Overview of Ma Lu Thang Border Gate

Ma Lu Thang International Border Gate is the most important trade gateway located in Phong Tho commune, Lai Chau province. This place plays a strategic role in connecting the economy and culture between the northern mountainous region of Vietnam and Yunnan province, China. This border region attracts a large number of tourists because of the majestic mountain scenery combined with the vibrant commercial life on the border.

Ma Lu Thang Border Gate

The architecture of the combined control house at the border gate is boldly modern and majestic amidst vast space. The surrounding area is always bustling with convoys of agricultural products and tourists going back and forth doing immigration procedures every day. This is an ideal stop for travelers to clearly feel the change and strong development of the border area of Lai Chau province.

Outstanding attractions at Ma Lu Thang Border Gate

Combined control house - Symbol of border trade

Combined control house 

Combined control house is the most important architectural highlight, located at the center of Ma Lu Thang international border gate in Phong Tho commune. The building has a majestic appearance with a red tiled roof that stands out amid the immense green of the border mountains and forests, serving as a gateway to carry out immigration procedures and customs clearance of goods between Vietnam and China. Seen from afar, the building looks like a sturdy modern fortress, demonstrating the strong development of the border economy and where visitors can most clearly feel the hustle and bustle of inter-national trade activities.

National landmark 79 - Sacred place on the border

Milestone 79

National boundary marker 79 is one of the sacred coordinates that every traveler when arriving at Ma Lu Thang border gate wishes to visit to affirm territorial sovereignty. Made from solid marble, the landmark towers facing the Nam Na river, marking the boundary between Vietnam and China. This is not only a simple sightseeing spot but also a place that arouses national pride, where tourists often stop to perform an emotional flag-raising ceremony or take commemorative photos next to the "demarcation line" of the Fatherland's border.

Ma Lu Thang Border Market

Ma Lu border market Thang

The border trade center area is an attractive shopping "paradise", where thousands of goods from local agricultural products to electronic and consumer products from other countries gather. In the bustling space of the market, visitors can easily see colorful stalls, where people of the Dao and Thai ethnic groups in Phong Tho commune exchange, buy and sell indigenous products. This is a great opportunity to explore the rich economic life of border residents, and at the same time look for unique souvenirs or typical spices only found in the Lai Chau highland.

National border demarcation

Border demarcation line border 

The border demarcation line is the most intuitive field boundary, dividing the territories of the two countries right at the Ma Lu Thang international border gate area. Walking near this area, visitors will feel the solemnity and sacredness when seeing the change between two cultures with just one step. Although it is an administrative management boundary, the bustle of tourists and traders from both sides at the demarcation line creates a beautiful image of peace, friendship and desire for mutual development among the border ethnic groups.

The landscape of mountains, forests and valleys of Phong Tho commune

Feng Earth Landscape

Surrounding the border gate area is a system of majestic limestone mountains and green valleys typical of Phong Tho commune, Lai Chau province. Multi-layered primeval vegetation with dense forest canopy not only creates a "green lung" for the border area but also protects ethnic villages hidden along the mountainside. When standing at high points around the border gate, visitors will be able to take in the full view of the beautiful natural picture, where floating clouds cover the sharp mountain peaks, creating a complete separation from the bustling urban space inside the complex control area.

Here are suggestions for some other experiential activities at Ma Lu Thang Border Gate:

  • Visit landmarks and border lines: Save special check-in moments at milestone 79 and feel the sacredness of the Fatherland's borders.

  • Shop for duty-free goods: Explore stores and shopping malls to find quality products at preferential prices for tourists.

  • Learn about ethnic culture in Phong Tho commune: After visiting the border gate, you can visit neighboring Dao and Thai villages to enjoy highland cuisine and watch native art performances.

Best time to travel

Golden autumn in the border (September - October 11)

The period from September to November is considered the "golden season" for tourists to make the journey to explore Ma Lu Thang International Border Gate in Phong Tho commune. At this time, the Northwest weather changes to autumn with chilly air, bright yellow sunshine and clear blue sky, creating ideal conditions to admire the majesty of the complex control house. Along the road leading to the border gate, you will be fascinated by the bright yellow rice mats winding along the gentle Nam Na river, painting a charming landscape picture typical of the border region of Lai Chau province.

Transportation information

Flight routes to neighboring areas of Lai Chau province

Dien Bien Airport Cover

Dien Bien Phu Airport

Dien Bien Phu Airport is a key air gateway that helps tourists quickly access the remote border area of ​​Ma Lu Thang from the West. After landing, travelers travel about 5 hours by car along Highway 12 through majestic mountains to reach Phong Tho commune. Flights connecting directly from Hanoi and City. Ho Chi Minh City helps significantly narrow the geographical distance, creating favorable conditions for the journey to explore the Northern border region of the Fatherland.

  • From the South: Direct flights from the city. Ho Chi Minh City to Dien Bien province are operated regularly, creating conditions for tourists to start their journey to explore the international border gate on the same day.

  • From the North & Internationally: Tourists can also choose to land at Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi), then use the overnight sleeper bus service to conveniently reach the Ma Lu Thang border gate area.

