Getting to & around Luang Namtha

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Luang Namtha is accessible by air, land and river. The most popular overland routes to and from the province start and end at Bokeo Province “Laos-Thailand Friendship Bridge 4” and Luang Prabang. There is an international border crossing at Boten (Laos-China) and regular air service from Vientiane on Lao Airlines. For adventuresome travelers, try a journey up the Mekong River from Ban Houay Xay to Xieng Kok in Muang Long, or a 2-day river journey up the Nam Tha River, which also originates in Ban Houy Xay. Once you reach the province, local transport by Tuk Tuk, the bus or a Song Thaew is inexpensive and easy to arrange. For short trips, many people get around by renting bicycles.

  • Laos-Thailand Friendship Bridge 4 “Bokeo Province” the public bus two time per day, departure 8:30 AM and 12:30 PM, only 3 hours
  • Vientiane-Luang Namtha by Lao Airline, departure daily, only an hours
  • Vientiane-Luang Namtha by public bus, departure daily 8:00 AM, more than 20 hours
  • Luang Prabang-Luang Namtha by public bus a time per day, departure 8:30 AM, more than 10 hours
  • Odomxay-Luang Namtha the public bus two time per day, departure 8:30 AM and 12:30 PM, only 3 hours
  • Houay Xay to Xieng Kok on the Mekong River only slow boat, now no speed boat; 2-day river journey up the Nam Tha River have to book with local boatman or local tour agency.

The Airport:
Located far from the town 5 Km, the plane departure daily from Vientiane-Luang Namtha-Vientiane only.

Lao Airlines Vientiane (VTE)

Laoskyway Hotel, Asean Road, Ban Wattay yai thong, Sikhodtabong Distric,Vientiane Capital, Lao P.D.R, P.O Box 6618

Domestic Bus Station:
Located in the town, the public minivan/bus/Tuk Tuk transport between districts to districts such as:

  • Luang Namtha-Muang Sing; 4-5 time per day
  • Luang Namtha-Long town; 2-3 time per day
  • Luang Namtha-Nalae town; 1-2 time per day
  • Luang Namtha-Vieng Phoukha; 2-3 time per day

External Bus Station:
Located far from the town only 10 Km, the public minivan/bus/Tuk Tuk transport between Luang Namtha to other province such as:

  • Luang Namtha-Bokeo “Laos-Thailand border”; 2 time per day
  • Luang Namtha-Oudomxay; 2 time per day
  • Luang Namtha-Luang Prabang; 1-2 time per day
  • Luang Namtha-Vientiane; 1 time per day

Luang Namtha 3G or 4G, Phone, Post & Communications

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The General Post Office offers postal services, faxing and public telephone for local, national and international calls. 3G or 4G SIM “how to setup 3G or 4G with mobile phone” and Phone cards can be purchased at many shops in Luang Namtha town. There are a couple of internet shops in town for e-mailing and some guesthouses offer phone services, Wi-Fi. 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.

How to setup 3G or 4G with mobile phone

3G or 4G ETL Internet Packet
How to setup ETL 3G or 4G Network?

  1. Go to “Data Network”
  2. APN: etlnet
  3. Username: *99***1#

How to register Package?
3G or 4G: Use Packet D1; Type D1 send to 333
3G or 4G Mobile: Use Packet M1; Type M1 sent to 333
More detail call 135 or http://www.etllao.com

3G or 4G Laos TELECOME Internet Packet
How to setup Laotel 3G or 4G Network?

  1. Go to “Data Network”
  2. APN: ltcnet
  3. Username: *99#

How to register Package?
Apply Packet data; Type OD send to 115
Use Packet 1 on 3G or 4G: Type *131*5# Call
Use Packet 1 on 3G or 4G Mobile: Type *118*1#
More detail call 123 or https://www.laotel.com

3G or 4G Unitel Internet Packet
How to setup Unitel 3G or 4G Network?

