Luang Namtha Travel

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Luang Namtha is from October to February with cool weather from 10 - 20°C but in some extreme point of winter, the temperature can go down to 0°C. It is an excellent time to be outdoors, and the humidity is at manageable levels. 

Avoid the wet season from May to September as it rains heavily in Luang Namtha.

Hottest seasons occur from March to April but people can still bare the temperature of 25°C (average), this period also considered as the second appropriate time for a visit.

Check the below table for the general idea of Luang Namtha weather throughout the year.

Luang Namtha's current weather and 7-day forecast

LUANG NAMTHA PROVINCE WEATHER

Jump into Laos’ adventure capital, where everyone can get close to nature and experience the lifestyles of ethnic groups.

With so much to do, here are some of our suggestions:

Be Overwhelmed at Nam Dee Waterfall

One of the best waterfalls in Luang Namtha would be recommended to the tourist is Nam Dee waterfall, which located 6km northeast away of the town center. Like others view of a magnificent waterfall, the place just provides you similar site of high flowing down water, jungle embrace along the riverside and the fresh atmosphere as it can offer.

Not to mention there is a remarkable of the bamboo village near the waterfalls, they own the special skill to make paper from bamboo. Otherwise, you could pay a visit to stunning Pha Yeung or Nam Keo as well.

Respect is Shown at Luang Namtha Golden Stupa

Buddhism is one religion that turned into people culture. When visiting Luang Namtha, don’t forget to pay a short visit to its famous Golden Stupa- Namngeen. The temple covered with gold and has fancy structure, sure it will highlight more your Asia temples collection (if you have) or can be a memorable experience. If you still have time, visit Samakkhixay Stupa would be nice, it provides a really different outlook.

Entering cost about 3 USD, which they call it donation fee, just don’t bother it.

Visit Nam Ha NPA

This border province is the home of many large national parks, one typical of it is Nam Ha NPA, which means National Protected Area and is one ideal spot to contemplate original nature. Besides, you can see wild animals from the wild jungle, if lucky, you can also see the dangerous substances of a tiger, leopards when they roaming.

Local villages are scattered everywhere in the area, you could choose to explore several of them, sure it will be an interesting experience. Furthermore, as convenient, you should take kayaking on the Nam Ha river and join the moody fish hatching with locals there.

To get to the place, travel by motorbike would be nice, cost about 10 USD for a day.

Motorbike around the Sea of Paddies

It is motorbike that the most convenient to travel to many destinations. When getting out of the little town of Luang Namtha, you will reach to other regions of endless rice growing fields like Muang Nala, Vieng Phouka and Muang Sing.

On your way sightseeing, you will see locals and ethnic minority wearing their traditional costume, hatching goods in the field or resting in little leaf cottages. Moreover, you can stop by at some villages for some pictures.

Eat out in Night Market

Night Market is a typical of Asia activities, even in this remote land, you can get yourself in little cozy but owns diverse dishes Night Market. They have plenty of local dishes, snack, sweets, drinks, barbecued meat and many more as you can see. Pick a spot and wait till the food ready, they will serve it to you, or you can hunt around for the market specials.
Price is incredibly cheap, from 1 - 4 USD for all kinds. They usually open from 17:00 pm 23:00 pm. The end of the day by enjoying night atmosphere in such mountainous region is definitely a relaxing moment.

Most of Luang Namtha’s rooms are in and around the provincial capital on the Nam Tha River, and west in Muang Sing in the Green Triangle. You’ll also find village homestays, jungle camps and forest retreats. Back in the tourist enclaves, you’ll uncover a choice of some 100 eco-lodges, hotels, bungalows, and guesthouses down quiet side roads and on the main strips.

You can stay in and around the Luang Namtha tourism hub or pick a place south of town. Many traditional hotels and resorts offer restaurants and electronic goodies are available for $35-50. You can get a guesthouse in the $10-30 range, with some in-room offerings, such as TVs and Wifi. 

Amenities and facilities vary throughout the province’s accommodation, and price is sometimes based more on peace and quiet than furnishings and electronics. Like most rooms in less-visited Lao provinces, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and refrigerators may be available. Bathrooms are generally small but clean, and most rooms have TVs. Larger establishments tend to have restaurants and bars, but many guesthouses offer beverages in their lobbies. Some staff speak English, German, French, Thai, and Chinese.

Amandra Villa

Amandra Villa was designed with the concept of a truly Lao home in mind. Rooms are clean, comfortable, and highly affordable.

Zuela Guesthouse

Zuela Guesthouse and Restaurant began as a family-run guesthouse in 2006. Since, it has developed to incorporate two more buildings - one with an excellent restaurant. Zuela has convenient access to the local night market, banking and the many restaurants throughout the small township. There are 28 comfortable, clean rooms constructed with local materials in traditional Lao style. There is a large outdoor alfresco dining area and greenery disbursed throughout the property.

Phu Iu Bungalows

Phou Iu offers comfortable clean rooms at reasonable prices. The bungalows are constructed in Luang Namtha ethnic community style with all modern day comforts. The bungalows offer five separate bungalows with four twin, five double, and one family rooms. Your veranda sits in a grassy acacia grove, where you can observe giant butterflies and other insects.

Dok Champa Hotel

The Dokchampa Hotel is a big, prominent building in the middle of Luang Namtha and offers old but well maintained, pleasant, clean and comfortable rooms with a good range of facilities. Tourist information is available at the large wooden lobby. The Dokchampa Hotel can provide groups and individuals with a selection of clean single rooms, and light and spacious double and twin rooms, all with cable TV, air conditioning and fan.

