Within 10 kilometres of the town centre live nine distinct groups: Akha, Tai Lue, Tai Neua, Lolo, Hmong, Tai Dam, Khmu, Phou Noi and Yao. Men and women in traditional dress are a common and brilliant sight and this high concentration of minority groups is almost unparalleled in not only Laos, but all of Southeast Asia.

Six years ago a German development NGO primed Muang Sing for tourism success. The tourist office was well set up, tourist maps and brochures printed, good community-based trekking itineraries and village homestays created. But the NGO left and the boom never came. Over the years the tourist numbers have steadily declined and now it has all but dried up. People are just not coming and we’re baffled as to why. It’s only a two-hour stunning scenic drive from Luang Nam Tha, a route that follows along the Nam Tha River valley through the Nam Ha National Protected Area. If you’re looking for challenging trekking and real cultural experiences in Laos, this is ... Travelfish members only (Full text is around 900 words.)