Phongsaly, the hidden gem in Laos

Wake up at a house on the mountain, watch the sunrise, enjoy trekking and admire the beauty of sunset behind the mountain chains, you can find all of these alluring views in Phongsaly, Laos. Phongsaly is the highest city in Laos, it may be not as significant as others, but it will satisfy you like nature heals every soul.

Phongsaly is located in the North of Laos, which shares with Yunnan (China) and Dien Bien (Vietnam). Phongsaly province lies at a high altitude so that its climate is always pleasant and fresh compared to the common weather of Laos. The population is made up of 28 ethnic groups and the most common groups are Khmu, Phounoy, different Akha, Tai Lue and Hor with their own culture, traditions, costumes, and languages. The large forests are home of abundant flora and fauna, and many undiscovered species new to science. Generally, Phongsaly’s topography mainly is mountain and less delta or the midland, besides, it has not affected by urbanization and tourism, which makes Phongsaly remain its pristine beauty. Come and enjoy the green nature and the slow pace of living peacefully and gently.

✦ Highlights in Phongsaly

Harvesting tea leaves

The city is famous for its high quality green tea and the ancient tea plantation. Therefore, picking tea leaves is an interesting experience visitors must try in Phongsaly. Besides, they are able to take part in the complex tea making process including harvesting, drying, roasting, stirring by hand, etc. with teamakers in the villages. According to several tea experts, there are some of the oldest tea trees in the world at the 400 year old plantation in Phongsaly. That the large root system of the old trees is deep into the mineral-rich soil makes the "Phongsaly tea" a distinctive smell and taste.

Having a trekking trip

Going trekking in Phongsaly helps you discover special, hidden parts of the countryside that are rarely visited. You will have a chance to trek through dense forests, see some of Phongsaly’s surrounds, meet people in minority groups. It is said that treks in this area is usually hard and long but it is really stimulating and worth the effort. The official Provincial Tourism Office will provide helpful information about trekking trips lasting from one day to some days. These arranged journeys include guides, visits and overnight stays in villages of traditional ethnic hill tribes such as Phou Noy, Akha, Lao Seng, Lue and Ho.

Climbing to Mount Phu Fa

For those who loves adventure, then conquering the Mount Phu Fa will be the best things to do in Phongsaly. Travelers have to walk across 400 stone stairs to reach the peak of the Mount Phu Fa. At the tophill, visitors will have a chance to view the whole Phongsaly town at height of 1,625 metres. It is very easy to take a picturesque photo of the peace town and surrounding countryside. Watching spectacular sunrise or sunset from the summit of the hill is also one of the reasons urging visitors to move up to the mountain. In addition, travelers will take a sightseeing to a splendid That Phou Xay stupa and an outstanding Buddha statue.

Visiting museum of tribes

This museum gives you a chance to deepen your understanding of the ethnic peoples of Phongsaly province. It contains a wealth of cultural information on animism and customs, with photos and historical background, as well as displays of the vividly coloured costumes you likely see on your travels. If the door is locked, ask for the key from the post office across the road.

Read more: 5 activities to do in Vang Vieng, Laos

✦ Cuisine in Phongsaly

To anywhere, the cuisine is a favorite part for all visitors and Phongsaly also has no exception. Phongsaly offers a variety of delicious and exotic cuisines that consists of wild forest ingredients like fragrant herbs, bamboo and rattan shoots.

After the meal, let try a shot of strong wine, a special kind with the green color absorbed from the freshly picked raspberry leaves during the final stage of the distillation process.

Another cuisine is Chinese-style green tea of Phongsaly, which received worldwide recognition for high quality and superb taste. Tea leaves are picked from the 400-year-old tea trees with 6m in height and 30cm in diameter. These tee trees are grown and taken care carefully by Phounoy minority women, no fertilizers and chemicals. After that, the precious tea leaves are compressed in bamboo cylinders and kept in cigar-shaped tubes. Phongsaly people drink a daily cup of tea to keep the body in health, reduce fat and have a clear mind.

Source Internet