The Boat Landing Guest House 

Featuring free WiFi and a terrace, The Boat Landing offers accommodation in Louang Namtha. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Free private parking is available on site.
All rooms are fitted with a private bathroom and a balcony with a seating area and views of the river and the garden.

Discover best restaurants in Luang Namtha here!

1. Boat Landing Restaurant

Adress: Luang Namtha, Laos

Services: Serves Alcohol, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff

Menu: Asian, Vegetarian Friendly

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tel: +856 86 312 398

2. Huean Lao

Adress: Luang Namtha, Laos

Tel: +856 86 211 111

3. Manychan Guesthouse

Adress: Luang Namtha, Laos

Services: Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol

Menu: Asian

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tel: +856 20 22 927 879

4. Night Market

Adress: Rd No 3, Luang Namtha 0300, Laos

Services: Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol

Menu: Fast Food, Asian

Meals: Dinner, Late Night

5. Zuela Restaurant

Adress: Main Road | Across The Street From The Night Market, Luang Namtha 0300, Laos

Services: Television, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Takeout, Accepts Credit Cards

Menu: American, European, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly

Meals: Brunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tel: +856 20 55 886 694

6. Minority Restaurant

Adress: Main Street, Luang Namtha | Opposite Dokchampa Hotel, Luang Namtha 0300, Laos

Services: Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol

Menu: Asian

Meals: Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch

Tel:+856 20 55 560 007

7. Bamboo Lounge

Adress: Main Street | The Green Building, Luang Namtha LNT, Laos

Services: Delivery, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Takeout

Menu: Pizza, Cafe, European, Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night

Tel: +856 20 22 392 931

8. Lai's Place

Adress: Phonsai Village | Just Off the Main Street, Street Next to Bcel Bank, Luang Namtha 0300, Laos

Services: Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol

Menu: Asian, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

9. Manikong Bakery & Cafe 

Adress: Main Road | Luang Namtha Town, Luang Namtha 0300, Laos

Services: Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi

Menu: Cafe, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Tel: +856 20 28 634 334

10. Passion View

Adress: Nong Bouavieng Village, Luang Namtha town | Morning Market Street, Luang Namtha 0300, Laos

Services: Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi

Menu: Asian

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Tel: +856 20 59 294 245

By Air

Luang Nam Tha airport is five kilometres south of town. Lao Airlines flies between Luang Nam Tha and the capital city Vientiane once daily. At the time of writing, the flight from Vientiane to Luang Nam Tha departs at 14:20 and Luang Nam Tha to Vientiane at 15:45. It takes an hour and costs US$129 one-way. 

The less reliable Lao Skyway flies Monday, Wednesday and Friday; Vientiane to Luang Nam Tha departs at 14:50, Luang Nam Tha to Vientiane at 16:30, with a one-way fare US$46.

Contact us for the latest flight schedule and price. Or you can check via some online platform such as SkyScanner.com or Kayak.com

Here you can find some tips to book the cheapest flight

By Bus

Luang Nam Tha has two bus stations:

The provincial bus station is located on the main highway Route 3, 10 kilometres south of town. It serves interprovincial destinations including Huay Xai, Udomxai and Luang Prabang. Tuk tuks are organised: expect to pay 10,000 – 15,000 kip per person for a shared shuttle to/from town.

The district bus station, serving locations within the province such as Muang Sing and Muang Long, is in the southern part of town, 300 metres south of the main drag. Head down the main road, down the slope and look for the Beerlao branded “Dragon Night Club Karoke” and “Tow Sister Restaurant” sign.

Provincial Bus Station

Buying a bus ticket through an agency in town should include a tuk- uk transfer to the station.

Huay Xai (187 km) departs 9:00, 12:30, 16:00, takes 4 hours, 60,000 kip

Udomxai (120 km) departs 08:30, 12:00, 14:30, takes 4 hours, 40,000 kip

Pak Mong (for Nong Khiaw) (180 km) departs 08:30, takes 7 hours, 80,000 kip

Luang Prabang (300 km) departs 09:00, takes 9 hours, 90,000 kip

Vientiane (700 km) departs 08:30, 14:30, takes 18 hours, 200,000 kip

District Bus Station

Boten (60 km) departs 09:30, 12:00, takes 1 hour, 25,000 kip

Muang Sing (58 km) departs 08:00, 09:30, 11:00, 12:30, 14:00, 15:30, takes 2.5 hours, 25,000 kip

Muang Long (110 km) departs 08:30, takes 5 hours, 50,000 kip

We recommend you check the latest bus schedule and price via rome2rio.com

Other

Three motorbike rental shops are clustered together across from the night market. They have a few automatics in the mix and pretty good mountain bikes (30,000 kip), which you’ll need if you want to explore the outlying area and Nam Dee Waterfall, five kilometres away.

The cheap Chinese Zongshen (30,000 kip/day) is okay for local travels but anything further afield such as a day trip to Muang Sing, you will definitely want a reliable Honda or Suzuki (50,000 kip/day). The shops will ask for your passport or cash as a deposit. They provide a free photocopy map marked with places of interest.

Sanajai rental shop at Zuela Guesthouse has a wide selection, everything from zippy automatic Yamaha Fino (80,000 kip) to some serious off-road motocross bikes (100,000 – 280,000 kip). You can also drop off the rental at their shop in Luang Prabang or Vientiane. It is 100,000 kip per day, with a passport or a hefty $800 as a deposit delivered back at your final guesthouse. It goes without saying but it must be said, you should be a seriously good motorbike driver to tackle that road trip.