Luang Namtha

Luang Namtha

ມ. ນາແລ, ຫລວງນໍ້າທາ
M. Nalae
Luang Namtha ມ. ນາແລ, ຫລວງນໍ້າທາ M. Nalae
City
Country	Laos
Admin. division	Luang Namtha Province
Population (2004)
• Total	3,500
• Religions	Buddhism
Time zone	UTC+7 (ICT)

20°57′N 101°24′E / 20.950°N 101.400°E / 20.950; 101.400

Louang Namtha, M. Nalae, or M. Na Lae, Luang Nam Tha (Lao: ມ. ນາແລ, ຫລວງນໍ້າທາ) is the capital of Luang Namtha Province in northern Laos. The city lies on the Tha River (Nam Tha).

Luang Namtha is the largest settlement in northwest Laos, north of Luang Prabang. It is a popular tourist destination, and a base for treks, biking to the surrounding hilltribe villages. The Luang Namtha Museum is in the town.

History

From January through May 1962, troops from the Royal Lao Army fought the Pathet Lao and People's Army of Vietnam in the Battle of Luang Namtha. The battle ended with the RLA's headlong retreat southward 150 kilometers across the Mekong River.^[1]

Administrative divisions

The province includes five districts:

Long (3-03)
Nalae (3-05)
Namtha (3-01)
Sing (3-02)
Viangphoukha (3-04)

Transportation

In the rainy season, Luang Namtha can be reached by boat from the Mekong River. It is connected by Highway 3 to both the Thai border at Huay Xai/Chiang Khong (197 km (122 mi)) and the Chinese border at Boten/Mengla (60 km (37 mi)). Luang Namtha is also served by Luangnamtha Airport, 6 km (3.7 mi) south of the city.