Lao Culture Tour
One of the most pleasant surprises awaiting the visitor on a trip to Vientiane is the French cultural influence surviving in the city. The legacy of the colonial period which lasted from the late 19th century until the 1950s is still present. It is a pleasure to enjoy a breakfast such as croissants and coffee. Also, lunch may well comprise freshly baked baguette and pate accompanied by a carafe of wine. Later in the evening, excellent French cuisine is available at upmarket restaurants, survivors of the years of socialist austerity.
Visit Luang Namtha to enjoy life and nature. There are so many outdoor activities, you won’t be short of choice. Come and stay for at least 3 days to make the most of the natural beauty, diverse cultures, and the unique Nam Ha – National Biodiversity Conservation Area. Stay longer and explore remote districts; you can cycle, trek, kayak or take a leisurely road trip. We welcome you to our province!
CULTURAL VISIT IN LUANG NAMTHA
VAT MAHAPHOT TEMPLE
Vat Mahaphot and an ancient city are located on hilltop just south of the main town. This and other abandoned Vats in Vieng Phoukha are believed to date to the 16th – 17th centuries. Surrounding this abandoned temple is a series of ramparts called Kou Vieng in Lao. Many people believe that these ruins are protected by spirits and if you take anything from the ancient sites you will suffer sickness and perhaps death.
THAT XIENG TEUNG TEMPLE
That Xieng Teung (Xieng Teung Stupa) is the most important stupa in Muang Sing. It is said to contain the Adam’s apple of Buddha. To the left of the stupa are some stairs which lead to a sacred fountain and a sacred stone…..
THAT PHOUM POUK 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 beside the older, ruined stupa was constructed in 2003.
LUANG NAMTHA TEMPLE
The Tai Yuan and Tai Lue are devoutly Buddhist. Hence, there are 3-4 Vats (temples) and monasteries in the area. Vat Ban Luang Khon, the most important in the area, is located on the main road next to the airport. Vat Ban Vieng Nuea, Vat Ban Vieng Tai, is also quite beautiful and is located on the main road to the airport too.
LUANG NAMTHA STUPA
A long time ago Sy Sod So Tammikarad King of Xieng Sean (Xieng Sean the north of Thailand present) and Naleatafai king of Chanthabouly (Oudomxay present), built two Stupas for friendship. The first is Phoum Pouk Stupa and the second is located on the east of the head of Namtha River. The second Stupa was lost to the forest, but recently rebuilt on 27 December 2004. Now called the Luang Namtha Stupa, it’s easy to access from the north end of town.
THE TRADITIONAL TAI KALOM STYLE HOUSE IN BAN VIENG VILLAGE
Ban Vieng Neua (Tai Kalom) is located about 3 kilometers from the town center, close to the airport. The house is built according to the traditional style of the Kalom people (Kalom, also known as Tai Yuan), although……
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THE HANDICRAFT VILLAGE BAN PIENG NGAM & THE DISTILLERY VILLAGE BAN NAM NGAEN
The handicraft village Ban Pieng Ngam and the distillery village Ban Nam Ngaen have two ethnic groups, the Thai Deang and the Thai Kao. The villages are famous for their many different handicrafts. A small lodge built by the Nam Ha Ecotourism Project, offers accommodation for anybody who is interested to experience the rural Lao lifestyle. Not far, within walking distance from Ban Pieng Ngam is the Lao Lao distillery village Ban Nam Ngaen, where people can see the process of making the famous Lao rice whiskey. You can go by bicycle following the map in this guide book.
BAN NAM DEE (LANTEN VILLAGE)
Located far from Luang Namtha around 6 kilometers, they are Lao Huay (Lanten) that still keeps their traditional culture and way of life and a good place to observe the progress of bamboo papermaking. Behind the village you will see the entrance to the Nam Dee Waterfall……
LUANG NAMTHA MUSEUM
The provincial museum has a variety of artifacts made by Luang Namtha’s multi-ethnic people. Of particular interest is the extensive collection of indigenous clothing as well as many agricultural tools and household implements used in daily life. The museum has an excellent collection of Buddha images, bronze drums, ceramics and textiles. Also of interest are the traditional hand-made weapons on display that were once used for hunting and national defense.
MUANG SING MUSEUM
The Muang Sing museum is about local culture and history and has an excellent collection of historically and religiously significant pieces, located on the top floor. The building was once the royal residence of the Jao Fa (Prince), Phanya Sekong.
Open 9:00am-11:30am, 1:30pm-3:30pm, Monday-Friday. Admission 5,000 Kip (plus 5,000 Kip extra for Akha film).
Click here for more details about our unique Luang Culture Tour!
