One of the most spectacular viewpoints in all of Thailand to see a sea of mist at dawn is at Phu Chi Fa, located about 80km south of Chiang Khong on the Thai-Laos border. It’s particularly popular during the cool season, when it can get crowded with visitors from all over the country.

Phu Chi Fa means “the mountain that points towards Heaven”—an apt description for this wedge of rock that presents a challenging clamber on the Thai side and a sheer cliff that drops away on the Laos side. There are several guest houses and resorts that cater for the huge number of visitors that come here to watch the sun rise over a sea of mist, but the phenomenon only occurs during the cool season (from November to February) when the temperatures can get downright chilly, so make sure you have some warm clothing.

You’ll need to be up well before dawn to climb the steep path to the summit before sunrise, and though this may seem a daunting task, the jaw-dropping view once you get there makes it well worth while.

Tip: Most people head straight for the summit, but there’s a good viewpoint just below the summit from where you can see both the sea of mist across Laos and the silhouettes of visitors standing at the top of the cliff, which makes a dramatic photo.

Tip: Phu Chi Fa has become so popular among Thai visitors that around Christmas and New Year it can be as crowded as Siam Square on top of the mountain. Best to go on a weekday outside this period.

Approach along Highway 1155 either from Chiang Khong in the north, or near Thoen in the south, then turn on to Highway 1093 which leads right up to the Laos border.

  • Worth it? Absolutely, but only in the cool season.
  • What to do: Watch the sun rise over a sea of mist.
  • Best time to go: November-February.
  • How long? One morning is enough.