Luang Namtha Province Travel Tips
To have a better travel experience in Luang Namtha Province, there are some useful Luang Namtha Province travel tips which may be helpful for your Luang Namtha Province tour. When plan your trip to Luang Namtha Province, view our answers to questions about Luang Namtha Province travel to get better understanding of Luang Namtha Province.
Useful Numbers
- Emergency services: 195 (ambulance), 190 (fire), and 191 (police).
- Luang Namtha Provincial Hospital: +856 86 312 002.
- Tourist Police: +856 20 7777 5435 or +856 20 5675 5656.
- Luang Namtha Provincial Tourism Department: +856 86 312 076 or +856 20 2220 5977.
- Luang Namtha Provincial Department of Agriculture and Forestry: +856 86 212 214.
- Luang Namtha Provincial Department of Education and Sports: +856 86 212 167.
- Luang Namtha Provincial Department of Information, Culture and Tourism: +856 86 312 025.
- Luang Namtha Bus Station: +856 20 7777 3730.
- Luang Namtha Airport: +856 20 5679 9999.
- Luang Namtha Provincial Electricity Authority: +856 20 5505 3333.
It's important to note that some of these numbers may only be available in Lao language, so it's recommended to have a translator or a Lao-speaking friend to assist you in case of emergency or need.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season, from November to February, is the best time to visit. During this time, the temperature is pleasant and rainfall is low. It is also a prime time for outdoor activities.
What to Pack
If you're planning a trip to Luang Namtha Province, here are some items you may want to pack:
- Lightweight Clothing: Laos is a tropical country, so it's best to wear lightweight, breathable clothing such as cotton or linen. Pack comfortable clothes that can easily be layered.
- Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes and other insects can be prevalent in certain areas of Luang Namtha Province, especially during the rainy season. So, it's a good idea to pack insect repellent.
- Sun Protection: The sun can be intense in Laos, so pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun's rays.
- Trekking Shoes: If you plan to do some trekking or hiking in the surrounding hills and mountains, pack sturdy and comfortable shoes with good traction.
- Rain Gear: Luang Namtha Province experiences a monsoon season from May to October, so pack a rain jacket or poncho to keep you dry.
- Medications: Bring any necessary medications with you, as it may not be easy to find them in Luang Namtha. It's also recommended to pack a first aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers.
- Cash: ATMs are limited in Luang Namtha Province, so it's a good idea to bring enough cash with you to cover your expenses. US dollars and Thai baht are also widely accepted.
- Water Bottle: Bring a refillable water bottle to reduce your plastic consumption and to stay hydrated while exploring the region.
- Camera: Luang Namtha Province is home to stunning scenery and unique cultural experiences, so don't forget to bring a camera or smartphone to capture the memories.
- Respectful Clothing: Laos is a conservative country, and it's important to dress modestly out of respect for the local culture. Avoid wearing revealing clothing, especially when visiting temples or other religious sites.
Currency
The unit of currency in Laos is the kip, with denominations of 10 kip, 200 kip, 500 kip, 1,000 kip, 2,000 kip, 5,000 kip, 10,000 kip, 20,000 kip, and 50,000 kip. Thai baht and U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout the cities, and some stores in northern Laos also accept the Chinese Yuan.
Exchange Rate
The exchange rate is roughly 1 USD ≈ 16,925 Kip and 1 RMB ≈ 2,493.37 Kip. (varying). Kip can be exchanged at airports, hotels, and post offices in major cities such as Luang Prabang and Vientiane, with some exchange offices clearly marked with "Exchange, $US, and ແລກປ1ຽນເງiນຕາ(lek bian en da)".
Card Consumption
Most restaurants, family hostels and handicraft stores in Laos are unable to use credit cards, and only some high-end hotels and restaurants support Visa and MasterCard, usually in popular tourist cities such as Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane. Amex and Japanese JCB credit cards can be used to a very small extent.
UnionPay
All BCEL bank ATMs in Laos carry the "UnionPay" logo and usually charge a fee for using UnionPay cards. ATMs are common in Luang Prabang and Vientiane.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Laos and is generally not required. However, given that the local consumption is not too high, we can still consider taking the initiative to give some tips if we are very satisfied with the service. Laotians will also be very happy with a 10 percent tip after the restaurant check.
