In the far north of Laos near the Chinese border, Luang Namtha is a small provincial capital and market town that’s fast emerging as one of the country’s foremost eco-tourism and adventure centres, thanks to its proximity to the Nam Ha National Protected Area. Treks of 1–3 days duration lead through the surrounding jungle and stream valleys to ethnic minority villages, yielding numerous opportunities to interact with local Akha people. In the dry season, cycling trips around the terraced rice fields are another possibility.