Phongsali

Phongsali lies high in the mountains of northern Laos, on the slopes of Phou Fa. Its country of forested ridges and deeply cut valleys was inhabited by diverse communities, including Tai Lue, Khmu and Phounoy peoples. Small muang governed villages in the valleys, while communities in more remote hills retained considerable local autonomy. The northern country was linked to Sipsongpanna, while areas farther south belonged to the Lao realm of Lan Xang.