On Tuat Luang Namtha

On Tuat Luang Namtha, a mysterious wild animal at a local Lao market

When talking about Luang Namtha in Luang Namtha Province, Laos, many people probably think of a port town with both tranquility and diverse hill tribe lifestyles. But for me, mr.hotsia, one thing that caught my eye and impressed me greatly was “On” or what we call “Tuat” (mole) in Northern Thai language.

The On I encountered at Luang Namtha market was the small On, which in the world has four main types: large On, medium On, Chinese On, and small On. The small On I found at Luang Namtha market is not an animal commonly seen in Thailand. On is a level 1 protected wild animal in Thailand, but in Laos, I am not sure if there is a protection law because I have seen both live and dead On sold at the central market in Luang Namtha town. This scene made me feel like I truly experienced the local way of life, not just items displayed for tourists.

Luang Namtha Market: Lifestyle and Travel

Luang Namtha Market is the center of trade and cultural exchange in this province. I traveled here from Muang Sing by tuk-tuk, which took about an hour.Luang Namtha Bus Stationwhich is located about 7 kilometers from the town center.

Traveling in Luang Namtha Province is quite convenient, with regular buses, tuk-tuks, and even a small airport in town. For those who want speed, flying with Lao Airlines is an interesting option. But for me, riding a vehicle and enjoying the roadside views to Luang Namtha market was a worthwhile experience because I got to see the villagers' way of life and the natural scenery changing along the way.

On at Luang Namtha Market – A Rare Wild Animal

Upon arriving at the market, I explored various shops and found stalls selling small On lined up, both fresh and dead. Some still had gray fur and resembled the moles we have seen in movies or science books. But when I touched and examined them closely, I felt like I was touching a rare and ecologically important creature in this area.

Although this small On looks cute to most people, it plays an important role in the ecosystem by controlling insects and aerating the soil. Some locals in Luang Namtha also use On meat as food or herbal medicine, showing their deep connection with nature and wildlife.

Lifestyle and Morning Market in Nearby Muang Sing

When talking about markets and lifestyles in Luang Namtha Province, one should not missMuang Sing Morning Marketwhich is about 1-2 hours from Luang Namtha. This market is full of colors from various ethnic groups, especially the Tai Dam people dressed in their beautiful and distinctive traditional costumes. I enjoy sipping a small bottle of Lao white whiskey sold at the market to truly absorb the local atmosphere.

Muang Sing morning market is the starting point for trips to surrounding ethnic villages and also hasMuang Sing Bus Stationwhich connects to Muang Long and Luang Namtha, making travel in Luang Namtha Province much more convenient.

Muang Long: An Intriguing Secondary Town

If you want to go off the main route, I recommend visitingMuang Longa small town with a central market and interesting ancient temples. I once stayed at a small guesthouse here and tried the local specialty fried eggplant of Muang Long (if interested, watch the fried eggplant clip I recordedclick here)

Muang Long also offers a peaceful atmosphere and well-preserved natural environment, perfect for those who want to relax and experience the authentic rural lifestyle of Northern Laos.

Summary of Experience and Recommendations from mr.hotsia

Encountering the On mole at Luang Namtha market was a wonderful experience for me, mr.hotsia, because it helped me understand the natural and cultural diversity of Luang Namtha Province more deeply.

For travelers interested in visiting Luang Namtha, I suggest planning your trip throughLuang Namtha Bus Stationto experience the local market, as well as stop by Muang Sing morning market and Muang Long. Here you will see cultural diversity, local food, and ethnic lifestyles that remain uniquely preserved.

I recommend traveling by tuk-tuk to have the chance to talk with locals and fully enjoy the atmosphere along the way. Don’t forget to prepare a camera or smartphone to capture memories, whether it’s the On mole at the market or the vibrant hill tribe life at Muang Sing morning market. You will surely bring back rare and impressive photos.