Muang Sing

Take a guided tour by one of the local operators or hop on a bicycle for a full-day exploring Muang Sing town environs. On a tour you will visit 8-10 villages and learn about the rural life of different ethnic groups. The China border is only 10 km from town and makes for a refreshing journey on a bicycle. You can't cross the border, however the scenery along the way is beautiful and worth the ride.

The heart of the town and attracts people from the entire region to buy fresh foods and products for daily use imported from China. Best time to visit the market is between 07:00-08:00: retailers from all the ethnic groups arrive to sell vegetables, fruit, and meat, and Tai Lue women present their famous noodles. It's also a great place to look for local handicrafts purchased by Tai Dam, Tai Lue and other ethnic groups. Try the local food such as soybean paste, waffles and local sweets ("kainom") often made from sticky rice and coconut.

Close to the centre of town, is a good place to start exploring Muang Sing's rich culture and history. The old wood and brick building was once the residence of Phanya Sekong, a local lord called Jao Fa Noi or Little Prince, who ruled over the area in the early 20th century. The building was restored in 2005. Due to its functional structure the façade was refinished, but the clay roofing tiles that covered the residence of Phaya Sekong before were converted to a mix of corrugated iron and asbestos tiles painted red. There is an excellent collection of traditional tools from the major ethnic groups in the area. Displayed on the building's upper floor is an interesting variety of valuable 18-19th century historic and religious pieces that have been preserved by the people of Muang Sing.

Nam Keo Waterfall: nature lovers will enjoy this place. The multi-tiered Nam Keo Waterfall is about 2 km from That Xieng Tung and can be visited as part of a guided tour from the Muang Sing Ecoguide Service or while on the Akha Experience. Pha Yueng Waterfall is a good place for a refreshing dip. It is in Nam Ha National Protected Area, 17 km south of Muang Sing on the road to Luang Namtha. Follow the trail along the river for about 20 min, and then you will reach the waterfall.

In Muang Sing more than 27 temples (wats), that the old wat is Vat Xieng Chai (Wat Luang). The most important wat in the area is off the main road next to the museum. By 1890 only Wat Luang existed within the town walls. Wat Namkeo, which has a large monk residency, is a short walk from the fort. It is also quite beautiful and is on the road to Xieng Kok, just as you turn off from the paved road to Namtha on the right. Wat Xiang Yeun, and Wat Xieng Lae can be visited along the way to the Muang Sing Market on the northern edge of town. Wat Xieng is a short distance from the bus station.

The most important stupa in Muang Sing. It is said to contain the Adam's apple of Buddha. The date of when it was built is unknown. To the left of the stupa are some stairs which lead to a sacred fountain and a sacred stone. If you follow a path to the right of the stupa (be careful!) downhill you might be able to find the old moat and wall of the stupa. The biggest festival of the year, That Xieng Tung Festival, is held here every year during the full moon of the 12th lunar month (usually in late Oct or early Nov) and attracts a wide gathering from villages and people around the district and Luang Namtha province.

Xieng Khaeng is a largely unexplored, stunning region with beautiful mountains, waterfalls and caves, embedded between mountains and the Mekong River. Only a couple of hours from Muang Sing town, the Akha and Tai Lue villages in this remote area have still kept their traditions and culture. Access to Xieng Khaeng is difficult and a local guide is required. The northern-most extreme of the Mekong River in Laos is found in Muang Sing. As the Mekong rushes out of China into the Green Triangle bordering Myanmar, it makes its way through steep canyons before slowing down further south. This section can be accessed by boat from Xiengkok in Long District, but also by gravel road leading across the mountains from Muang Sing down to Xieng Khaeng. On this remote and beautiful stretch of the river are some of the oldest Tai Lue settlements in the district: Ban Xay and Ban Xieng Khaeng.