Editor Pick
Bike the Villages Surrounding Louang Namtha
- May 22, 2005
- Rated 5 of 5 by
Hun Ohm from small town, Massachusetts
Bike the Villages Surrounding Louang Namtha
By Hun Ohm
The long road from Muang Khoua to Louang Namtha was a combination of songthaew and local mini bus via Oudomxai. It was one of the more arduous journeys, given the tight quarters and dust, but we found ourselves in Louang Namtha before dark. The next day, we decided we’d had enough of motorized travel for the time being and thus went back to our Vang Viang classic, i.e., the bike.
The Map
Bike rentals are easy to find around town. Dress in a couple of light layers, as the air can be a bit cool in the morning, but you will quickly heat up as you bike around. You will also probably have to cross water at some point, so wear shoes that can get wet. We ate lunch (a simple but delicious noodle soup) in one of the villages, but if that’s not your thing, pack a snack, and definitely tote some water. We purchased a photocopied map of Louang Namtha and its surrounding villages for approximately 30 cents at the local Internet shop on the main road. Make the investment. Although the roads could be navigated without a map, it was nice tracking our path throughout the day, and asking directions using the map served well as a minor conversation starter.
The Path
We started off by heading north on the main Louang Namtha Road and then veering east near Sinsavanh Guesthouse. The road will take you east. Turn onto the small road at Ban Nam Thoung and head south down through numerous small Thai Lue and Black Thai villages. Go down, bearing east at Ban Phong until you pass through Ban Donle. Just a bit further down the road forks and you can loop back up north/northwest through Ban Mai and Ban Pasak, which will lead you back toward Louang Namtha proper. On the way you will pass the more upscale Boat Landing Guesthouse. Continue until you finally hit the main Louang Namtha Road again. Head north for home if you’ve had your fill of biking, or veer west near the airport to make your way to the destroyed (and now possibly being rebuilt) stupa that sits atop a hill looking over the area.
The Students
We passed by a school on our way to the stupa. The day seemed to be done, because soon we were surrounded by students biking home. Some displayed the brashness that typifies high school, while others liked to ride slow and easy while practicing English. If you have the good fortune of riding along a few students as they head toward home, smile and enjoy the conversation.
The Behind
I admit it. A full day in the saddle is almost too much for my behind to bear. But the operative word is "almost." Don’t be dissuaded by any aches or pains. The villages around Louang Namtha are worth at least a day of exploration.
From journal The Notorious Route 7 in Laos, and Other Tales