Mường Lay

Mường Lay is a district-level town nestled in mountainous terrain where the Da River flows through its center. The settlement spreads across the valley with the river serving as the natural heart of the community.

The town was founded in 1971 as an administrative center for the surrounding region. The construction of a major reservoir afterward reshaped the landscape and settlement patterns significantly.

The Thai Trang people form the main community here, and their daily lives and traditions are visible throughout the town. You notice their homes, markets, and way of organizing community life woven into the local landscape.

The best time to visit is during the dry season when mountain roads are more accessible and easier to navigate. Allow plenty of travel time since the routes wind through passes and the terrain demands careful driving.

The climate here swings between cold and hot extremes depending on the season, creating noticeably different conditions throughout the year. Visitors often find these temperature shifts more dramatic than expected for a mountain valley settlement.

Location: Điện Biên

Inception: October 8, 1971

GPS coordinates: 22.06778,103.15056

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:44