Luang Namtha Travel Tips

To have a better travel experience in Luang Namtha, there are some useful Luang Namtha travel tips which may be helpful for your Luang Namtha tour. When plan your trip to Luang Namtha, view our answers to questions about Luang Namtha travel to get better understanding of Luang Namtha.

Useful Numbers

Here are some useful numbers in Luang Namtha City, Laos:

Police: 191
Ambulance: 195
Fire department: 190
Luang Namtha Provincial Hospital: +856 86 212 051
Tourist Information Center: +856 86 312 385
Luang Namtha Airport: +856 20 24 850 000
Luang Namtha Bus Station: +856 20 59 202 999
Provincial Department of Tourism: +856 86 212 121
Provincial Department of Health: +856 86 212 143
Provincial Department of Education and Sports: +856 86 212 129
Luang Namtha District Police Station: +856 20 56 328 555
Luang Namtha District Office: +856 20 56 230 000

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 City, here are some things you should consider packing:

Lightweight and Comfortable Clothing: Luang Namtha has a tropical climate with high humidity, so it's best to pack lightweight and breathable clothing made of natural fibers like cotton or linen.
Rain Gear: The rainy season in Luang Namtha is from May to October, so it's advisable to pack rain gear like a waterproof jacket or umbrella.
Insect Repellent: Luang Namtha is known for its lush greenery and biodiversity, which means there are plenty of insects around. Pack some insect repellent to avoid getting bitten.
Sunscreen: The sun can be quite strong in Luang Namtha, so make sure to pack sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin.
Comfortable Walking Shoes: Luang Namtha has many opportunities for outdoor activities like trekking and cycling, so make sure to pack comfortable and sturdy shoes.
Water Bottle: It's important to stay hydrated in Luang Namtha, so pack a refillable water bottle to minimize plastic waste and save money on buying bottled water.
First-aid Kit: Pack a small first-aid kit with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
Power Adapter: The electrical outlets in Laos are Type A, B, C, E, and F, so make sure to pack a power adapter if your devices are not compatible.
Cash and ATM Card: Luang Namtha is a relatively small town with limited ATMs, so make sure to bring enough cash or an ATM card to avoid running out of money.
Camera or Smartphone: Luang Namtha is a beautiful and photogenic town with many natural and cultural attractions, so don't forget to pack a camera or smartphone to capture your memories.

Currency

The official currency of Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK). In Luang Namtha City, you can easily exchange foreign currency at banks or currency exchange booths. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but it's best to have some Lao Kip on hand for small purchases and to pay for local transportation.

ATMs are available in Luang Namtha, but they may be limited and may not accept all types of cards. It's always a good idea to have some cash on hand in case you can't find an ATM or the ATM doesn't work.

Credit cards are not widely accepted in Luang Namtha City, except for some high-end hotels and restaurants. Therefore, it's important to carry enough cash to cover your expenses during your stay in Luang Namtha.

Bank

Lao Development Bank: 8.30am-noon & 2-3.30pm Mon-Fri; Exchanges major currencies and has Western Union.

Language

The official language of Laos is Lao, which is spoken by the majority of the population in Luang Namtha City. However, many people in Luang Namtha City also speak other languages such as Thai, Chinese, and English, especially those who work in the tourism industry.

If you are planning to travel to Luang Namtha City, it is a good idea to learn some basic phrases in Lao or bring a phrasebook to help you communicate with locals. Here are some useful Lao phrases:

Sabaidee: Hello
Khop chai: Thank you
Bor pen yang: Sorry/excuse me
La khon: Goodbye
Sabai dee bor?: How are you?
Khoy bpen yung?: What is this?
Dii khuen: Delicious
Tham sa bai dee: Have a good trip
Baw pen nyang: No problem

Post Office

There is a post office in Luang Namtha City where you can send mail and packages both domestically and internationally. Here are the details:

Luang Namtha Post Office

Address: Ban Naluang, Luang Namtha District, Luang Namtha Province, Laos

Phone: +856 86 312 018

Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm

The post office offers a range of services including stamps, postcards, envelopes, and packaging materials. They also offer EMS (Express Mail Service) for urgent mail and parcels, and international airmail services to many countries around the world. If you need to send mail or packages during your stay in Luang Namtha City, the post office is a convenient option. However, be aware that mail delivery times can vary depending on the destination and the level of postal service available in the receiving country.

Etiquette and Taboos

When traveling to Luang Namtha City, it's important to be aware of local etiquette and taboos to show respect for the culture and customs of the Lao people. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Dress Modestly: Lao culture values modesty, so it's important to dress appropriately, especially when visiting temples or other religious sites. Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothing, and always remove your shoes before entering a temple or someone's home.
Show Respect for Monks: Monks are highly respected in Lao culture, so it's important to show them respect by not touching them or sitting higher than them. Women should not make physical contact with monks, and everyone should avoid taking photos of monks without their permission.
Use Your Right Hand: In Lao culture, the left hand is considered unclean, so it's important to use your right hand for eating, passing objects, or shaking hands.
Don't Point Your Feet: The feet are considered the lowest part of the body in Lao culture, so avoid pointing your feet at someone, especially a monk or a Buddha statue. When sitting, keep your feet flat on the ground or tuck them underneath you.
Don't Touch People's Heads: In Lao culture, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body, so it's impolite to touch someone's head, even playfully.
Don't Raise Your Voice: Lao people value calmness and politeness, so it's impolite to raise your voice or show anger in public.
Avoid Public Displays of Affection: Lao culture is conservative when it comes to public displays of affection, so it's best to avoid kissing, hugging, or holding hands in public.

Hospitals

Luang Namtha Provincial Hospital

This is the main hospital in Luang Namtha City and provides medical services to the local community and visitors. It has a range of departments including emergency, surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, and more. Here are the details:

Address: Ban Naluang, Luang Namtha District, Luang Namtha Province, Laos

Phone: +856 86 212 030

Educational Institutions

Namtha College

Namtha College is a public college in Luang Namtha City that offers degree programs in various fields including agriculture, education, health sciences, and more. Here are the details:

Address: Phabat Road, Luang Namtha District, Luang Namtha Province, Laos
Phone: +856 86 211 271

Souphanouvong University

Souphanouvong University is a public university located in Luang Namtha City that offers degree programs in fields such as business, education, social sciences, and more. Here are the details:

Address: Phabat Road, Luang Namtha District, Luang Namtha Province, Laos
Phone: +856 86 211 253