General Information

Located: in the northern most of the country.
Total area: 16,270 square kilometers.
Population: 174,000.
7 Districts: Phonsalu, May, Khua, Samphanh,, Boun-Neua, Boun- Tai, and Gnot-Ou.
Capital: Phongsaly.

Phongsaly is situated in the northern most part of the country sharing borders with China and Vietnam . The population comprises with 13 minority ethnic groups: Khammu, Thai Dam, Thai Deng, Yao , Leu, Hor, Hmong, Akha, Yang, Bid, Lolo and others. Each minority ethnic group has their own identity, language and culture such as wedding ceremonies, handicrafts, silver wares and jewelry.

Phou Doychy is the highest mountain in the area, has a height of 1,824 meters and 77% of the forest throughout the province. A commanding view of the municipal area can be seen at the peak of Phou Fa Mountain . A height of 1,625 meters can be reached by road or for the energetic; an even better view can be seen by ascending additional 431 steps to the top of Phou Fa.

The weather in Phongsaly is well suited to the saying that is has " four seasons in a single day " In the morning and evening the cold rolls in, the daytime is very humid and the afternoons are rainy, rendering the forest and surrounding vegetation a luscious green color throughout the year.

Places to visit

• Muang Gnot-Ou District.
• Wat Ou-Tai Temple .
• Wat Luang Ou-Neua Temple.
• That Phou Xay Stupa.
• Trekking.
• Villages of the Minority ethnics.