Covering an area of 222.400 square-hectares and sharing an international border with the Xing young Protected Area in China , the Nam Ha National Biodiversity Conservation Area is one of the country's largest protected areas and provides refuge for a wide range of wildlife species including tigers, sun bear, black-checked gibbon, and silver pheasant. Treks to the Nam Ha NBCA support natural resource conservation and traditional livelihoods.

A fantastic way to travel through the Nam Ha NBCA is by raft or long-tail boat down the Nam Ha River, where it is common to see many bird and reptile species in the surrounding forest. A longer journey on the larger Namtha, a traditional trading route and tributary of the Mekong , links Luang Namtha to both Huay Xai and Luang Prabang. Boat trips up and down the entire Namtha require an overnight stay in the traditional boatmen's village of Ban Khone Kham (Nale District).

Explore the remains of the ancient city and temple, Khou Vieng and Vat Mahapot, and discover the little-known history of a civilization that formerly inhabited Vieng Phoukha District as early as the 15th century. Another must see in Vieng Phoukha is the labyrinth of caves fill with bats at Phou Prasat and the impressive tunnel-like formation of the Kao Rao cave near Nam Eng village.

With over twenty ethnic groups, Luang Namtha is one of Laos most ethically diverse and colorful provinces. Visit Muang Sing to see a wide variety of crafts produced by Akha, Yao, Tai Dam and Hmong villagers. In Namtha District. Bicycle nearby Tai Dam and Lanten villages to see the production of silk, paper and other local crafts. For a rich cultural experience, trek to remote villages with a local guide. Tours can be arranged in Luang Namtha, Muong Sing and Vieng Phoukha.

As a central point of trade and political administration that has changed hands over centuries, Muang Sing has many remaining historical sites including: That Xieng Teung stupa believed to contain a sacred relic of the Lord Buddha; remains of the ancient city walls and moat; residence of the former Muong Sing Prince, Panya Sekong; colonial French garrison; traditional Tai Lue houses; and the hospital of Dr. Tom Dooley, and American doctor who was stationed here in the 1960's.
Luang Namtha Province Located: Northwestern Laos.

Total area: 9,325 square kilometers.
Population: 145,000.
05 Districts: Namtha, Muang Sing, Muang Long, Viengphoukha and Nalae.
Capital: Namtha.

Luang Namtha province is located in the upper Northwest of Laos, bordered by Myanmar in the Northwest, China to the North, Oudomxay province to the Southeast, and Bokeo province to the Southwest. 39 ethnic groups make up the population of 140,000, in Luang Namtha. Each group having its own dialect, culture and lifestyle, but coexisting peacefully - a reflection of traditional solidarity. Most people in Luang Namtha live in small rural villages and practice agricultures as their main occupation.

Covering nearly 30% of the province's land area is the Nam Ha National Protected Area well known for a range of ecotourism acitivities,. Due to its mountainous terrain the weather here can get quite cool, with temperatures generally not topping 30c in the hot season (March-April) and dropping to as low as 0c (December-January). During May-October, the southwestern monsoon brings the annual rains and marks the beginning of the new agricultural cycle.

Getting to and around Luang Namtha
Luang Namtha is accessible by air, land and river. The most popular overland routes to and from the province start and endin Bokeo Province's Ban Houi Xay and Luang Prabang. There is an international border crossing at Boten (China-Laos) and regular air service from Vientiane on Lao Airlines. For adventure some travelers, try a journey up the Mekong River from Ban Houi Xay to Xieng Kok in Muang Long, or a 2 day river journey up the Namtha River, which also originates in Ban Houi Xay. Once you reach the province, local transport by tuk-tuk, the bus or a song taeow is inexpensive and easy to arrange. For short trips, many people get around by renting bicycles.

Post and Communications
The General Post Office offers postal services, faxing and public telephone for local, national and international calls. Phone cards can be purchased at many shops in Luang Namtha Town or at the Lao Telecom Company. There are a couple of internet shops in town for e-mailing and some guesthouses offer phone services. Sending packages home through the normal mail service is inexpensive and generally reliable. For urgent or valuable mail (either to or from Laos) it is advisable to use EMS or another reliable courier service such as DHL or FedEx.

