Phongsali

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With its strong Chinese influence and large number of local ethnic groups, Phongsali is one of the most fascinating and unique towns in Laos. The picturesque Chinese Quarter features narrow, crowded cobblestone streets lined with small, low-roofed houses made of wood and stone. Simple decorative details are carved or painted in muted colours.

The two main ethnic groups are Phou Noy, whose members wear traditional white leggings, and Chinese Ho, ancestors of the old Yunnan traders, who wear baggy trousers. Chinese is more widely spoken here than Lao and in fact, if it wasn't for the French, Phongsali would most likely now be part of China's Yunnan province.

The town winds along the top of mountain ridges in the shadow of Phou Fa, or Sky Mountain. Spectacular views fall from either side: deep valleys and rolling mountains of patchwork.

At an altitude of 1,400 metres, Phongsali can get very cool in the winter months. At night its height and distance from other towns means that the view of the stars is magnificent.

 

Wandering the streets during the day, the predominant sounds are of birds and rushing water. As dusk falls, the sounds of playing children mix with farmyard noises, reinforcing the rural feel of the place.

Trekking trips allow you to explore the countryside, seeing a special part of the country that is rarely visited. Not many international travellers come to Phongsali and it's a shame. This is mostly because the journey, either by road from Udomxai or by river from Muang Khua is long and hard, but it's worth it.

Text and/or map last updated on 10th August, 2009.

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Fresh off our Asia travel forum

Here are some discussions off the Travelfish forum, perhaps related to Phongsali. You can find the full forum here.

Topic	Replies	Views
WARNING for cyclists and motorcyclists on the Phongsali Rd  In Laos: by somtam2000, last reply by AbgAcid	9	769
Three corners of north Laos Phongsali, Sainyabuli, Hua Phan  In Laos: by somtam2000, last reply by somtam2000	8	594
Phongsali Extreme  In Laos: by somsai	0	207
Flying to Phongsali. Is it possible?  In Laos additions: by songbird, last reply by wanderingcat	2	663
Phongsali to China  In Laos: by changkt, last reply by wanderingcat	8	1419
Phongsali  In Laos: by kahrani, last reply by paz_raveh	2	975
Phongsali - Luang Nam Tha  In Laos: by fishtails04, last reply by Lam_merison	2	1437
Phongsali - Luang Nam Tha  In Laos: by fishtails04, last reply by Lam_merison	2	1141
How to get to Phongsali  In Laos: by Kurl, last reply by joosh	6	1543

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