Language
The official language of Laos is Lao, and Thai and Lao are roughly interchangeable, allowing Thais and Laotians to converse in their own languages in the area. English is more prevalent in cities like Vientiane and Luang Prabang, where tourists gather.
Etiquette and Taboos
Laos is a country with a rich and diverse culture, and Luang Namtha Province is no exception. Here are some etiquette and taboos to keep in mind while traveling in Luang Namtha:
- Dress Appropriately: When visiting temples, religious sites, or rural villages, it's important to dress modestly out of respect for the local culture. Avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, or revealing clothing, and cover your shoulders and knees.
- Remove Your Shoes: Before entering a temple or someone's home, always remove your shoes as a sign of respect.
- Use Your Right Hand: When giving or receiving items, use your right hand as the left hand is considered unclean.
- Show Respect to Elders: Laos culture places great importance on respecting elders, so always show deference to older people.
- Avoid Public Displays of Affection: In Laos, public displays of affection are considered impolite and offensive. So, refrain from kissing or hugging in public.
- Don't Touch People's Heads: In Laos, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body, so it's impolite to touch someone's head or hair.
- Don't Point your Feet: Feet are considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body, so avoid pointing your feet at people or religious images.
- Don't Step Over People: Stepping over someone, even accidentally, is considered disrespectful, so always walk around them.
- Don't Raise Your Voice: In Laos culture, raising your voice or showing anger in public is considered impolite and embarrassing, so remain calm and polite.
- Avoid Discussing Sensitive Topic: Avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics, religion, or the monarchy, as these topics are considered taboo in Laos.
By following these etiquette and taboos, you can show respect for the local culture and have a more enjoyable and meaningful experience while traveling in Luang Namtha Province.
Hospitals
Luang Namtha Province has a few hospitals and medical centers that can provide medical care and assistance to locals and visitors. Here are some hospitals in Luang Namtha Province:
Luang Namtha Provincial Hospital
Contact information: +856 86 312 002
This is the main hospital in Luang Namtha Province, and it provides general medical care, emergency services, and inpatient care. The hospital has a 24-hour emergency room and is staffed by qualified doctors and nurses.
Chinese-Lao Friendship Hospital
Contact information: +856 86 312 529.
This is a modern hospital in Luang Namtha town, which is jointly funded by the Chinese and Lao governments. The hospital provides general medical care, specialist care, and surgery. It has well-equipped facilities and staffed by qualified doctors and nurses.
Luang Namtha Provincial Health Department
This is a government department that oversees the provision of healthcare services in Luang Namtha Province. The department provides health education, vaccination, and disease prevention programs to the local population.
Luang Namtha Traditional Medicine Hospital
This hospital provides traditional Lao medicine, which uses natural remedies and therapies to treat a range of ailments. The hospital is staffed by trained traditional healers and is popular among the local population.
Note that while these hospitals offer medical care, the quality and standard of care may vary. It's recommended to have travel health insurance that covers medical expenses in Laos and to consult a doctor or travel health clinic before traveling to Luang Namtha Province.
Universities
There are currently no universities in Luang Namtha Province. However, there are a few vocational and technical schools that provide training in fields like agriculture, mechanics, and tourism. These schools include:
Luang Namtha Agriculture and Forestry College
This is a vocational college that provides training in agriculture and forestry. The college offers courses in animal husbandry, crop production, and natural resource management.
Luang Namtha Technical and Vocational Education College
This is a vocational college that provides training in technical fields like mechanics, electrical engineering, and construction. The college offers courses at both the certificate and diploma levels.
Luang Namtha Hospitality and Tourism College
This is a vocational college that provides training in tourism and hospitality. The college offers courses in hotel management, tourism marketing, and culinary arts.
Note that these schools primarily offer vocational and technical training, rather than higher education degrees. For those seeking higher education opportunities, there are universities in other parts of Laos, such as the National University of Laos in Vientiane, which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a range of fields.
