1 Muang Sing Exhibition

The Muang Sing Exhibition is a good place to get started in exploring Muang Sing’s cultural and historical. It has an excellent collection of traditional tools representing the major ethnic groups in the area, and an interesting selection of historically and religiously significant pieces, located on the top floor. The building was once the royal residence of the Jao Fa (Prince), Phanya Sekong. Open 9:00 – 12:00 & 1:30 – 3:30, Monday-Friday. Admission 1,000 kip.

2 Historical Tour

Muang Sing is a town of much historical significance. On the other side of the main street from the Muang Sing Exhibition—built in ? and formerly the house of the Jao Ban—is an old wood and brick building. This was formerly the home of the Jao Fa Noi (Little Prince), who was actually not a prince but rather an economically powerful and, thus, influential figure in the area. The building is now a residence of a private citizen. Across from the market, around the corner from the District Administration offices you can find the old French military fort. The fort is now occupied the Lao army. Across the street from there is the former hospital, built in 1919. You can search for the old city wall and moat, which is now partly dry. From the museum walk down the dirt road about 7 blocks. The wall is now mostly

3 The Market

The Muang Sing market is one of the best places to see ethnic groups in northern Lao, as people from Akha, Lue, Hmong, Yao, Lue, Tai Dam and Tai Neua villages come to sell their fruits, vegetables, meats, non-timber forest products and crafts in the morning. The best time to visit the market is in the early morning. The market is also a great place to get to know the food specialties of Muang Sing. Fermented soybean paste waffers (called Pan mak teua now in Lao language or Pan mak teu on in local Lue dialect) are a local specialty. There is a wide variety of local sweets (“canome“) often made from sticky rice and coconut. To blend in with the locals, sit down at one of the many noodle stands and have a bowl of “Kao Soi” (rice noodle soup with a fermented soybean and pork topping).

4 Temples & Monasteries

Tai Lue, the ethnic group most common to the Valley of Muang Sing, are devoutly Buddhist. Hence, there are 23 wats (temples) and monasteries in the area. Near the center of town there a few important wats to visit. Wat Luang, the most important wat in the area, is located off the main road next to the museum. Wat Namkeo Luang, which has a large monk residency, is also quite beautiful and is located on the road to Xiengkok, just as you turn off from the paved road to Namtha on the right. Wat Chiang In and Wat Chiang Lae are a short walk from Wat Luang (refer to the map of Downtown Muang Sing).

5 That Xieng Tung

That Xieng Tung (Xeing Tung Stupa) is 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 October or early November) and attracts a wide gathering from villages and people around the district and Luang Namtha province. The stupa is located 5.5 km from the center of town, on the road towards Luang Namtha, situated on top of a hill. There is a big dirt road leading up to it on your right as you’re coming from Muang Sing

6 Kao Soi (Rice Noodles)

Muang Sing is also known for its kao soi, which literally means “rice cut” as the rice noodles are made by cutting a rice pancake into strips with scissors. It is often prepared as a tasty rice-noodle soup topped with a fermented soybean and meat sauce. It is available at It is available at small stands throught the valley of Muang Sing. You can see kao soi noodles being made in the many Tai Lue and Tai Neua villages. You can often see the round, thin noodle pancakes drying on racks in the sun. To see rice noodle production you might try Ban Siliheung, a Tai Neua village located on the road to Xiengkok, or Ban Tinthat, a Tai Lue village located on the road to Luang Namtha.

Ban Koum is known for producing the best Lao whisky (lao Lao) in Muang Sing. Lao whisky is distilled in big drums outside. If you decide to try some be careful, as it is very powerful and can be dangerous. Ban Koum is located off the road to Luang Namtha XX km from the center of town.

8 Weaving

Tai Dam weaving and textile production is mainly performed in Ban Nong Boua and Ban Xieng Yun. Weaving, cotton spinning and other textile production techniques are often done at home. Look for the large weaving looms located under or beside houses. Don’t be shy to sit down and drink a cup of tea if you are invited into someone’s home. Just remember: Ask before you take photos and remove your shoes before entering a house. To show your gratitude and support local crafts you may choose to purchase one of their handmade textiles.

9 Akha Villages

The Akha represent about 65% of the population in Muang Sing District. Many of Akha villages are located in the hills and require a guide to visit. However, Ban Nammdaet Mai is a traditional Akha village easily accessible to travelers that does not require a guide. It is important when visiting Akha villages, however, to first read about how to avoid breaking cultural and religious taboos. You can reach Nammdaet Mai by going first to the Adima Guesthouse. From there it is a short walk uphill.

10 Traditional Yao Crafts

Close to the Adima and Ban Nammdaet Mai is a Yao village, Ban Oudomsin. This village was settled after the war in the 1970’s. Yao tradition is, however, quite strong here. Every year in November/December you can see the production of bamboo paper—used for making religious ceremonies and books—in this and other nearby Yao villages. The village has developed a small handicrafts cooperative which offers a good selection of traditional Yao textiles.

11 China Border

The China border is only 10 km from town and makes for a refreshing journey on a bicycle (which can be rented in town). You can’t cross the border, however the scenery along the way is beautiful and worth the ride. Near the border is a nursery currentyly managed by the Dept. of Agriculture and originally funded by the Lao-German Cooperation project, GTZ. Visitor’s are welcome to stop in and take a look at the variety of plants in the nursery.

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