Nam Tha. Some one-day tours end here with a ride back to Luang Namtha town, whilst five-hour expeditions continue to Ban Houei Leuat or Ban Hat Yong.

Those on a two-day program can overnight in a forest camp, homestay at Houei Lat or Hat Yong villages or at the community lodge in Ban Sop Sim. The second day continues down river to Ban Sin Oudom and returns to Luang Namtha by motor boat or pick up truck.

If you are a keen kayaking with some experience, consider a tour in the green season, June to October, when the river is high and the white water presents a greater test.

Tour companies permitted to run kayaking trips on the Nam Ha are:

Discovering Laos
Green Discovery
Ethnic Travel
Nature Life
The Hiker
Forest Retreat

These companies have undergone the necessary training and have the required safety equipment.