Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NAM HA NBCA
Established in 1993, the
Nam Ha NBCA
is one of Laos's most convenient conservation
areas, easily accessible from Luang Namtha. Covering 2224 square kilometres contiguous
with the Xieng Yong Protected Area in Yunnan, China, the park straddles two high moun-
tain chains and boasts two peaks in excess of 2000m. The NBCA is an important biologic-
al habitat for many forest creatures, including 33 species of mammals and 288 species of
birds. However, it's unlikely you'll see much in the way of wildlife on a trek into the park
- though the forest teems with birdsong. The best known of the park's rivers are the
Nam
Ha
and the
Nam Tha
, both of which are developed for kayaking and rafting trips, though
the latter is possible only for a few months of the year in wet season.
Within the NBCA itself are some 25
hill-tribe villages
, the most populous ethnic groups
being Akha, Hmong, Khmu and Lantaen, and multi-day
trekkingtours
between these set-
tlements are also possible. Note that trekking in the NBCA must be booked through a li-
censed agent.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: LUANG NAMTHA
Byair
The airport is close to the old town, about 6km south of the main town; expect to pay
around 10,000K per person in a shared tuk-tuk. There are five flights a week from Vientiane
(1hr), three with Lao Airlines and two with Lao Skyway. Lao Airlines ( 086 212072) has
an office on the main street, just south of the main concentration of guesthouses.
By bus
The main bus station is situated 11km south of the new town; a shared tuk-tuk to
the centre should cost 10,000K. Buses from within the province, including Muang Sing and
Muang Long, as well as from Boten, on the Chinese border, arrive at the local bus station, just
south of the centre, from where it's a short walk to most guesthouses. Tickets for all buses
can be bought directly at the bus station or, for a surcharge of around 20,000K, from travel
agents and guesthouses; the price includes transfer to the bus station.
To China
The easiest way for travellers with a valid visa to cross into China is to take the
8am direct bus all the way to Jinghong (8hr), via Mengla (5hr), from the main bus station.
Services also run throughout the morning (every 90min from 8.30am) from the local bus sta-
tion to the Boten-Mon Han border crossing (open daily 7am-4pm), but you'll need to change
buses here and at Mengla to reach Jinghong this way.
Destinations from main bus station
Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam (daily; 11hr); Houayxai
(Bokeo; 2 daily; 4hr); Jinghong, China (daily; 8hr); Luang Prabang (daily; 9hr); Oudomxai
(3 daily; 4-5hr); Vang Vieng (daily; 14hr); Vientiane (2 daily; 19hr).
Destinations from local bus station
Boten, China (6 daily; 2hr); Muang Long (daily; 4hr);
Muang Sing (5-6 daily; 2hr); Nalae (2 daily; 3hr).
