Phongsali Trekking - Fair Trek - Phongsali Trek information

 

Phongsali has some of the best trekking areas in whole Laos!

 

Unfortunately it is not known for it and it has been neglected even by renown guide books. Sure the town itself is not a beauty, but has many treasures for the independent traveler. Our Tours and Treks include some sightseeing in Phongsali and lead you out into the diverse ethnic beauty that Phongsali has to offer. A German Development service program (DED) has explored and invented many new trails which we use and promote. They all benefit the local communities and therefore stand as great examples for our "Fair Trek" philosophy.

 

2, 3 or 4 day Phongsali Trekking Tour "Akha Country Trail"

 

"Akha Country Trail" Overview of landscape and trail

Two of the dominating Phongsali landscapes are touched on this trekking trail. The boat ride on the Nam Ou River in its deep valley offers views of riverine vegetation, virgin forests and mountain rice fields. Climbing uphill is through secondary forest and mountain rice fields. The views from the Akha villages like Chakhampa or Peuyenxangkaware are stunning, leading across forest covered hills and valleys. Descending from this Phongsali trekking trail also virgin forests will be crossed.

The ride on the Nam Ou River up- and downstream is by local wooden long tail motorboats. Our Trekking/Hiking activities are on small footpaths only.

 

Trekking Duration 2 days (for 3 and 4 days alternatives, please ask our team)

1. day:ca. 3 h hiking time (start 9:00 – arrival: 15:00)

2. day:ca. 3.5 h hiking time (start 8:30 - arrival: 14:30)

 

Difficulty by elevation:                   moderate (difficult in rainy season)

 

 

 

"Phongsali "The Jungle Trek" Boun Neua 2-Day-Trek

Boun Neua – Ban Moxoxang – Ban Phapoun Mai – Boun Neua

 

"The Jungle Trek" Overview of landscape and trail

The area is an abundance of virgin mountain forest landscape between 950 m and 1600 m with some grand landscape vistas. Hiking is mostly in the shade of forests. The only time walking in the open is for about 1 h through older farming area. The start point and finish of the Trek/Hike is through rice paddies near Boun Neua.

Hiking is on well maintained footpaths in the forest and on a tractor track near Boun Neua at the beginning and end. There are calf deep river crossings without bridges. In rainy season paths may be muddy and slippery. In parts of the forest many colorful birds can be watched.

 

Trekking Duration 2 days

1. day:ca. 5.5 h hiking time (start 9:00 – finish: 16:30)

2. day:ca. 4 h hiking time (start 8:00 – finish: 13:00)

 

Difficulty by elevation                moderate (difficult in rainy season)

 

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How to get to Phongsali by Air

Traveling by air might the easiest way to get to Phongsali, considering the road conditions especially in rainy season. But for sure you would miss out the fun and adventure of traveling to the Laos Top End region on a hilarious overland bus…if you think this could be fun. There should be two flights from Vientiane, but you better check with local ticket agent or Lao Airlines directly.

 Flight time is nearly 2 hours and can be quite interesting as the landscape below you consists of jungles, villages, clouds and an amazing mountain chain, the Annamites!  The airport lies close to the small town of Boun Neua and is not directly in Phongsali itself. Be ready to spend about 2 hours on a small bus or Songtheaw to reach the airport from Phongsali. Your guesthouse or the Lao Airline office in Phongsali will be helpful with their limited English, explaining you how to get there.

 

Riding a bus to Phongsali

Phongsali is the “Top End” of Laos and really far away from the rest of the world you could say. The road conditions in this region of Laos lack on quality and maintenance and experience regular landslides, mostly in rainy season though. Leaving from Luang Prabang you have to expect to arrive in Phongsali about 15 hours later!!! So prepare for some fun time, recharge your Ipod and get some snacks if you don’t believe in road side food stalls.

We have experienced also longer trips after landslides or crashed tress along the road…it’s an adventure we would say!

Buses from Phongsali leave from the major bus station,about 3km out of town. Take local Songthaew to get there for about 5,000 kip per person, if you have only 2 passengers, more will be cheaper. From here three bus departures are available daily, passing Boun Neua, Udomxai, Luang Prabang and Vientiane

 

Boat to/from Phongsali

The trip up or down the Nam Ou River is not only beautiful and adventurous, it also shows some of the most amazing landscapes of north Laos, without bus windows in between and certainly more fresh air… The Nam Ou river river is lined with marvelous mountains and numerous charming villages. To get to and from the river and Phongsali you have to go via Hat Sa, a small village on the Nam our, which is the river port for Phongsali. One songthaew a day goes in each direction - from Phongsali to Hat Sa you should catch it around 7.30am and it will take you about 1 hour to get to Hat Sa.