Luangnamtha is a northern province bordering on China and Myanmar and its selection is based upon a series of environment, social, cultural, historical and development factors which make the site an excellent location to evaluate the potential for sustainable cultural and ecotourism in an around a protected area. With a population of about 115,000, Luang Namtha is a home to at least forty different ethnic minority groups, including Hmong, Akha, Mien, Shan and Yunnanese. The forests are dense, and cover near 99% of the protected area. Wild cattle (gauar and banteng), Asian wild dogs, tigers, clouded leopard, bears and gibbons also having in the forests and there is still a large bird population. The province also consists of the lowland Lao, Tai Lue, Thai Neua and Thai Dam who live in village just outside the protected area and the historic town of Muang Sing.



Muang Sing originally formed part of group of principalities loosely linked under the leadership of political entity called the Sipsongpanna whose political seat centered in southern Yunnan province, China. Now, it’s become a most interested destination of tourists from around the world. Its full of guesthouses, resorts, restaurants served a standard service in low prices. Take pick up from Luang Nam Tha at 6:00 am to Meuang Sing at 8.30 am.


Photo: New stupa in Luang Namtha

This province has a picturesque beauty with mountains, and many old temples. Although they have been destroyed during the war, there still remains one major attraction and old temple noticeably different from other classical temples. Usually tour itinerary includes an outing to Boten, the Lao-Chinese border checkpoint. South West of Luang Namtha, the still pristine forests of Nam Ha protected area with varieties of wildlife and vegetation can be found.


Photo: Casino in Boten, Luang Namtha

Luang Namtha is also a gateway to neighboring China, and the city of Boten is now a legal border crossing for international tourists. Located near the Nam Tha River, the provincial capital city of Luang Namtha is a commercial center for trade between China, Thailand. Buy a locally produced textile or basket. Visit the town’s historical museum. Get up before sunrise to experience Muang Sing’s bustling morning market, where you will meet all sorts of people, including Thai Dam, Thai Neua, Hmong, Akha, and Yunnanese, buying and selling their produces.


Photo: Tribal museum in Luang namtha

One of the best times to visit Muang Sing is in late October or mid-November, when the local people celebrate the festival of That Muang Sing, a grand stupa located just south of the city. Devoted worshippers pay their respects to the stupa with magical offerings of candles, flowers and incense. However, I want to suggest you that during this month you must take jacket with you all the time.


Photo: Tree house and gibbon experience

Getting there and Away
By air
Lao Aviation provides regular service between Vientiane and city of Luangnamtha, a trip of about one hour and ten minutes.

By road
There is regular bus service between the city of Luang Nam Tha and the transportation hub of Oudomxay, a trip of about five hours. But there is not direct bus from Vientiane to Luang Namtha.

By river
There is regular boat service on the Mekong River between Xieng Kok in Luang Nam Tha province and Xuay Xai in Bokeo Province.

Source: kpl