Asian Geographic - 08.2018

WHEN

December to February

WHERE

Luang Namtha

HOW

From Wattay International

Airport, fly to Luang

Namtha Airport, and then

take a tuk-tuk

EXPERIENCE

CYCLING

Luang
Namtha
The mountainous northern province of

Luang Namtha offers waterfalls, emerald

mountains and abundant rice paddies dotted

with wooden huts. Bicycles, motorcycles and

scooters are easily rentable, and provide a fast

but flexible means of seeing the waterfalls,

rivers and temples. The sparse traffic means

peaceful, flat roads and the ability to stop and

explore wherever piques your fancy.

One of the most popular activities is a

homestay, which allows visitors to experience

how the local hill tribes live. The area contains

over 20 different ethnic groups, including

the Lolo, Tai Dam, and Tai Neua. Those not

looking for an overnighter can still observe

cultural activities like weaving and the brewing

of lao lao, a sticky rice whiskey. A motorbike

LAOS

Cycle Luang

Namtha’s Endless

Rice Paddies

will get you as far as the Nam Ha National

Protected Area, an ASEAN Natural Heritage

Site offering trekking, rafting and kayaking

along the Nam Ha river. The forests and

grasslands are also good bird-watching sites,

and home to Indian bison and barking deer.

Don’t miss a taste of laap, the Laotian

national dish of minced meat blended with

tangy lime juice, chilli, herbs and spices. Paired

with sticky rice, this filling and refreshing dish

is a good counter to the typically hot days. ag

left and bottom

Luang Namtha’s

numerous rice fields

make for scenic cycles

LAOS