Getting to & around Luang Namtha
Luang Namtha Travel Information
Luang Namtha is accessible by air, train, land, and river. Popular overland routes connect Bokeo Province’s “Laos-Thailand Friendship Bridge 4” and Luang Prabang. There’s an international border crossing at Boten (Laos-China) and regular air service from Vientiane on Lao Airlines and Lao Skyway. Adventurous travelers can journey up the Mekong River from Ban Houay Xay to Xieng Kok in Long district.
Luang Namtha is accessible by air, train, land, and river. Popular overland routes connect Bokeo Province’s “Laos-Thailand Friendship Bridge 4” and Luang Prabang. There’s an international border crossing at Boten (Laos-China) and regular air service from Vientiane on Lao Airlines and Lao Skyway. Adventurous travelers can journey up the Mekong River from Ban Houay Xay to Xieng Kok in Long district.
Travel Options
- Train: Fast and normal trains run daily from Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Oudomxay to Luang Namtha. Tickets can be purchased via the LCR Ticket app: LCR Ticket.
- Local Transport: Once in Luang Namtha, inexpensive local transport options include Tuk Tuk, bus, and Song Thaew. Bicycles are available for rent for short trips.
Transportation Schedules
- Laos-Thailand Friendship Bridge 4 (Bokeo Province): Public bus departs twice daily at 8:30 AM and 12:30 PM (3-4 hour trip).
- Vientiane-Luang Namtha:
- By Lao Airlines & Lao Skyway: Four daily flights (1-hour flight).
- By public bus: Daily departure at 8:00 AM (20+ hours).
- Luang Prabang-Luang Namtha: Public bus departs once daily at 8:30 AM (10+ hours).
- Oudomxay-Luang Namtha: Public bus departs twice daily at 8:30 AM and 12:30 PM (3-hour trip).
- Houay Xay to Xieng Kok (Mekong River): Only slow boats are available (no speed boats); it’s a 2-day journey up the Nam Tha River, bookable with local boatmen or tour agencies.
Airport Information
- Location: 5 km from the town.
- Flights: Daily departures from Vientiane to Luang Namtha and back.
Lao Airlines Contact Information
- Ticketing and Reservations Office:
- Tel: (856-21) 510040 or 1626
- Fax: (856-21) 211054
- Email (Ticketing and Reservation Division): vtessqv@laoairlines.com
- Email (Online Booking Division): vtersqv@laoairlines.com / onlinebooking@laoairlines.com
Laoskyway Contact Information
- Address: Laoskyway Hotel, Asean Road, Ban Wattay Yai Thong, Sikhodtabong District, Vientiane Capital, Lao P.D.R, P.O Box 6618
- Telephone: (+856) 21 513022, 512027
- Fax: (+856) 21 512027
- Email (General): info@laoskyway.com
- Email (Service): service@laoskyway.com
- Facebook: Laoskyway Facebook
- Call Center: 1441
Bus Stations
- Domestic Bus Station: Located in town, with public minivans, buses, and Tuk Tuks transporting between districts:
- Luang Namtha-Muang Sing: 4-5 times per day
- Luang Namtha-Long town: 2-3 times per day
- Luang Namtha-Nalae town: 1-2 times per day
- Luang Namtha-Vieng Phoukha: 2-3 times per day
- External Bus Station: Located 10 km from town, with public minivans, buses, and Tuk Tuks transporting to other provinces:
- Luang Namtha-Bokeo (Laos-Thailand border): 2 times per day
- Luang Namtha-Oudomxay: 2 times per day
- Luang Namtha-Luang Prabang: 1-2 times per day
- Luang Namtha-Vientiane: 1 time per day
