English Name: Nam Ha National Protected Area
Type: Nature, Protected Area, Forest
Best Time: From November to February
Recommended Visiting Hours:  1 Day
Ticket: Free
Location: About 5 km southwest of Luang Namtha

Why is Nam Ha National Protected Area So Special?

Nam Ha National Protected Area in Luang Nam Tha is also named as Nam Ha National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area which is a national protected area in Luang Namtha Province in northern Laos. T. The Nam Ha NPA's landscape is very diverse, characterized by and ever changing mosaic of swidden fields and regenerating forests.
The very old forest remains in a few remote areas due to inaccessibility and local custom. Within the NPA boundaries there are two peaks that exceed 2,000 meters, as well as an abundance of rivers and streams. The NPA's main purpose is to protect biodiversity and habitat for wildlife found in northern Laos.

Introduction

The mountainous center of Luang Namtha Province has been designated as the Nam Ha National Protected Area (NPA) in 1993. It was first established by a Prime Minister's Decree and stretches from the Chinese border through the middle of the province, spanning five districts and covering over 222,400 hectares. The Nam Ha NPA's landscape is very diverse, characterized by and ever changing mosaic of swidden fields and regenerating forests.

The very old forest remains in a few remote areas due to inaccessibility and local custom. Within the NPA boundaries there are two peaks that exceed 2,000 meters, as well as an abundance of rivers and streams. The NPA's main purpose is to protect biodiversity and habitat for wildlife found in northern Laos.

Species such as Tiger, Leopard and the enormous Gaur (a type of wild cow) still roam the forest throughout the reserve, although large mammals are very hard to see because of low population densities and fear of people. Residents that are easier to encounter are the some 300 species of birds, which include Silver Pheasants, jewel-like Blue and Eared pittas as well as a diversity of bulbuls, and at least 38 species of mammals. On the highest peaks there are species more closely associated with the Himalayas and are found in only a few other parts of Laos.

The Nam Ha National Biodiversity Conservation Area is one of the country's largest protected areas and provides refuge for a wide range of wildlife therefore the treeking to the Nam Ha NBCA support natural resource conservation and traditional livelihoods.

The other fantastic way to travel through the Nam Ha NBCA is by raft or long-tail boat down the Nam Ha River, where it is common to see many bird and reptile species in the surrounding forest. A longer journey on the larger Namtha, a traditional trading route and tributary of the Mekong , links Luang Namtha to both Houei Xai and Luang Prabang. Boat trips up and down the entire Namtha require an overnight stay in the traditional boatmen's village of Ban Khone Kham (Nale District).

Terrain

Most of the area of the Nam Ha NBCA is covered by mixed deciduous forest. A range of mountains runs from “Phou 2094” to the China/Lao border. The top of this range is mainly dry evergreen forest and some grassland. Three large rivers drain southward to the Mekong: the Nam Tha, Nam Fa, and Nam Long.

Biodiversity Values

Tizard, et. al. (1997) identified the Southern Highlands zone, the Nam Kuaylong river valley and the spine of the Northern Highlands to contain relatively undisturbed evergreen forest and grasslands. Mammals of significance are clouded leopard, leopard, and tiger. There is a small population of gaur, Asian elephant, and a possibly unique muntjac species. The bird fauna is diverse, although contains only a few species of global significance. The area is thought to be botanically unique and diverse, although no thorough surveys have been conducted. There are a wide variety of non-timber forest products, especially Aquilaria sp. which can still be found in the area.

Ethnic Diversity

The Nam Ha NBCA includes a variety of ethnic groups including Lao Leu, Thai Dam, Lao Thueng, Ikor, Lao Hoi, Kui, Hmong and Etong. In Nam Ha East the Lao Thueng live along the main road, the Lao Hoi live along the rivers, and there is one Hmong village (Ban Nam Vang). Some Lao Lum (sub-ethnic Leu) live along the Namtha river. In Nam Ha West, there are mostly Ikor (ethnic group: Lao Sung) in the highland areas. In Finho and Nam Bo, there are Lao Hmong, Etong sub-ethnic group in Etong village, and Lao Lum (Leu) in Tinthat village. The Nam Kong area is dominated by Ikor, except for Lao Lum (Thai dam) in Nam Kong village, Kui in Kui Soung village and Hmong in Suen Ya village. Other villages are Lao Lum.

