Pa Khoang Lake

Pa Khoang is a reservoir built for irrigation in the hills above the Muong Thanh valley, holding a large body of water among forested slopes with a scatter of small islands, and boats run out from the shore to them. Thai villages sit on the banks and some take guests, which is the usual reason to stay rather than pass through. The road on continues to Muong Phang and its forest. In the cool months the surface is often under mist in the early morning and clears through the day, which is when the lake looks best; the water level falls noticeably when the reservoir is drawn down.

What you actually see

• A reservoir among forested slopes - built for irrigation.
• Small islands with boats out to them - hired from the shore.
• Thai villages on the banks - some taking guests.
• Morning mist in the cool months - clearing through the day.

When to go

October to April. Half a day, more if you stay in a village.

Honest expectations

The water level varies with the reservoir and can be low. Facilities are minimal and boats are informal arrangements. The road is narrow. There is little to do beyond the water and the villages.

Nearby

Muong Phang forest is east; Dien Bien Phu is west in the valley.