Luang Namtha, Laos: travel guide
Northern trekking base for the Nam Ha protected area and hill villages
Northern trekking hub and gateway to the Nam Ha National Protected Area, one of the first community-based ecotourism areas in Laos.
About Luang Namtha
Luang Namtha is a town in the far north of Laos and the main base for exploring the Nam Ha National Protected Area. It is one of the places where community-based trekking and homestays took shape in the country.
Guided treks and river trips lead into forest and to villages of several ethnic groups, while Namdi Waterfall and the That Phum Phuk stupa are easy local outings. The town's museum and handicraft centre offer a gentle introduction to the area.
Luang Namtha suits trekkers, cyclists and travellers keen to meet local communities responsibly. The cooler months from November to February are the best time to visit Luang Namtha for walking.
- Country
- Laos
- Currency
- LAK
- Time zone
- Asia/Bangkok
Last updated
Top places to visit in Luang Namtha
Namdi Waterfall
Waterfall · 3.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Luang Namtha Museum
Museum · 3.8 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Phieng Ngam Handicraft Center
Cultural · 4.1 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Wat Samakeexay
Temple · 4.1 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
That Phum Phuk stupas
Temple · 4.3 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Nam Ha National Protected Area
Nature · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Luang Namtha Valley Route
Nature · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Where to stay in Luang Namtha
Hotels
- ME. Hotel USD 28 to USD 55 per night
- Dokchampa Hotel USD 28 to USD 55 per night
- Oudomsin Hotel USD 28 to USD 55 per night
Where to eat
- Joy cafe Cafe, Breakfast, Cake
- Manychan Restaurant International
- Fan Mai Lao
- Bounthom Lao
- Sainamtha Lao
- Heau Pair Saynamjain Lao
- Lai's Place Lao
- Krua Thai Fast Food Lao, Thai
Getting to Luang Namtha
Nearest airport: Luang Prabang (LPQ), about 146 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Walking
Best time to visit Luang Namtha
- Jan 24°C
- Feb 27°C
- Mar 31°C
- Apr 33°C
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct 28°C
- Nov 26°C
- Dec 23°C
More in Laos
Frequently asked questions about Luang Namtha
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Luang Namtha?
- The highest-rated places in our Luang Namtha guide are That Phum Phuk stupas, Phieng Ngam Handicraft Center, Wat Samakeexay, Luang Namtha Museum, Namdi Waterfall.
- How do I get around Luang Namtha?
- Ways to get around Luang Namtha covered in our guide: Walking.
- What is the weather like in Luang Namtha?
- Average daytime highs in Luang Namtha run from 23°C in Dec to 33°C in Apr.