Where to stay There are about 40 guesthouses in Luang Namtha Town and Muang Sing, with a few simple but pleasant establishments in Vieng Phoukha, Nalae and Muang Long. Prices range from $3 to $50 per night.

Where to eat / What to eat
Many local restaurants offer Lao, Chinese, Thai, Indian and Western style food. Choose one ofthe restaurants located along the main trip in Luang Namtha or Muang Sing. Excellent Lao coffee and baguettes are also available throughout the day. Some famous local food and beverages are Kao Soi (soft rice noodle soup) in the Muang Sing market, bitter bamboo shoot soup and rattan dipping sauce from Namtha's fresh market, Lao Hai (rice wine in a jar) and the ubiquitous Lhao Lao. Two upscale establishments that serve excellent local food are the Heuan Lao Guesthouse and Restaurant and the Boat Landing Guesthouse.

Local Products and Handicrafts / What to buy
The residents of Luang Namtha Province are well known as skillful handicraft makers. Traditional clothing, textiles, basketry, paper, agricultural tools and many products used in everyday life are made in people's homes. There are a growing number of places where you can purchase locally made products and help support the local economy and continuation of the traditions and indigenous knowledge behind their production.

Traditional Clothing & Textiles
Many ethnic groups have modified the methods used to make their traditional clothing to save time and labor but it is still possible to obtain authentic ethnic clothing and textiles in villages and handicraft galleries in town. Naturally dyed cotton and silk, embroidery and appliqué are used to make clothing, accessories and bags. Most of what you will see for sale is based on traditional Akha, Lanten, Hmong and Tai Dam designs, which may vary considerably depending on the creativity and skill of the producer. While we support and encourage the purchase of traditional textiles and ethnic clothing reproductions, we ask that you kindly refrain from purchasing antique pieces and family heirlooms. Each time one of these irreplaceable treasures is sold and leaves the country, Laos loses a little bit of precious heritage.

Tai Dam Silk
Mulberry orchids lining the banks of the Nam Tha River have been planted for generations to feed the voracious appetite of silkworms. To produce fine silk textiles villagers patiently unwind each cocoon and through an intricate process of spinning, dyeing and weaving, create intricate sins (traditional Lao skirts), scarves and wall hangings in a variety of patterns, shapes and sizes. These products can be found for sale in town, although finding a working loom in a village is the best way to learn about the entire process. Tong Jai Tai and Nam Ngaen have many skilled weavers.

Lanten and Akha Cotton
Both the lantaen and Akha produce heavy, indigo-dyed bolts of organically grown cotton that is used to make clothing and shoulder bags. You can purchase a bolt of cloth and have something tailor made in town or pick-up ready made shirt or bag in one of the villages around the Namtha Valley.

Khmu Baskets
Baskets are made for everything : harvesting rice, storing textiles, carrying products to market, streaming food, catching fish and sheathing knives. The most skillful bamboo and rattan weavers are the Khmu, who produce pieces of artistic quality. Most of the cylindrical baskets you see for sale in town are produced by the Khmu.

Lanten and Yao Paper
The Lanten and Yao make a durable paper out of bamboo that was traditionally used to record ancient religious texts and legends. This rough brown parchment is made from bamboo pulp that is thinly spread across a huge sheet of cotton and then dried in the sun. The paper is now made into photo albums, journals and lamp shades, some accented with the Lanten or Yao script.

Lue Cotton
The Tai Lue weave cotton sins and blankets with distinctive, naturally dyed black and red motifs based on legend and natural themes. The best place to find these are in Sing and Nalae Districts.

Yao and Hmong Embroidery
The fine needlework seen on an authentic Yao woman's colorful pants, tunic and turban may take her up to one year to complete. Equally colorful and difficult to make is the traditional Hmong clothing that can be best seen during the Hmong New Year's festival in December/January each year.

