Muong Te

Muong Te is a poor and remote district of Lai Chau, a newly set-up province in the far north-west of Vietnam. Amongst the poorest provinces in the country, Lai Chau also boasts the largest diversity of ethnic minority peoples, with 20 different ethnic minorities living together in the province.

Local people depend on agriculture and forestry as their main livelihood; however an increasing population and land use regulations are reducing the amount of arable land. Poor infrastructure, health care, and education quality also hamper the continued development of the area.

Muong Te is 98km northwest of Lai Chau along the scenic Da River. The majority of the population is ethnic Thai, although they have assimilated and are nearly indistinguishable from the Vietnamese. Other minority groups found in the area include the Lahu (Khau Xung), Si La and Ha Nhi.

Take time to Muong Te, there's only market and some nearby villages. Guest houses are available there also. 

Note: All tours to villages need the permission of the local People's Committee.

RELATED INFORMATION

• Lai Chau travel guide 

  • Lai Chau

• Tours to Lai Chau 

  • Northwest Loop 6 days

  • Northwest Exposure 9 days

  • Tribal Trails 16 days