Hongsa District

Hongsa town itself underwent rapid expansion and modernisation with the arrival of the Hongsa Power project. A new market made way for the old market near the football field, once the centre of town. One can still stay in one of the guesthouses behind the field and wander around to some of the nearby restaurants.

Inteam Waterfall cascades down forested Nongchong Mountain just 8 km from Hongsa Town, and a one-hour drive north leads to Khamsane Waterfall near Tha Xouang on the Mekong. From here, a local boat cruises downriver to Ban Kaengeng for a taste of traditional Khmu lao hai, a rice wine served in a large jar for communal drinking through bamboo straws.

Closer to town, Ban Vieng Keo, a two-time host for the annual Elephant Festival, presents skilled local women weaving cotton-embroidered fabrics used for shoulder bags, traditional sin skirts, table cloths, and other decorative items, which can be purchased in the village. Remains of the 13^th-century moat and wall built by Jao Houd can be found nearby. Further down the road one can visit Mr. Chan a former Mahout and expert knife maker, in the style of the mahouts.

For a great sunset view overlooking Hongsa Valley’s rice fields, climb a hill just 1 km from town to That Lak Mueang Stupa. Built in 1572, the site is highly revered by locals.