Nam Ha River
Also known as: Namha, Nam Ha (with Nam Tha)
Nam Ha NPA rainforest, water birds, monkeys; Khmu and Lanten villages
Is there water?
Whether there is a river here on your dates, and what kind of water it is.
Rain-fed; high in SW monsoon (Jun-Oct), low in dry season
Kayak Jul-Dec; low/rocky Jan-Jun
Jul-Dec kayak; Jul-Nov raft; green season Jun-Oct for whitewater
Warm-ish; cooler dry-season mornings ~20-25C (est)
Monsoon high water Jun-Oct; flash rises
Grade & who can come
A river changes grade with its level. These grades describe a normal flow - in flood the same run is harder, and often a different run entirely. Check the gauge before you commit.
Gr II-III (higher in Jun-Oct high water)
Kayak (whitewater/scenic); rafting in high water
Day + overnight options; homestays alternate between villages
Beginner-moderate with licensed guides; kayaking Jul-Dec, rafting Jul-Nov
The run
Best rapids day 2 (Ban Nalan to Ban Hat Yawng); rocky/low in dry months
Rocks/shallows in low water; strainers
Luang Namtha - Ban Nam Goy/Ban Nalan Tai - Ban Hat Yawng (Nam Ha into Nam Tha)
Low; regulated ecotourism
Access & shuttle
Licensed-operator package only; approx 400k-1.2M LAK pp incl gear/meals (Confirm.); NPA fees; book via visitor centre
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Access from Luang Namtha via road to river; villages for overnight
Operator road transfer to put-in; return from take-out
Village homestays/eco-lodges: Ban Nam Goy (Lanten), Ban Nalan Tai (Khmu)
Operator provides kayak, PFD, helmet; limited/no signal in NPA; dry bag
Luang Namtha town; Nam Ha NPA villages
Hazards & exits
Low-water rocks; monsoon flash floods; protected-area rules
Remote NPA; guide-led rescue; nearest hospital Luang Namtha town
Mandatory licensed operators (Green Discovery, Discovering Laos, Ethnic Travel, Nature Life, The Hiker, Forest Retreat)
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand river run report. Coordinates are approximate.