Luang Namtha lies on the banks of the Nam Tha River, in the northern part of Laos. It’s also the capital of a province of the same name, and is close to the Nam Ha National Biodiversity Conservation Area – you’ll find hiking and biking trails leading to hill tribe villages.
Luang Namtha is divided into an old town near the airport (which was bombed during the 1970s) and a new town located 6 km north of the former. Travellers from China to Laos often use this city as an alternative to the long (and very crowded) boat ride between Luang Prabang and Huay Xai.