Luang Namtha Attractions

Luang Namtha is a beautiful city located in northern Laos and offers visitors a wide range of attractions to explore.

Top Attractions

Luang Namtha Night Market

Nam Dee Waterfall

Luang Namtha Stupa

That Phum Phuk

Nam Ha National Protected Area

Luang Namtha Museum

Rivers and Lakes

Luang Namtha is a city located in the northern part of Laos, and while there are no major lakes within the city itself, there are several rivers and bodies of water in the surrounding area. The Nam Tha River is the largest river in the area and flows through the city. Other smaller rivers and streams that flow into the Nam Tha River can also be found throughout the region.

As for lakes, the Nam Ha Lake is located approximately 8 kilometers southeast of the city center, near the Nam Ha National Protected Area. This man-made reservoir was created by damming the Nam Tha River. Additionally, there are several other lakes in the surrounding area, including the Nong Nok Kian Lake and the Huay Xai Lake.

It is worth noting that some of these bodies of water may only be accessible during certain times of the year or by taking a short trip outside of the city.

Temples and Stupas

Luang Namtha is a city located in the northern part of Laos, and it is home to several Buddhist temples and stupas that are popular among visitors. Here are a few notable ones:

Luang Namtha Stupa: Located in the city center, the Luang Namtha Stupa is a large, white stupa that is considered to be one of the city's most important landmarks. Visitors can climb to the top for stunning views of the surrounding area.
Poum Puk Stupa:The stupa is located near Nam Ngaen village on a hill in the northeast part of the Namtha Valley. The original stupa was constructed in 1628 to demarcate neutral territory between the Kingdoms of Lane Xang (centered in Luang Prabang) and Lane Na (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.
That Phum Phuk: The initial sight upon approaching the ancient and small That Phum Phuk is a red-gold stupa, which is a replica created in 2003. Adjacent to it lies the remains of an earlier version made of brick and stucco that was destroyed by a US bombing raid during the Second Indochina War.This site is located on a hill, 3 kilometers northwest of the Phouvan Guesthouse, and can be reached via a stony laterite road that runs parallel to the airfield.

Markets

Luang Namtha is a province in northern Laos, and its capital city is also called Luang Namtha. The city is known for its vibrant markets, which offer a variety of goods and local produce.

Some of the popular markets in Luang Namtha city include:

Luang Namtha Morning Market: This is a bustling market where you can find a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and spices. It is open every day from early morning until around noon.
Night Market: The night market in Luang Namtha is a great place to try local street food and snacks. It is open every evening from around 5 pm until 10 pm.
Old Market: This market is a bit quieter than the others, but it is still a great place to find fresh produce and household items. It is located near the bus station and is open every day.
Tai Dam Market: This market is located on the outskirts of Luang Namtha city and is a great place to find traditional Tai Dam textiles and handicrafts. It is open every day.
Hmong Market: This market is located just outside of Luang Namtha city and is a great place to find handmade Hmong textiles and handicrafts. It is open every day.

Waterfalls

Luang Namtha province is known for its beautiful natural scenery, including waterfalls. While there are no waterfalls directly in Luang Namtha city, there are several waterfalls in the surrounding areas that are worth visiting. Here are some of the popular waterfalls near Luang Namtha:

Nam Dee Waterfall: This is a scenic waterfall located about 20 km from Luang Namtha City, and is known for its beautiful turquoise pools. Visitors can swim in the pools and enjoy the natural scenery. It is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
Nam Keo Waterfall: This waterfall is located about 9 kilometers southwest of Luang Namtha and is known for its picturesque setting. Visitors can swim in the pool at the base of the waterfall and enjoy a picnic in the surrounding area.
Nam Ha National Protected Area: This protected area is home to several waterfalls, including Nam Ha Waterfall, Houay Leuk Waterfall, and Houay Ma Tad Waterfall. These waterfalls can be accessed through guided trekking tours.
Nam Ha Waterfall: This waterfall is located about 20 kilometers northwest of Luang Namtha, within the Nam Ha National Protected Area. It is a popular spot for hiking and exploring the surrounding forest.
Phouphet-Phoukham Waterfall: The waterfall is situated in the midst of dense jungle, surrounded by lush green vegetation and towering trees, making it a beautiful and serene destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Visitors can reach the waterfall by taking a short hike through the jungle, where they can also see local wildlife such as monkeys and birds. The waterfall is over 200 feet tall, with a pool at the bottom that is popular for swimming and cooling off.

Caves and Mountains

Luang Namtha city itself does not have any significant caves or mountains. However, there are several caves and mountains located in the surrounding areas of the province, which can be accessed from Luang Namtha city.

Here are some of the popular caves and mountains to visit in the Luang Namtha province:

Nam Ou Cave: This cave is located near the Nam Ou river, about 70 km from Luang Namtha city. It is known for its impressive limestone formations and underground river.
Phou Hiphan Mountain: This mountain is located in the Nam Ha National Protected Area and is one of the highest peaks in northern Laos. It is a popular spot for trekking and camping.
Tham Kao Rao Cave: This cave is located in the Nam Ha National Protected Area and is known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. It can be reached through a short hike.
Kao Rao Caves:The Kao Rao Caves are located in Luang Namtha Province, in northern Laos. The caves are situated about 8 km from the town of Luang Namtha, near the village of Ban Chalensouk. The Kao Rao Caves are known for their natural beauty and cultural significance, and they are often visited by tourists who come to the area to explore the region's natural and cultural attractions. The caves feature impressive stalactites and stalagmites, as well as Buddhist shrines and other religious artifacts.

Parks and Nature Reserves

Luang Namtha city itself does not have any major parks or natural reserves, but there are some nearby areas where you can experience the natural beauty of the region. Here are some of the popular parks and natural reserves to visit in and around Luang Namtha city:

Nam Ha National Protected Area: This protected area is located in the northern part of Luang Namtha province and is known for its diverse range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species. It is a popular spot for trekking, camping, and exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Phou Iu Travel & Eco-trek: This trek is a guided tour through the mountains and forests surrounding Luang Namtha city. It is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region and learn about the local culture and customs.
Luang Namtha Botanical Garden: This botanical garden is located about 10 km from Luang Namtha city and is home to a wide variety of plant species from the region. It is a peaceful and scenic place to visit and offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the local flora.
Nam Dee Waterfall: This scenic waterfall is located about 20 km from Luang Namtha city and is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. The area surrounding the waterfall is also great for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the region.

Villages

Here are some villages within or near the Luang Namtha city:

Ban Nam Ha: This is a village located about 5 kilometers north of Luang Namtha. It is known for its ecotourism activities, including trekking, cycling, and kayaking.
Ban Nam Ngaen: This is a small village located about 6 kilometers west of Luang Namtha. It is known for its rice fields and traditional Lao houses.
Ban Nam Keo: This is a village located about 9 kilometers southwest of Luang Namtha. It is known for its silk weaving and traditional pottery.
Ban Nam Sai: This is a village located about 12 kilometers south of Luang Namtha. It is known for its beautiful natural scenery and traditional Lao culture.
Ban Nam Koy: This is a village located about 13 kilometers southeast of Luang Namtha. It is known for its hot springs and traditional Lao architecture.