  1. Go to “Data Network”
  2. APN: unitel3g
  3. Dialup *99#

How to register Package?
How to register Package * Package Code # call.
Example: select package MI1 => type * 1# call
Prepaid check data *122# call.
Post paid check data type bill send 166
Cancel press *209*01# call.
More detail call 109 or https://www.unitel.com.la

Hotel & Accommodation in Luang Namtha

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The Phou Iu III Bungalows is the premier eco-lodge, located close the Nam Tha River far from the Luang Namtha Night Market only 10 minutes with OASIS place. We offer comfortable clean rooms at reasonable prices. The bungalows are constructed in traditional ethnic groups in Luang Namtha style with all modern comforts. The Bungalows offers 5 separate bungalows, with 5 twin rooms, 5 double rooms, toilet inside and Free Wi-Fi (Especial the bungalow can provide triple room for tourists who visit Luang Namtha with family).

Our bungalows are constructed with local materials in a local Tai Lue, Khmu, Tai Dam, Hmong and Akha style adapted for your comfort and pleasure. Lounge on your verandah in a grassy acacia grove; watch the view around the bungalows.

Our rooms aspire to tastefully combine local tradition while providing the guests the comforts of home. Each room has a modern bathroom outfitted hot water.

Room Facilities:

  • Toilet inside with hot shower (Western toilet)
  • Living room with table & chairs
  • Living room outside with sleeping chair
  • Free water
  • Bath & face towels
  • Fire place
  • Clothes towels place

Bungalows Facilities:

  • Free Wi-Fi and internet
  • Telephone & Fax service
  • Laundry services
  • Car-parking
  • Business Centre
  • Swimming Poll 

Our Services:

  • Arrival / Departure transfers (extra charge)
  • Travel Booking
  • Offer as: Trekking, Biking, Kayaking, Homestay, Combination Tours Service
  • Transportation Service
  • Bicycle Rental
  • Bus ticket

Booking or Contact us:
Mobile: +856-20-2239 0195; WhatsApp: +856-20-2881 9198
E-mail: phouiu_lnt@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.phouiubungalows.com

Where to Eat-Restaurant in Luang Namtha

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More than hundred local restaurants and drinking offer Lao, Chinese, Thai and Western style food, choose one of the restaurants located along the main road. Excellent Lao coffee and baguettes are also available throughout the day. Some famous local food and beverages are Kao Soi (Soft rice noodle soup), bitter bamboo shoot soup and rattan dipping sauce from Luang Namtha’s fresh market, Lao Hai (rice wine in a jar) and the ubiquitous Lao Lao.

Luang Namtha Night Market

Luang Namtha night market in located in the center of the town where local villagers from different ethnic minority groups around Luang Namtha offer unique local foods and handicraft. The night market opens every day evening and is good place to visit and eating typical Lao dishes. The local handicraft from Tai Dam, Tai Deang, Khmu, Tai Lue, Akha and Lanten are available over there.

Bank & ATM in Luang Namtha, Laos

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BCEL is open from 8:30-16:00, exchanges US dollars, Euros, Thai Bath, traveler cheques; gives cash advances on credit cards, ATM; Lao Development Bank, exchanges US dollars, Euros, traveler cheques. The Agriculture Bank exchanges US dollars.

  • Luang Namtha, Muang Sing, Long town: BCEL Bank available exchanges US dollars, Euros, Thai Bath, traveler cheques; gives cash advances on credit cards, ATM
  • Vieng Phoukha: exchanges US dollars
  • Nalae town: Non exchanges

Bank accept

  • Cash such as: Laos “Kip”, Thailand “Bath”, USA “US$”, European “EURO”.
  • Credit card such as: PLUS, CIRRUS, VISA, MasterCard, Maestro, Cashpoint, JCB, China UnionPay and Diners Club.

Visa & Border in Luang Namtha, Laos

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Visa Extension for Lao PDR

  • As of September 2010, you cannot extend visa for Lao PDR.
  • You need to go out from the border once and come back again to get a new visa for Lao PDR.
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Brazil
  • Bahrain
  • Brunei Darussalam
  • Canada
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hong Kong
  • Iceland
  • Indonesia
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Korea
  • Kuwait
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Monaco
  • Oman
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Portugal
  • Qatar
  • Luxembourg
  • Malaysia
  • Singapore
  • Spain
  • South Africa
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Turkey
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United, Kingdom
  • United States of America
  • Vietnam

For those who intend to stay longer than 30 days and from other than specified 42 areas, it is necessary to obtain visa from the Thai Consulate in advance.