Where to travel / Where to visit
The Nam Ha National Protected AreaThe mountainous center of Luang Namtha Province has been designated as the Nam Ha National Protected Area (NPA). It was first established by a Prime Minister's Decree and stretches from the Chinese border through the middle of the province, covering over 222,400 hectares. The Nam Ha NPA's landscape is very diverse, characterized by and ever changing mosaic of swidden fields and regenerating forests.

Very old forest remains in a few remote areas due to inaccessibility and local custom. Within the NPA boundaries there are two peaks that exceed 2,000 meters, as well as an abundance of rivers and streams. The NPA's main purpose is to protect biodiversity and habitat for wildlife found in northern Laos.

Species such as Tiger, Leopard and the enormous Gaur (a type of wild cow) still roam the forest throughout the reserve, although large mammals are very hard to see because of low population densities and fear of people. Residents that are easier to encounter are the some 300 species of birds, which include Silver Pheasants, jewel-like Blue and Eared pittas as well as a diversity of bulbuls. On the highest peaks there are species more closely associated with the Himalayas and are found in only a few other parts of Laos.

Trekking in the Nam Ha
 NBCA River Journeys Ancient City & Caves Ethnic Group & Handicrafts Historic Heritage of Muang Sing Just at the edge of Luang Namtha Town the Tai Dam community has preserved a series of forest patches as sacred sites and cemeteries. These areas hold some of the Namtha Valley's oldest and most impressive trees. Visiting these sites is permissible although always remember that you are visiting a highly venerated area that should be treated with the utmost respect. As you explore the area, older Tai Dam graves can be seen as large piles of soil while newer graves are marked by colorful flags, ritual items and symbols made from bamboo. Effigies of common household items are placed here for the use by the spirit in the afterworld.

River Journeys
A fantastic way to travel through the Nam Ha NBCA is by raft or long-tail boat down the Nam Ha River, where it is common to see many bird and reptile species in the surrounding forest. A longer journey on the larger Namtha, a traditional trading route and tributary of the Mekong , links Luang Namtha to both Houei Xai and Luang Prabang. Boat trips up and down the entire Namtha require an overnight stay in the traditional boatmen's village of Ban Khone Kham (Nale District).

Ancient City & Caves
Explore the remains of the ancient city and temple, Khou Vieng and Vat Mahapot, and discover the little-known history of a civilization that formerly inhabited Vieng Phoukha District as early as the 15th century. Another must see in Vieng Phoukha is the labyrinth of caves fill with bats at Phou Prasat and the impressive tunnel-like formation of the Kao Rao cave near Nam Eng village.

Ethnic Group & Handicrafts
With over twenty ethnic groups, Luang Namtha is one of Laos most ethically diverse and colorful provinces. Visit Muang Sing to see a wide variety of crafts produced by Akha, Yao, Tai Dam and Hmong villagers. In Namtha District. Bicycle nearby Tai Dam and Lanten villages to see the production of silk, paper and other local crafts. For a rich cultural experience, trek to remote villages with a local guide. Tours can be arranged in Luang Namtha, Muong Sing and Vieng Phoukha.

Ethnic Group & Handicrafts
As a central point of trade and political administration that has changed hands over centuries, Muang Sing has many remaining historical sites including: That Xieng Teung stupa believed to contain a sacred relic of the Lord Buddha; remains of the ancient city walls and moat; residence of the former Muong Sing Prince, Panya Sekong; colonial French garrison; traditional Tai Lue houses; and the hospital of Dr. Tom Dooley, and American doctor who was stationed here in the 1960's.

Sacred Forests Old Namtha Town
The old town, called Muang Namtha, is located near the airport around 6 km south of the new town. This area has many shaded pathways and older wooden houses built in the Tai Yuan style. In the old town you can see evidence of the second Indochina War-two old artillery pieces stand like sentinels at the entrance to the airport.

Luang Namtha Museum
The provincial museum has a variety of artifacts made by Luang Namtha's multi-ethnic people. Of particular interest is the extensive collection of indigenous clothing as well as many agricultural tools and household implements used in daily life. the museum has an excellent collection of Buddha images, bronze drums, ceramics and textiles. Also of interest are the traditional hand-made weapons on display that were once used for hunting and national defense.

