ROAD:
To/from Muang Xai (117 Klm), Truck-Bus, 5 hours approx. 3000kip,
BOTEN: to/from Luang Nam Tha, 3 hours approx. 1500 kip?. Border to China is open from 8-12 am and 2-4 pm. From China into Laos is open 8am-5pm.
Muang Sing: a few trucks each day from Luang Nam Tha, about 2 hours, 1500 kip?.

Arriving at the Bus Station: There are at least three Guest Houses within 200 metres walk.

Many visitors arrive overland from Luang Prabang via Oudomsai Province or through the international border crossing from China at Boten (Luang Namtha Province) or from Thailand at the border crossing in Huay Xai (Houeisai), Bokeo Province. Travel time by bus from Luang Prabang is around 10 hours, 40,000 Kip. From Huay Xai depending on the time of the year it can take 8-12 hours.
BOAT:
Luang Namtha to/from Pak Tha (just south of Huay Xai) along the Nam Tha River takes two days, if the river level is high enough.
Luang Prabang to Pak Tha by boat is also OK. Check the Boatlanding Guesthouse site for complete info on how to do this.

2) Rent a bicycle and explore the town and surrounding countryside. Bicycles can be rented at the Manychan Guest House or at the shop next door. Both places are located across from the post office on the main road through town.

3) Visit Had Yao Village Handicrafts Cooperative. Had Yao is a Hmong village located 2 kilometers north of town on the road to Muang Sing. Entering the village from the road, you will see a nicely built wooden structure on your left before entering the village proper. This is the co-op, where local artisans sell textiles, jewelry, basketry and clothing on consignment, providing them with supplemental income and the incentive to continue production of these interesting pieces of cultural heritage. The village is reachable on foot, by bicycle, or tuk - tuk. Open daily.

4) Explore the waterfall at Ban Nam Dee. Ban Nam Dee is a Lanten (Lao Houei) village roughly 6 km from Luang Namtha City. The village accessible by foot, however it is recommended you either bike or hire a tuk - tuk in order to visit the village. To reach the waterfall follow the main path through the village for 500 meters, then turn right following the stream flowing from the valley at the far end of the village. Continue following this stream for 300 meters until you reach the waterfall. If disoriented, ask a villager "nam dtok tat you sai" (where is the waterfall) and they will gladly point you in the right direction. Another point of interest you may encounter in Ban Nam Dee is the production of paper during December - March. Notice the bamboo baskets submerged in the river containing pulp, which is later spread onto large sheets of cotton fabric and left to dry in the sun. The Lantaen have a written language based on Chinese characters and use this paper to record religious texts and other important literature.

5) Visitors to Luang Namtha often notice the lack of Buddhist temples and presence of monks in the city. Indeed, only 22% of the province’s population are Buddhists, with the majority of the population practicing various forms of ancestor and spirit worship. If you are interested in visiting one of Luang Namtha’s few temples or "wats", Wat Luang Kone is a nice place to get started. Located on the main road just past the airport, Wat Luang Kone is 7 kilometers from the city center.

6) Luang Namtha is blessed with a pristine natural environment, including the 222,400 hectare Nam Ha National Biodiversity Conservation Area (Nam Ha NBCA). The Nam Ha NBCA is covered by dense monsoon forest, home to many large mammals such as tigers, elephants, bears and wild buffalo. In addition there is also a large bird and reptile population. A great way to see the Eastern section of the NBCA is by boat, as the Nam Tha River flows parallel to a lengthy section of the protected area’s Eastern boundary. The confluence of the Nam Ha and Nam Tha Rivers is reachable in one day, presenting the opportunity to see many birds and possibly larger animals. Boat trips catering to small groups (4 - 6 people) can be arranged by the Boat Landing Guesthouse (312-398) for 50,000 kip per person.

7) Enjoy a picnic at Gaeng Ngua Picnic Area. Approximately 20 km south of Luang Namtha on the east bank of the Namtha River is Gaeng Ngua Picnic Area. Accessible by boat, bicycle or tuk – tuk, a picnic besides the river is great day-trip from Luang Namtha. As with the boat trip described above, this is an excellent opportunity to see the Nam Ha NBCA and rural life on the river. The nearby village of Ban Sopsim, in cooperation with Luang Namtha’s Tourism Office constructed this site in an effort to ensure local people benefit from the growing number of travelers visiting Luang Namtha. Villagers have created strict environmental guidelines for visitors regarding use of the site. In addition, a portion of the token (400 kip) usage fee goes directly to Sopsim Village’s communal social insurance fund. Gaeng Ngua Picnic Area is one example of how tourism is helping to stimulate natural resource conservation in Luang Namtha.

8) If you are interested in weaving and silk production, a visit to Ban Thong Jai is a great opportunity to learn about traditional Tai Dam sericulture methods and the use of natural dyes. You may also be able to purchase locally produced silk and cotton textiles. To get to Ban Thong Jai, cross the bridge at the north end of town and turn right, following the first dirt road immediately after crossing the bridge.

9) Damaged by a 500-pound bomb during the Second Indochina War, That Phoum Phouk (Phoum Phouk Pagoda) is a little known archeological site located 6 km from the airport. Built in 1628, this was once the most respected and famous pagoda in Namtha District, however the site is now overgrown and has been pillaged several times since its partial destruction. To reach the pagoda you need to make a short but steep ascent from Ban Tin That (foot of the pagoda). To reach Ban Tin That turn right off the main paved road at the intersection just past the airport, and follow the dirt track for about 5 km until you reach the first major settlement. Ban Tin That is located close to Ban Nam Ngaen, with the latter village being better known so it might help to simply ask directions to Nam Ngaen if travelling independently. Upon arrival in Ban Tin That ask one of the young men or women in the village to lead you up to the pagoda: "pa koi bai beung that" (I would like to see the pagoda) should convey your intentions. It is suggested that you pay your "guide" a small sum for his or her services; we recommend 1,000 kip per person.

10) For an outstanding view of the Namtha Valley and surrounding peaks, a short hike to the top of the hill behind the Hongta Xaysomboune Hotel is suggested. This is truly the best view in town. In order to reach the summit of this hill, first follow the dirt track behind the hotel, continuing upwards until you reach a narrow path. Follow this path for 30 minutes and you will soon come into the clearing at the top of the hill. Don’t forget to bring your camera! This is also an excellent place for a picnic lunch. Please remember to dispose of all non-biodegradable trash properly.

11) Rise early and visit the fresh foods market. In addition to a variety of local fruits and vegetables, you may see hill-tribe women selling unusual forest products unique to Luang Namtha.