Welcome to Muang Sing, Luang Namtha, Laos

Muang Sing is a mountainous district located in the north-west of Luang Namtha Province bordering with Myanmar and China. Muang Sing is a traditional Tai Lu, Tai Neua and Akha cultural nexus, as well as a trade center for Tai Dam, Hmong, Mien and Lolo. There are over nine ethnic minority groups in the District. Two groups dominate the District population: Tai Lu comprising about 30% of the total (mostly in town and adjacent plains) and Akha around 45% (In the surrounding hills). Most people in Muang Sing live in small rural villages and practice agriculture as their main occupation.

Half of the District's land area is the Nam Ha National Protected Area, well known for a range of ecotourism activities. Due to its mountainous terrain, the weather here can get quite cool, with temperatures generally not topping 30 degree Celsius in the hot season (March-April) and dropping to as low as 0 degree Celsius in December-January. During May-October, the southwestern monsoon brings the annual rains and marks the beginning of the new agricultural cycle.

Getting to and around Muang Sing By bus from Vientiane to Luang Namtha from the Vientiane Northern Bus Station at 8:00 AM (24 hours). The bus passes Luang Prabang and Oudom Xay on the way to Luang Namtha. In Luang Namtha you can take the bus to Muang Sing. Or by bus from Houy Xay to Luang Namtha. It takes about 3 hours. By air from Vientiane to Luang Namtha takes about 2 hours. Then take the bus to Muang Sing.

Post and Communications the general Post Office offers postal services, faxing and public telephone for local, national and international calls. Phone cards can be purchased at many shops in Muang Sing town. Internet service in the town for e-mailing and some guesthouses offer phone services. Sending packages home through the normal mail service is inexpensive and generally reliable.

Where to stay there are about 16 guesthouse in Muang Sing town. Prices range from 3- to 50 US$ per night. Where to eat many local restaurants offer Lao, Chinese, Thai, Indian and Western style food. Choose one of the restaurants located along the main road in Muang Sing. Excellent Lao coffee and baguettes are also available throughout the day. Some famous local dishes are Kao soi (Soft rice noodle soup) available at in the Muang Sing market, Akha tea, and Jeao (Chili paste).