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Phongsali is home to a number of curious hill tribes that live in secluded rustic villages, tucked away amongst the hills. Just within this one province are numerous different tribes - the Hmong, Akha Epia, Black Thai, Lan Tan, Akha Ikor, Por Sang, Akha Loma are just a few within the region. They adopt unique traditions with the women wearing specific tribal-wear with colorful garments, flamboyant embroidery and applique, jewellery and silver ornaments and distinctive head-dresses. The tribes are not accustomed to seeing visitors and foreigners are often greeted with an intriguing stare. Visiting these hill tribes provide an extraordinary insight into Laos’ simple way of life that is seen by very few outsiders.
The Museum of Tribes in Phongsali Town provides an interesting insight into the lives of the Phongsali ethnic tribes and there are a diversity of local costumes on display as well as a collection of traditional wooden utensils.
The provincial capital city is perched on a small ridgetop plateau, over 4,500 feet high. Above, the peak of Phou Fa rises and the town boasts panoramic views of the countryside below. Wandering through the town will lead visitors to the Old Quarter, a medieval-looking part of Phongsali, characterized by houses constructed with mud bricks, ornate Chinese carvings and ancient winding roads.
Trekking within the Phongsali province provides remarkable and rare sights from a part of the country that has been barely visited. Walking up the steep, forested incline to the peak of Phou Fa offers breathttaking views over both Phongsali town and magnificent Lao landscapes. Other mountainous hikes present a challenging-yet-rewarding climb to any trekker, with sensational, uninterrupted views from the top over landlocked terrains and rolling mountains. In addition to the chance to explore Laos’ undiscovered and stunning countryside, trekkers may also find themselves encountering hidden hill-tribe villages, nestled high up in the hills.
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Discover the charms of Northern Laos with this five-day, off the beaten path itinerary. Start in Vientiane before flying on to the country’s northernmost airport at Boun Neu. You’ll head to Akha Nugui for a local homestay, all before exploring mountain-top stupas, markets and villages around the main town of Phongsaly.
This loveable, landlocked country has fast become a popular stop along the Southeast Asian backpacking route thanks to its gorgeous scenery, rich culture and air of mystery that its tropical neighbors lost long ago. But for most, visiting Laos involves making a beeline to either Luang Prabang or Vang Vieng, with the northern region – one the most spectacular parts of the country – missed altogether due its sheer remoteness. This quick four-day tour takes you where others don’t.
Overlooking the pretty Northern Laotian town of Phongsali, this basic guesthouse provides simple rooms - good for a few nights of resting after exploring the region. Although amenities and services are kept to a minimum (don’t expect any lavish swimming pools or 24-hour room service), the guesthouse does provide hot water, and some of the more modern room are fitted with TVs and other modern conveniences. The real draw here is the location: shared balconies afford some nice views of the town towards the front, and windows at the back face the rolling green mountains in the distance. The quiet yet ever-so-quaint town of Phongsali is the highest in the whole country, situated around 4,500 feet above sea level.
The remote Boun Tai region of Northern Laos has little in the way of permanent accommodation, but one of the go-to stays here is Hong Tong Hotel, located conveniently in the small town center. Offering 41 rooms in total (30 single, 18 double and three suites), Hong Tong has a sizable range of rooms, but do bare in mind that decor, furnishings and services are kept to a minimum and are quite outdated. That said, rooms do come with all the essential amenities, including storage space, comfy beds, TVs and en-suite bathrooms with hot showers. There’s also a restaurant downstairs serving up local Laotian dishes at budget prices. Venture outside and explore the sleepy Boun Tai town, or make your way to the hills and mountains for which this spectacular region is best-known.
Multi-Country Specialists
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