English french
Mr Linh's Adventures
Phongsali Province Travel Guide

Phongsali Province Travel Guide

Overview

phonsali-mapAt the border of Laos, China, and Vietnam, Phongsali is a mountainous and isolated province, at the crossroads of Lao and Chinese cultural influences. It is a land of adventure and discovery, where ancient traditions are still very much alive.

Muang Khua, the most accessible town in the province, is the ideal starting point for exploring the more remote northern regions. A single paved road leads from Muang Khua to northern Phongsali and further into China. However, excursions into China are prohibited for foreigners throughout the province.

Muang Khua is nevertheless an excellent transit point between Laos and Vietnam, with easy access to Dien Bien Phu.
 

Top Attractions

phongsali
A typical village in Phongsali Province 

Trekking in the mountains

Phongsali is a hiker's paradise. The mountains offer spectacular panoramic views and the opportunity to discover the local flora and fauna.

Meeting ethnic communities

The province is home to a wide variety of ethnic groups, such as the Akha, Hmong, and Yao. Travelers can discover their culture, traditions, and way of life.

Exploring tea plantations

Phongsali is famous for its high-quality tea. Visitors can visit the plantations, learn about the tea-making process, and taste local teas.

Discovering Phongsali town

Perched at an altitude of 1,400 meters, Phongsali town offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. Travelers can visit the local market, the Wat Ou Tai temple, and the provincial museum.

See & Do

phongsali-province
Bamboo bridges are rebuilt every year after the flood

Less picturesque than Nong Khiaw, Muang Khua has a certain charm with its pastel-colored houses and star palms. The town itself offers few distractions, mainly serving as a starting point for the natural beauty and hikes in the north. However, there are lively markets and a beautiful temple. Don't miss the suspension bridge that offers a stunning view of the confluence of the Ou and Phak rivers, as well as the steep mountains in the background.
 
hiking-phongsali
Phongsali is a great area for trekking
 
A winding but paved road connects Muang Khua to Phongsali town and China.

Further north, perched on top of a misty plateau, is Phongsali. Its inhabitants are a mix of Phu Noi and Yunnanese, and the climate can change abruptly from pleasant warmth to freezing cold. In winter, nighttime temperatures are frigid and it is recommended to wear warm and waterproof clothing all year round. Although the wooden Yunnanese buildings and the Phu Fa peak overlooking the village offer an interesting spectacle, the town is not the main attraction of the region and can seem unwelcoming, which is unusual in Laos. However, the hikes in the surrounding area are well worth it.

About fifteen kilometers from Phongsali, Ban Komaen, famous for its tea, reveals tea trees that are several centuries old, a legacy of an ancestral tradition. The village also offers a breathtaking view of the valley, a green setting stretching 360 degrees.

For a complete escape, take a bus from Phongsali to Hat Sa. There, woven bamboo huts welcome you for a timeless night, lulled by local flavors and silence, with electricity going off at 9 p.m.

Far from the crowds, the Phu Den Din National Park amazes with its breathtaking views of lush nature. A kayak trip on the Ou River, between Hat Sa and Ban Tha, offers a unique perspective on this sanctuary of greenery.

Go Green

Mr Linh's Adventures offers multi-day tours in and around Phongsali Province. Travelers can choose from a variety of itineraries, ranging from hiking to discovering ethnic villages and exploring tea plantations. The local guides of Mr Linh's Adventure are experts in the region and will share their passion for the culture and nature of Phongsali.
 

 

explore-north-laos

Northern Laos Discovery

luang-prabang

Laos Adventure

cambodia-laos

Cambodia - Laos


► Contact us to organize your next adventure!

Heritage

museum

You can learn about the various tribes of Laos at the Museum of Tribes 


To immerse yourself in the culture of the province, start by visiting the Wat of Muang Khua, a peaceful temple that is one of the two main attractions of the town. From there, you can also organize treks in the neighboring villages inhabited by the Akha tribes, ranging from day trips to stays of several weeks as a volunteer, helping with various tasks. For the socially conscious traveler eager to discover the Akha culture up close, this is a wonderful experience that allows you to leave the region in better conditions than when you arrived.

The Phongsali Museum is a must-see for anyone wishing to understand the cultural diversity of the region. Through historical photographs and costume exhibits, it reveals the traditions and beliefs of the different local ethnic groups.
 

Food & Drinks

khao-soiKhao Soi is prepared in large batches 

The region is renowned for its Chinese-style tea, an unmissable tasting, especially in Ban Komaen, the "tea village".
Among the local specialties, Khao Soi, a rice noodle soup with pork, enhanced with various flavors (tomatoes, fermented soybeans, peppers, etc.), is a must-try. Each region of Laos offers a unique version.
For adventurous palates, Phongsali offers bold local specialties, such as pork liver or Lao-Lao, a local whiskey flavored with raspberry leaves.
 

Directions

Location

Phongsali Province is located about 700 km from Vientiane and about 500 km from Hanoi. 

How to get there

It is possible to get to Phongsali by bus from Vientiane or Hanoi. The bus ticket price varies depending on the company and the season.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Phongsali is from November to February, when the weather is dry and cool.

 
Laos Glimpse Package 4 Days / 3 Nights

Laos is a country where visitors can really escape from the stress of modern life and step into the tranquility of a world dominated by Buddhism. One of the highlights of Laos is the former royal capital of Luang Prabang in the northern mountains. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, there is little traffic on the streets and monks in saffron robes carrying black umbrellas to shade themselves are a familiar sight. Tour code: LAO 07

Theme: Laos Tours - Offbeat Tour Packages
: Daily
Duration: 4 days 3 nights
Destination:
Suitable:
Cambodia - Laos 8 days 7 nights

No longer are Cambodia and Laos just for the intrepid traveler – the sophisticated range of hotels and tourist infrastructure means these countries can suit all styles of travel. This itinerary is easily accessible via daily flights from Bangkok and is a magical way to discover the essence of South East Asia.

Theme: Multi-Country Tours
: Daily
Duration: 8 days 7 nights
Destination:
Suitable:
Vietnam - Cambodia - Laos tour 19 days
1 reviews

Experience a 19-day Highlights Indochina tour that encompasses the very best of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Travel south through Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, before crossing into Cambodia to discover the majestic Angkor Wat complex and the capital Phnom Penh. The trip ends in magical Laos with stays in laid-back Vientiane and Luang Prabang, the spiritual capital of this former French colony.

Theme: Multi-Country Tours
: At customer's request
Duration: 19 days 18 nights
Destination: Ba Be National Park - Ban Gioc Waterfall - Siem Reap - Temples of Angkor - Can Tho - Chau Doc - Ho Chi Minh City - Hanoi - Hoi An - Luang Prabang
Suitable: Travel with friends
Bản in
Bản in
  • +84 936489068
    In Association With
    adventure travel trade association
    Travel Life
    Pata
    Pata
    vietnamtourism
    mekongtourism