Visit to the famous 400-year-old tea plantation, located in the village of Ban Komaen, about 30 minutes south from Phongsaly. According to some tea experts, this village has some of the oldest tea trees in the world. The large root system of the old trees extends deep into the mineral-rich soil and gives ‘Phongsaly Tea’ its specific aroma and taste. The oldest trees stand 6 m high with a stem up to 30 cm in diameter. There are regularly cut and kept to a reasonable size by Phunoy people, climbing to pick the precious leaves. They then process and sell this rare tea in cigar-shaped tubes. Unfortunately most trees are already cut down.

Views along the road to Muang Khua.

Beautiful views of the Nam Ou river in Muang Khua.