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Phongsaly is the northernmost province of Laos, which borders China and Vietnam. The majority of Phongsaly is at high altitudes, and the capital is 1,400 metres above sea level. Phongsaly's woods are the most distant and well-preserved in northern Laos, with beautiful limestone mountains and the Nam Ou River (the largest Mekong tributary). Phounoi, Tai Lu, Khmu, Akha, Haw, Yao, Oma, Poulee, Mouchee, Laoloum, Pala, Lolopho, Hmong, Cherpia, Laoseng, Laobith, Hayi, Tai Neua, and Erpa are among the 22 ethnic groups that make up the population. Phongsaly town, which has a convoluted past, serves as the province's capital. Having served as Chinese, French, and Vietnamese outposts.
The historical narrative of Phongsaly is somewhat clouded, but historians believe that the Phou Noi community migrated from Muang Sing in Burma and established in Phongsaly in the late 18th century. During the late nineteenth century, Hmong people who had migrated from southern China built villages in the region. In 1895, a Sino-French treaty gave the Tai Lue's Sipsongpanna realms of Phongsaly and Muang Sing to French colonial Laos.
The French adjusted boundaries, integrating Sipsongpanna's east into Phongsaly and French Indochina, while the majority of Sipsongpanna went to Yunnan Province in China. Phongsaly, which has a distinctive ancient quarter with uncommon wooden Yunnan architecture, is primarily inhabited by the Haw ethnic group, who speak Chinese as their primary language. The Tai Lue revolted against French colonial rule from 1908 to 1910, but despite their efforts, it was put down by 1916. Sithon Kommadam and his brother Kamphanh were imprisoned in Phongsaly in 1936 for their involvement in Ong Kommandam's armed struggle against the French between 1934 and 1936. Following Sithon's liberation in 1945, he created resistance bases in Phongsaly and joined the Viet Minh. Following the Geneva Accords in 1954, the Communists assumed control of the province. Phongsaly joined the Royal Lao Government in 1957 and became a province in 1975, with the capital, Phongsaly Town, surviving the Indochina War.
General weather in Phongsaly
- Cool-dry (November to February): Average temperatures hover around 20°C. As the hot-dry spell approaches, temperatures can drop as low as 11°C and rise as high as 27°C. This is the greatest time to visit Phongsaly because the weather is pleasant and cool. During this time, there may be brief rain showers. Take note that the temperature lowers quickly, especially after dusk, so bring warm clothing to stay warm at this time.
- Hot-dry season (March to April): The average temperature is roughly 27°C. Temperatures can reach 33°C, particularly in April, the hottest month. Temperatures might dip as low as 15°C, particularly in the first month of March, immediately following the cool-dry period. To avoid the heat, stay hydrated and seek shade.
- Rainy season (May to October): The average temperature hovers around 25°C and typically lowers during the season. Temperatures might reach 33°C, especially early in the season. The temperature can drop to as low as 16 degrees Celsius, especially when the cool-dry period approaches. Rainfall is forecast throughout the season, with the highest amounts occurring in July and August. Bring an umbrella or raincoat to stay dry.
Best season to go to Phongsaly
The best time to visit Phongsaly is generally during the cool and dry season, which spans from November to February. It's an ideal time for trekking, cultural exploration, and enjoying the natural beauty of Phongsaly. The cool temperatures make it a more comfortable experience for travellers.
Phongsaly can be reached by bus from the Northern Bus Terminal in Vientiane Capital. Choose between a direct bus to the province and any bus headed north to the main towns of Luang Prabang or Oudomxay, which will continue to Phongsaly. Tuk-tuks, Sawng Taews, and boats are the primary modes of transportation available in district centres. Bicycles can be rented for $1 to $2 a day. Phongsaly also offers motorcycle rentals.
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