| Location | Hongsa District, Sainyabuli Province, northwestern Laos |
|---|---|
| Distance | 81 km northwest of Sainyabuli |
| Power | 1,878 MW lignite power plant, operating since 2015 |
| Share | around a third of Lao energy production, mostly exported to Thailand |
| Festival | Ban Viengkeo hosts an elephant festival |
Hongsa is a district of Xayabury province in the northern of Laos. About 130 kilometers far from Luang Prabang, Hongsa is a small valley wrapped around by mountain. Being endowed with beautiful landscape with rice paddy fields, green forest, small streams together with traditional handicraft villages, Hongsa has become a tourism attract in recent years.
The power-plant district
English Wikipedia describes Hongsa as a town in Hongsa District of Sainyabuli Province, 81 kilometers northwest of the provincial capital. Nearby Ban Viengkeo is a rotating host of a major elephant festival. The district’s economy is dominated by the 1,878 MW Hongsa lignite-fired power plant, which began operation in 2015, accounts for around a third of Lao energy production, and exports almost all of its power to Thailand. We have not verified the older text on sights or prices. We have not verified the older text on prices, opening hours, transport or tours, so check them before you go.
Sources (read in English, English Wikipedia): Hongsa. Last checked November 2026.
Hongsa: FAQ
Where is Hongsa?
In Sainyabuli Province, 81 km northwest of the provincial capital.
What dominates the economy?
The Hongsa lignite power plant.
When did the plant open?
In 2015.
What festival is nearby?
An elephant festival at Ban Viengkeo.
How many days do you need?
One night.