Buddhist Monument & Vats
There are two beautiful Buddhist temples or vats located in the older part of Luang Namtha town near the airport. Vat Bang Vieng Tai in Vieng Tai village just north of the airport and Vat Bang Luang Khone south of the airport were built by the valley's Tai Yuan population (locally known as Tai Kalorm) and are well worth a visit.

That Phoum Pouk is located near Nam Ngaen village on a hill in the northeast part of the Namtha Valley. The original stupa ws constructed in 1628 to demarcate neutral terriory between the kingdoms of Lane Xang (centered in Luang Prabang) and Lanna (centered in Chiang Mai). In 1966 the old stupa was destroyed when an American plane dropped a bomb on it. The new monument seen besides the older, ruined stupa was constructed in 2003.
 
Muang Sing Exhibition
Situated close to the center of town, the Muang Sing Exhibition is a good place to start exploring Muang Sing's rich culture and history. The building was once the residence of Phanya Sekong a local lord who ruled over the area in the early 20th century. There is an excellent collection of traditional tools from the major ethnic groups in the area. Displayed on the building's upper floor is an interesting variety of valuable 18th-19th century historic and religious pieces that have been preserved by the people of Muang Sing.

French Garrison and other Historic Buildings
Muang Sing is a town with a rich history. Once closely associated with the Sipsongpanna Kingdom centered in present day Yunnan China, the town has been influenced by Chinese, Burmese and French occupants. Originally constructed in the 18th century following a deliberate urban plan, you can see the old city walls and moat about 7 blocks norht of the museum, and also an old rampart in the northwest part of the Sing Valley. Across from the market, around the corner from the District Administration Offices you can find the old French Garrison. The garrison is now used by the Lao army and is off-limits to visitors. Photographing this army base is prohibited. Across the street from the garrison is the former district hospital built in 1919.

Buddhist Temples
Tai Lue, the ethnic group most common to the Muang Sing Valley are devoutly Buddhist. Hence, there are 24 vats (temples) and monasteries in the area. Near the center of town there are a few important vats well worth a visit. Vat Luang, the most important in the area, is located off the main road next to the museum. Vat Xiang In and Vat Xiang Lae are a short walk from Vat Luang. Vat Namkeo Luang, which has a large monks quarters, is also quite beautiful and is located on the road to Xieng Kok near the junction with the paved road to Namtha. Also on the road to Xieng Kok is the magnificent Jorm Sing Stupa.

That Xieng Tung
That Xieng Tung is the most important religious monument in Muang Sing. It is believed locally that the stupa contains the Adam's-apple of the Lord Buddha. When the stupa was first constructed is still a mystery. To the left of the stupa is a stone stairway that leads to a sacred fountain and a sacred stone. If you follow the path to the right of the stupa heading downhill you might be able to find the old moat and wall that used to surround the site. The biggest festival of the year, Boun That Xieng Tung, is held here every year during the full moon of the 12th lunar month (usually November) and attracts a large crowd of people from around the province as well as Tai Lue Buddhists from as far top of a hill 5.5 km from the center of town on the road to Luang Namtha.

Namkeo Waterfall
The multi-tiered Namkeo waterfall is located about 2 kilometers from the That Xing Stupa and can be visited as part of a guided tour from the Muang Sing Guide office or while on the Akha Experience.

Ethnic Groups in Luang Namtha

Tai Dam
Characterized by colorful head-scarves and tight-fitting shirts adorned with silver buttons, Tai Dam women are easily identified. The Tai Dam are believed to originate in northern Viet Nam, and to have begun migrating to the Namtha Valley in the late 19th century. Tai Dam differ from many other Tai groups in that they are not Buddhist, but instead practice a form of ancestor and spirit worship. They make a potent form of Lhao Lao that is consumed socially and used for ritual purposes. Well-known producers of fine quality silk and cotton textiles, many local Tai Dam Women export directly to markets in Japan and the USA.

