Inspire Travel Laos - Explore Phongsaly

Phongsaly is located farthest north of Laos, which shares a border with China and Vietnam. Most of Phongsaly is at high altitudes, and the capital is located 1,400 m above sea level. The forests of Phongsaly are the most remote and well preserved in northern Laos.

The most famous is the tea from the 400-year-old plantation, where tea leaves are picked by Phunoy people from tea trees, standing 6 m high with a stem up to 30 cm in diameter. These precious tea leaves are then compressed in bamboo cylinders and sold in cigar-shaped tubes.

Phongsaly is well-known for its colorfully dressed minorities. The population is officially made up of 28 different ethnic groups, but if we were to count them in the way the people identify themselves, there would be more than 40. Many Khmu live in the Muang Khua and Samphan districts. They are at least 14 different groups of Akha and related people. Most of their villages are remote, up in the mountains, some of them constituting a perfect trekking destination. Akha people practice spirit worship, and several taboos are to be respected in their villages.

Trekking to Authentic Villages in Phongsaly

Code: ITL08

Visit the Tribal Villages of Akha: An Unforgettable Trek to Authentic Villages in the Isolated Mountains of Northern Phongsaly—3 days, 2 nights

Itinerary

Day 01: Flight from Vientiane to Boun Nuea district

Pick up from the hotel and take a morning flight from Vientiane to Boun Nuea district. Upon arrival, pick up and drive about 2 hours to Phongsaly town. Afternoon vibe by climbing the Phufa viewpoint to enjoy the stunning panoramic view of Phongsaly town.

Day 2: Phongsaly – Hatsa Village – Paicho Village

Depart from Phongsaly town to Hatsa village by private car (approximately 1.2 hours), and then continue to Power Dam. From the dam, we take a private boat upstream on the Nam Ou River (about 45 minutes) to the starting point of the trek. Begin hiking along a path beside a small river, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. We’ll have a picnic lunch along the way. After lunch, we’ll start trekking from the river up to the Akha tribe village, enjoying the stunning landscape as we climb. We’ll reach Ban Paicho, an Akha tribe village, where we’ll spend the night with local families. Approximately 2.2 hours transfer / 5–5.5 hours trekking

Trekking level: Difficult

Day 3: Ban Paicho – Naporxang – Peryenxangkao Village – Peryenxangmai Village

After breakfast, we’ll trek to three more Akha tribe villages: Ban Naporxang, Ban Peryenxangkao, and Ban Peryenxangmai. Along the way, we’ll enjoy spectacular landscapes as we ascend to the top of the mountain. We’ll stop for lunch at Ban Peryenxangkao, where we’ll explore the village and connect with the locals. We’ll then continue along the ridge to Ban Peryenxangmai, where we’ll spend the night. Approximately 5–5.5 hours trekking Trekking level: Moderate

Day 4: Ban Peryenxangmai – Ban Maichalern – Chakhampa Village – Hatsa Village – Phongsaly

After breakfast, we’ll begin trekking down the trail to Ban Maichalern to explore the village and meet its people. We’ll then trek up a higher mountain, walk along the ridge, and descend to Ban Chakhampa. After visiting this village, we’ll continue along a tractor path down to the Nam Ou River, enjoying the endless mountain views. We’ll descend to the river (via a dirt tractor road) and take a boat downstream to the dam. From there, a private car will take us back to Hatsa, where we’ll have lunch before heading back to Phongsaly. Approximately 2 hours transfer / 4–5 hours trekking

. Trekking level: Moderate

• Trek Start: 7:30 am in Phongsaly town

• Trek End: 5:00 pm in Phongsaly town

What to Bring for the Trek: Good trekking shoes, long pants, a hat, a raincoat (for the rainy season), mosquito repellent, warm jackets, shorts, and a T-shirt for changing.

Day 5: Flight from Boun Nuea airport back to Vientiane

After breakfast, depart from Phongsaly back to Boun Neua town to take off on the plane back to Vientiane. En route, visiting some villages and tea plantations along the roadside.

Day 6: Vientiane sightseeing and transfer

Explore the capital city of Vientiane. Visit Wat Sisaket (oldest temple), and drive 40 minutes, heading south away from the city, to visit Buddha Park. After that, drive 10 minutes to visit That Luang Stupa, the most beautiful and golden stupa, and Patuxay Monument. Have lunch at a restaurant called Kop Chai Deu in the city center. After lunch, transfer to the Wattay International Airport; end of the trip.