Phongsali Travel Guide
The town of Phongsali in Laos is full of charm and culture and has a rich Chinese heritage. It sits at a high altitude of 1,400 meters and is surrounded by a mixture of stunning mountains and deep valleys.
- What to Do
- trekking and hiking with some breathtaking views, Phongsali Market, taking a tour to experience the nature that is found in the most remote part of Laos, including endangered animals and rare fauna.
- Best Time to Go
- November to February is the coolest period and March to May the hottest and driest.
- How Long?
- A couple of days, unless you plan to go hiking to one of the many hill tribe villages which can take anything up to a week.
Is it worth it? If the long journey appeals to you then it is certainly worth making the extra effort.
Phongsali is a quaint town with cobbled streets and houses made simply from wood and stone. When the night falls it can get fairly cold and due to the height of the town, the starry skies are fantastic for star gazers and romantics.
Mainly made up from two ethnic groups, the Chinese Ho and Phou Noy, the town oozes appeal and calm with the only sounds coming from the local farm animals, wild birds and gushing fresh water. The rural feel of Phongsali adds to its simplicity and appeal.
Very few travelers make it as far as Phongsali as the journey is tricky, but the interesting streets and roads in the town are lined with some beautiful buildings. The houses are effortlessly decorated with minimal carvings and unfussy paintings in neutral colors, which provide a peaceful ambience through the whole area.
Travel to Phongsali - Getting There
By far the easiest way to get to Phongsali is by plane and there are two flights a week from the capital city of Vientiane (1 hour, 40 minutes), where the country's main international airport is situated. There are also buses but the ride is very bumpy and follows precarious roads. The most scenic way to travel is by boat on the beautiful Nam Ou River from the nearby port at Hat Sa. Fast and slow boats travel to Muang Khua in 2 to 5 hours.
Phongsali Things to Do
Phongsali Attractions
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