LAOS -NORTHERN MOUNTAIN LUANG NAMTHA

LUANG NAMTHA

CAPITAL: NAMTHA

TOTAL AREA: 9235 SQUARE KILOMETRES

POPULATION: 164310

Famous for trekking and ecotourism opportunities in the Nam Ha National Protected Area and home to over 30 distinct ethnic groups,Luang Namtha is perhaps the most diverse province in the entire country. Akha villages are located in the hills and some are easily accessible. If you are interested in kayaking and rafting ,1-3 day trips can be arranged when you get there or by advance booking through a travel agent. 

Motorized boat trips on the Namtha River area popular activity, as is simple renting a bicycle to explore the lush countryside and rice fields surrounding the town.At Nam Ngaen Village,climb the hill to Phoum Phouk stupa for an amazing view of the Namtha Valley. In Veng Phoukha, halfway between Luang Namtha and Chiang  Rai in northern Thailand you can visit the abandoned 16^th century settlement known as the Khou Vieng Ruins.For cave exploration, don’t miss the Phou Prasat and Nam Eng caves n Vieng Phoukha.

In Namtha district,visit Tai Dam villages to see sericulture and purchase handmade silk textiles . If you are interested in watching paper made by hand, stop at one of the Lantean villages outside of the main town. Because of its concentration of Khamu Village Namthas is a great place to purchase bamboo and rattan basketry-the Khamu are legendary basket-weavers.Here the bamboo and rattan are used for both handicrafts and food. Bitter bamboo –shoot soup and rattan heart salad are two delicious local dishes.I you rice noodles, the “Khao Soi” in Muang Sing is a must.

The historic Tai Lue communities in Muang Sing were formerly part of the Sipsongpanna Kingdom centered in Yunnan,China.Today, you can see evidence of Muang Sing’s golden era by visiting the town’s ancient temples and archaeological sites. The Muang Sing Market is one of the most colorful in northern Laos with Akha, Khamu, Tai Dam and Hmong traders selling a variety of forest products  and handicrafts every day.Just outside Muang Sing are the Xieng Teung and Jorm Sing stupas, highly revered by Buddhist in Laos,China , Thailand and Myanmar . From Muang Sing you can travel overland to Xieng Kok and then take a boat down the Mekong to Huay Xay on this remote and beautiful section of the river.

Special festivals in Luang Namtha are the boat races- Boun Souang Heua, in October and the That Xieng Teung Festival held during the 1th lunar month (usually November) each year. The Xieng Teung festival draws many faithful Tai Lue Buddhists from Laos, China, Thailand and Myanmar.Boun Souang Heua is a fun filled celebration with colorful traditional boat racing and revelry.