We recommend all tourists to contact to the Thai Consulate (or checking Internet information) before going to the border checkpoint since the visa conditions are well varied.

Royal Thai Consulate-General, Savannakhet, Thahea road, Sayaphum village, Savannakhet city (Opposite to the Lao Derm Restaurant) Open 09:00-11:00 (Open service) and 14:00-15:30 (Monday-Friday). Tel: (856-41) 212 373, 252 080, Fax. (856-41)212 370, 252 078. E-mail: thaisvk@mfa.go.th
www.thaisavannakhet.com

Visa to Vietnam

  • People of Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Laos are not required to have visa in advance for visiting Vietnam within 30 days.
  • Philippines passport holders are not required to have visa in advance for visiting Vietnam within 21 days.
  • People of Brunei, Korea, Japan & Scandinavians (Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland) are not required to have visa in advance for visiting Vietnam within 15 days.
  • Though, these people are required to have passport and return tickets.
  • All other nationalities are required to get Vietnam entry visa prior to departure from Vietnamese embassies / consulates.
  • Please contact Vietnam Consulate for details.

Vietnam Consulate. Sisavangvong road, lattanalangsyneu village, Savannakhet city (Near the Dao Heuang Duty Shop) Open 07:30-11:00 and 13:30-16:00 (Monday-Friday). Tel: (856-41) 212 182, 212 418. E-mail: tlsxavan@laotel.com

Visa to Cambodia

  • People of Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam are not required to get visa in advance to visit Cambodia. Other nationalities are required to obtain visa from Cambodian Embassies.
  • For detail, please contact the Embassy of Cambodia.

Embassy of Cambodia in Laos (Vientiane), Thadeua Road, KM2 Vientiane, B.P.34 Lao, Vientiane. Tel: (8562) 131 4950/4952 Fax: (8562) 131 4951. E-mail: recamlao@laotel.com

River Rafting/Kayaking

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Short and long trip safari/adventure kayaking or rafting along the Nam Ha or Nam Tha Rivers through the Nam Ha National Protected Area, bamboo forest, wildlife explore, visit different of ethnic minorities located along the rivers such as: Lanten, Tai Dam, Khmu and Lao Huea to learn about their cultures, traditional and fishing techniques. [button color=”green” size=”medium” align=”right” link=”http://phouiutravel.com/category/kayaking-tour-in-luang-namtha/”][icon style=”leaf”]Participate Activities[/button]

Visit Ethnic Diversity

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Luang Namtha is home to more than 20 different ethnic groups, making it a remarkable repository of ethnic diversity and indigenous knowledge. The traditional clothing, handicrafts, livelihood systems and rituals of these ethnic groups are a valuable part of the province’s cultural heritage. [button color=”green” size=”medium” align=”right” link=”http://phouiutravel.com/category/city-tours-in-luang-namtha/”][icon style=”leaf”]Participate Activities[/button]

Homestay/Activities Participate

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Experience ethnic group home stays to see & learning about their culture, traditional and rural daily lifestyles. Participate traditional Baci-ceremony, practices ecotourism activities with local people such as: home-cooked Lao food, planting or harvest, step of natural dyeing, weaving, bamboo basket or bamboo paper making. [button color=”green” size=”medium” align=”right” link=”http://phouiutravel.com/category/homestay/”][icon style=”leaf”]Participate Activities[/button]

Mountain Bike/Motorbike/4WD Tours

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Challenge on the Off-Road, countryside explore, visit different of ethnic minority groups, driving through Nam Ha NPA, stunning mountain, excellent landscape. Three or four days motorbike/4WD tours visit the GOLDEN TRIANGLE (Laos-Myanmar-China) where all ethnic villages “mainly Akha and Tai Lue” they are still keep their culture & traditional. [button color=”green” size=”medium” align=”right” link=”http://phouiutravel.com/category/motorbike-tours-in-luang-namtha/”][icon style=”leaf”]Participate Activities[/button]