Nature and Nam Ha NPA

1. Nam Ha National Protected Area (NPA)

This is the centerpiece of nature in the province and the primary destination for ecotourism.

• Status & Overview:

  • Established: 1993.

  • Designation: Named an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2003 (the only one in Laos at the time).

  • Size: Covers 2,224 square kilometers (approximately 24% of the province).

  • Location: Stretches from the Chinese border through the middle of the province, covering parts of all five districts. It connects with the Shiang Yong Protected Area in Yunnan, China.

• Geography:

  • Terrain: Mostly mixed deciduous forest with mountains rising from 800m to over 2,000m. The highest peak is "Phou 2094".

  • Rivers: Three major rivers drain southward to the Mekong: the Nam Tha, Nam Fa, and Nam Long.

• Biodiversity:

  • Flora: Includes secondary evergreen forest, bamboo patches, and biologically diverse scrub. It is a source of non-timber forest products (like cardamom and rattan) for locals.

  • Fauna: Home to significant mammal species such as the clouded leopard, tiger (rare), gaur (wild bison), and Asian elephant. It also hosts over 300 bird species and a potentially unique species of muntjac (deer).

• Ethnic Diversity:

  • The protected area is inhabited by various ethnic groups including the Akha (Ikor), Hmong, Khmu, and Lanten. These communities have integrated their lives with the forest for centuries, using it for subsistence while helping to manage it.

2. Specific Nature Sites & Waterfalls

The "Nature" section of the website specifically highlights several key natural attractions, often located within or near the NPA:

• Pha Yueang Waterfall:

  • Location: Inside the Nam Ha NPA, about 17 km south of Muang Sing on the road to Luang Namtha.

  • Access: Requires a short walk (~780m) along a trail, followed by a 20-minute river walk to reach the falls.

  • Highlight: A great spot for a refreshing dip in the jungle.

• Nam Keo Waterfall:

  • Location: Near Muang Sing.

  • Access: Located about 7.2 km from the starting point of the trek to That Xieng Tung.

  • Highlight: A multi-tiered waterfall often visited as part of a guided tour or the "Akha Experience."

• Nam Dee Waterfall:

  • Location: Near Luang Namtha town (approx. 6 km).

  • Access: Located behind the Lanten village of Ban Nam Dee.

  • Facilities: The area is well-managed by villagers with a handicraft shop, toilets, and picnic houses. A hiking trail leads above the waterfall (1 hour return).

• Kao Rao Caves:

  • Location: In Vieng Phoukha district.

  • Highlight: An extensive underground cave system famous for its limestone formations.

3. Xieng Khaeng Mountains & Upper Mekong

This area is highlighted as a remote and stunning natural region.

• Location: The northwestern frontier where the Mekong River rushes out of China (the "Green Triangle" bordering Myanmar).

• Landscape: Steep canyons, dramatic limestone cliffs, and the Mekong River.

• Experience: It is one of the most remote areas in Laos, home to traditional Tai Lue settlements (like Ban Xay and Ban Xieng Khaeng). Access is difficult and usually requires a boat from Xieng Kok or a 4WD journey from Muang Sing.