Nature01
Phou Fa summit
ຍອດພູຟ້າ
Several hundred steps above Laos's highest provincial capital, with views over rolling tea hills.
- Go early before the cloud rolls in
- Bring a jacket, as it's cool all year
- Allow an hour return
The far north
Phongsaly
Misty ridges, ancient tea trees and some of the most remote trekking in Laos.
Food & drink02
Ancient tea trees of Ban Komaen
ຕົ້ນຊາບູຮານບ້ານໂກແມນ
Tea gardens with trees said to be hundreds of years old, producing prized Phongsaly green tea.
- Taste tea with the growers
- Buy leaf directly from families
- Combine with a village walk
Adventure03
Akha and Phunoi village treks
ຍ່າງປ່າຢ້ຽມບ້ານອາຂ່າ ແລະ ຜູ້ນ້ອຍ
Some of Laos's most remote trekking, through hill villages that see few visitors.
- Arrange guides through the provincial tourism office
- Expect basic homestays
- Plan extra travel days, as roads are slow
Culture04
Phongsaly old town
ເມືອງເກົ່າຜົ້ງສາລີ
Cobbled lanes and wooden Yunnanese-style houses in a town that feels closer to China than Vientiane.
- Wander the lanes in the morning mist
- Visit the ethnic groups museum
- Eat hand-pulled noodles
Markets & local life05
Phongsaly morning market
ຕະຫຼາດເຊົ້າຜົ້ງສາລີ
Hill-tribe traders bring vegetables, tea and textiles into town at first light.
- Go before 8 AM
- Look for local tea and honey
- Ask before taking photos
Checked September 2026. Opening hours, prices and boat or train timetables change, so confirm locally before you go. Photo credits
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