LUANG NAMTHA FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Archaeological evidence including stone tools found in the Nam Jook River Valley in Vieng Phoukha and cliff paintings near Nale suggest that Luang Namtha Province was inhabited as early as 6,000 years ago. The first local written account of the province’s history appears in the Xieng Khaeng Chronicles that recount the founding of Xieng Khaeng on the banks of the Mekong River in the early 15th century by Chao Fa Dek Noi, a Tai-Lue that originated in the court of Chiang Rung. Xieng Khaeng grew into a modest principality that later found itself under the influence of the Lanna Kingdom of Northern Thailand until the early 16th century and then become a Burmese vassal from the mid 16th to the early 19th century. Beginning in the first half of the 19th century, Xieng Khaeng fell under Siamese domination and suffered from numerous conflicts. In 1885 Chao Fa Silinor eventually led more than 1,000 Tai-Lue subjects to what is present day Muang Sing for both strategic military reasons and in search of more expansive agricultural land.
LUANG NAMTHA TOURISM
Famous for trekking and ecotourism opportunities in the Nam Ha National Protected Area and home to over 30 distinct ethnic groups, Luang Namtha is perhaps the most diverse province in the entire country. Akha villages are located in the hills and some are easily accessible. If you are interested in kayaking and rafting, 1-3 day trips can be arranged when you get there or by advance booking through a travel agent. Motorized boat trips on the Namtha River are a popular activity, as is simply renting a bicycle to explore the lush countryside and rice fields surrounding the town. At Nam Ngaen Village, climb the hill to Phoum Phouk Stupa for an amazing view of the Namtha Valley. In Vieng Phoukha, halfway between Luang Namtha and Chiang Rai in northern Thailand you can visit the abandoned 16th century settlement known as the Khou Vieng Ruins. For cave exploration, don’t miss the Phou Prasat and Nam Eng Caves in Vieng Phoukha.
In Namtha Town, visit Tai Dam Villages to see sericulture and purchase hand-made silk textiles. If you are interested in watching paper made by hand, stop at one of the Lantaen Villages outside of the main town. Because of its concentration of Khmu Villages, Namtha is a great place to purchase bamboo and rattan basketry–the Khmu are legendary basket-weavers. Here the bamboo and rattan are used for both handicrafts and food. Bitter bamboo-shoot soup and rattan-heart salad are two delicious local dishes. If you like rice noodles, the “khao soi” in Muang Sing is a must.
LUANG NAMTHA EVENT
Luang Namtha Province has an abundance of traditional festivals and events: there are more than 17 ethnic groups in this beautiful province. It is therefore difficult to give exact dates for some of the village festivals. For example, the dates can change last minute due to the completion of harvest season and readiness of the village. For this reason, we suggest you to ask a local agent (you can contact us here). This way, your trekking or touring plans can coincide with these opportunities to get an insight into local culture.
Luang Namtha is a place for peace and happiness! On top of that, it is an incredible atmosphere at the local festivals. You can discover a different way of life.
Luang Namtha Festival Calendar
January – Akha, Lahu, Hmong, Sida, Lanten, Yao, Panna & Tai Neua New Year.
Tai Deang festival in Luang Namtha District.
“Spirit of the new rice festival” by Khmu & Mon-Khmer (Speaking ethic groups).
February – Phoum Pouk Stupa festival in Luang Namtha District.
Tai Yuan festival in Luang Namtha District.
“Boun Pang Muang” Spirit feed in Long District by Tai Lue.
April – “Kao Ban Festival” by the Akha ethnic group (“Welcome to the Village” Festival).
“Pii Mai Lao” Lao New Year.
“Poi Festival” Rocket Festival in Sing District by Tai Lue ethnic group.
June – “Feeding the spirit of the totem” of Tai Yuan ethnic group.
“Vor Salee Festival” by Lahu ethnic group.
September – “Swidden Rice Field Festival” by the Lahu ethnic group before the harvest.
October – “Boun Souang Heua” Boat racing in Luang Namtha District.
November – Xieng Tueng Stupa festival in Sing District.
December – Luang Namtha Stupa festival in Luang Namtha District
Chom Sing Stupa Festival in Sing District.
Khmu festival in Nalae & Vieng Phoukha District.
“Boun Pang Muang” Spirit feed in Sing District by Tai Lue.