Luang Namtha province is located in the northwest of Laos, bordered by Myanmar in the northwest, China to the north, Oudomsay province to the southeast, and Bokeo province to the southwest.

39 ethnic groups make up the population of 125000, each groups having its own dialect, culture and lifestyle, but coexisting peacefully -- a reflection of traditional solidarity.

This province has a picturesque beauty with mountains, and many old temples. Although many temples have been destroyed during the war, there is still remaining one major attraction: an old temple noticeably different from other classic temples. The road twists and turns alongside the Nam Luan river, through beautiful vistas of wild countryside. A clearing in the vegetation presents a view of a characteristic village on the slope opposite, belonging to Thai Luan ethnic group.

The village of Muang Sing is centered around a large market, where a lively weekly market takes place every Sunday. Being near the Chinese border, this market is an important goods-exchange point for border inhabitants of both sides, and hill people frequent it regularly.

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