Climate

The rainy season runs from May to September. Average annual rainfall is 1,256 cm, and the maximum rainfall about 1,990. During the colder months of the dry season, from December to February, temperatures can reach as low as 5°c. In the mornings, heavy fog is common, usually clearing and becoming warm and sunny by mid-day The average annual temperature 23.75°c.

Main Forest Types

The majority of the NBCA is mixed secondary deciduous forest and includes secondary evergreen forest particularly semi-evergreen forest and moist evergreen forest (Bermuller, et al. 1995, Tizard et al. WCS 1997). Tizard, et. al. identified four vegetation zones in the NBCA. They are the Luang Namtha plain from 540-1000 m with a “mosaic of human-modified habitats” made up of bamboo, secondary evergreen forest and scrub. The Northern Highlands zone ranges from 1000-2094 m with patches of primary evergreen forest mixed with secondary forest and large patches of Imperata grass. The Southern Highlands range from 1000-1572 m with both evergreen forest and scrub. The Nam Kong area along the China border ranges from 600-1556 m. It is characterised by secondary evergreen forest and scrub.

The Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the Nam Ha National Protected Area in Laos is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, the weather is generally cooler and drier, making it easier to explore the area and participate in outdoor activities. The months of December and January are particularly popular as the weather is typically mild and comfortable.

Visitors should note that while the dry season is the best time to visit, it is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations and tours. The wet season, which runs from May to October, can also be a good time to visit for those who prefer fewer crowds and more lush greenery, but it can also be more challenging to navigate due to the rainy weather.

How to Get There

Nam Ha National Protected Area is located about 5 km southwest of Luang Namtha. Here are a few options for getting there:

By Bus

Luang Namtha is well-connected by bus to other major cities in Laos, including Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Phonsavan. From there, you can hire a local guide or join a tour to explore the Nam Ha National Protected Area.

By Orivate Car or Taxi

You can also hire a private car or taxi to take you directly to the Nam Ha National Protected Area from Luang Namtha or other nearby cities. This option is more expensive, but it offers more flexibility and comfort.

Useful Travel Tips

1. Hire a Local Guide

The Nam Ha National Protected Area is a protected wilderness area with restricted access, so it is important to hire a local guide to explore the area. Guides are available for hire in Luang Namtha and other nearby towns, and they can arrange transportation, accommodations, and activities for your visit.

2. Respect The Environment

The Nam Ha National Protected Area is home to many rare and endangered species, so it is important to respect the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles. Do not litter or disturb the wildlife, and avoid using single-use plastics.

3. Be Prepared for Outdoor Activities

The Nam Ha National Protected Area offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including trekking, kayaking, and camping. Be sure to bring appropriate clothing and gear for the activities you plan to do, and be prepared for changes in weather and terrain.

4. Bring Cash

Many shops, restaurants, and accommodations in the Nam Ha National Protected Area do not accept credit cards, so it is important to bring enough cash with you for your visit. It is also a good idea to have small bills and coins for local transactions.

5. Respect Local Customs

Laos is a predominantly Buddhist country with many unique customs and traditions. Be respectful of local customs, such as removing your shoes before entering homes and temples, and covering your shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites.

Recommended Tours in Luang NamTha, Laos

We listed some of the tours in Luang NamTha, Laos as bellow:

11 Days Northern Laos Luang Namtha Hilltribes and Jungles Trekking Tour from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang

4 Days Luang Namtha Trekking Tour of Nam Ha NPA – Explore Akha and Khmu Ethnic Villages

4 Days Luang Namtha Trekking Tour to Vieng Phoukha

5 Days Luang Namtha Trekking and Camping Tour