Lanten
The Lanten wear distinctive dark indigo-dyed cotton clothing with pink trim and silver jewelry. They have migrated south from China over the past few centuries bringing cultural practices and beliefs based on a mix of Taoism, ancestor, and spirit worship. The Lanten live primarily along the province's smaller rivers and streams, and are sometimes reffered to as Lao Houay, meaning "stream Lao". The Lanten produce high quality cotton cloth, wooden spirit masks and durable bamboo paper. They have a well developed writing system based on ancient Chinese characters. Men record religious texts, rituals and legends on the bamboo paper which is mainly produced by women.

Hmong
Hmong people are known for their knowledge of the forest, herbal medicines, and expertise at raising animals, particularly horses, pigs and chickens. They are very industrious and trade a variety of forest products and agricultural goods. Their traditional dress is adorned with intricate embroidery and heavy silver jewelry. Hmong New Year is celebrated in December/January with numerous festivities including top-spinning competitions, trade fairs, singing and the tossing of the mak kone (a small ball made of fabric) by young men and women as part of a charming courting ritual.

Akha
The Akha are a Tibeto-Burman speaking ethnic group tht first appeared in Laos around the mid-19th century. Akha life is characterized by a ritual and ethical code which provides them with strict guidelines on how to live their lives-this is sometimes called the "Akha way" (Akha zang). The "Akha Way" not only includes all their traditions, ceremonies and customary law, but it also determines how they cultivate their fields, hunt animals, view and treat sickness, and the manner in which they both relate to one another and outsiders.

Akha have an amazing knowledge of the forest and rotational agriculture, with many villages still located high in the mountains. Akha women are easily recognizable by their distinctive costumes which consist of black cotton mini-skirts and black, tight-fitting bodices covered by jackets decorated with embroidery and applique designs, topped by and intricate head-dress.

Tai Lue
The Tai Lue are linguistically linked to the lowland Lao and other Tai-Lao speakers such as the Tai Dam and Tai Daeng. The Tai Lue originated in southern China and are believed t have begun setting in the Muang Sing area (Xieng Kaeng) in the 14th century. They are known for their beautiful, many-stilted houses with long sloping roofs. Their traditional head scarves and brightly colored blouses are commonly seen for sale in the market. Tai Lue are Buddhist and every village must have a Buddhist temple and monks. In the center of each village is also a sacred village pillar.

Yao
Yao women are easily recognized by their intricately embroidered clothing accented by a thick red collar. Like the closely related Lanten they produce bamboo paper, have a written launguage based on ancient Chinese characters and follow Taoist religious practices mixed with animism and spirit worship.

Lahu
Like many of the groups indigenous to the area, the Lahu have moved southward from China and now live across parts of Myanmar, Thailand and northern Laos. The name Lahu is derived from the word la hou, which means to breed tigers in the Lahu language. Like the Akha and Khmu, the Lahu practice their own distinct form of spirit and ancestor worship, with good and bad spirits associated with natural phenomena, the house, livestock, the forest, and many other things. Rituals and celebrations associated with the agricultural cycle, marriage and house-building take place throughout the year. The most colorful is the New Year festival that usually takes place during January/February each year.

Khmu
Part of the Mon-Khmer branch of the Ausro-Asiatic linguistic family, the Khmu represent one of the largest ethnic groups in Laos. There are many Khmu sub-groups including the Khmu Lue, Kwaen, Rok and Ou. The Khmu settled the area of present-day Laos several thousand years ago. Like many of the ethnic groups in northern Laos, the Khmu are not Buddhist, but practice their own form of animism.

Most spirits are very accessible, even to common villagers, and do not generate much fear. The Khmu in Luang Namtha generally practice mixed economies, growing rice, gathering forest products and producing handicrafts which provides some cash income.

The material culture of the Khmu, their tools, utensils, baskets and net-bags, for example, all reflect their continued reliance on the forest. Try a taste of their famous brew known as Lhao Hai (jar alcohol) while visiting one of the many Khmu villages in the province.

Luang Namtha province

• Vientiane travel guide
• Xieng Khouang
• Sekong Province
• Sayabouly
• Bokeo Province

• Savannakhet
• Salavanh Province
• Phongsaly Province
• Luang Namtha
• Attapeu Province

• Khammouane
• Houaphanh Province
• Champasack Pakse
• Bolikhamxay
• Luang Prabang

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