Trains connect through Lao Cai station

Lao Cai Station 

Training by train on the Hanoi - Lao Cai railway brings a nostalgic travel experience through railways crossing the mountains and forests. On modern train carriages, visitors can leisurely watch the transformation of the scenery from the midlands to the steep border heights. The high-quality train system with comfortable sleeping compartments is the priority choice for travelers who want to enjoy the feeling of safe and relaxing travel before arriving in the border area.

After getting off the station in Lao Cai province, visitors continue to travel about 100km along National Highway 4D and National Highway 100 to reach the international border gate area in Phong Tho commune. This road will take you through the green rice valleys and clear streams of the northern border region with panoramic views of thousands of mountains. The presence of reputable taxi companies and inter-provincial buses standing by right at the station gate helps travelers feel completely secure when starting their journey to conquer the bustling border gate economic area.

Passenger buses to Lai Chau province

High-class sleeper bus and Limousine system 

Sleeper bus routes running directly from Hanoi to Ma Lu Thang border gate economic area are the most popular mode of travel today thanks to their high flexibility and tight schedules. Vehicles traveling through the Noi Bai - Lao Cai highway help shorten the journey significantly, bringing comfort with luxurious interior space, high-speed wifi and professional customer care service throughout the long journey. Visitors can choose night buses to save time and start their journey to visit the border gate early in the morning.

From neighboring provinces such as Lao Cai or Dien Bien, the network of intra-provincial buses and fixed-route buses makes it easy for you to stop right at the center of Phong Tho commune. Reputable bus companies always maintain a continuous operating frequency, serving the needs of sightseeing and trading at the border gate at all times of the day. The use of modern online ticket booking applications helps travelers be more proactive in arranging personal schedules, ensuring maximum convenience for their trip to explore the borderland.

Internal transportation to Phong Tho commune

To fully explore the Ma Lu Thang international border gate area and the lifestyle of the local Thai and Dao ethnic people, you can choose the means of transportation. following:

  • Local taxi: Taxi companies operating in the center of Phong Tho commune are always ready to serve tourists traveling directly to the entrance of the complex control house. This is the optimal solution for groups of tourists traveling in groups or families, helping to protect health and facilitate the transportation of shopping goods at the border.

  • Native motorbike taxis: Self-managed motorbike taxis of local residents are very popular, helping travelers quickly access attractions such as national landmarks 79. Local drivers also act as guides, ready to share Interesting information about the unique cultural life in the border area.

  • Self-driving motorbike rental:

    • Phong Tho motorbike service: ☎ 0988665544 | Price from 150,000 VND/day | Providing durable transmission lines, suitable for local rocky border terrain.

    • Lai Chau motorbike rental: ☎ 0339887766 | Streamlined procedures, support for vehicle delivery to motels and hotels for guests staying around the Ma Lu Thang border gate economic area.

Accommodation information

Luxury (High-end hotels)

Lan Anh Hotel

Lan Anh Hotel

Located in a prime location in Tan Phong ward, Lan Anh is the largest and most modern accommodation facility in Lai Chau province with prices ranging from 800,000 to 1,800,000 VND per night. The hotel owns a system of spacious rooms, luxurious interiors and full amenities such as Asian - European restaurants, meeting rooms and large parking lots, ensuring absolute comfort for groups of guests after a long day of exploring the border. With convenient travel distance to Phong Tho commune, this place becomes the priority choice for those who want to enjoy standard service, quiet resting space and perfect energy regeneration before carrying out customs clearance procedures at Ma Lu Thang border gate.

Tay Bac Hotel

Located right in the administrative center of Doan Ket ward, Tay Bac Hotel offers a refined accommodation space. with a cost from 750,000 to 1,600,000 VND per night. The business class room system here is equipped with cozy wooden furniture with large windows overlooking Ha Son Lake, combined with a team of staff knowledgeable about local culture who are always ready to support border trade information. Visitors can easily use the hotel's professional shuttle service to move to the border gate economic zone in Phong Tho commune, ensuring a journey to explore milestone 79 that is both safe and convenient in their personal schedule.

Other quality hotel options:

  • Hai Son Hotel: Phong Tho Commune - Location close to the border gate, convenient for traders and pilgrims - Price from 500,000 - 900,000 VND/night.

  • Hoa Binh Hotel: Doan Ket Ward - Modern space, near shopping and dining centers - Price from 550,000 - 1,000,000 VND/night.

Resort (Resort, Villa)

Vang Pheo Bungalow 

Vang Pheo Resort & Bungalow

Hidden in the village Community tourism culture in Phong Tho commune, this is a resort space imbued with White Thai ethnic identity with prices ranging from 900,000 to 1,500,000 VND per night. The bungalows are built from natural materials such as wood and stone, overlooking the green valley and clear stream, providing an isolated stay experience to help travelers find absolute relaxation. Here, you can enjoy the traditional medicinal bath service, enjoy Shan Tuyet tea on the windy balcony and participate in ancient dance sessions, creating a classy and emotional vacation right in the northern border area.

Other quality resort space:

  • Ban Hon Community Lodge: Ban Hon Commune - High-class stilt house system in the middle of the Lu ethnic village - Price from 800,000 - 1,800,000 VND/night.

  • Huoi Luong Green Villa: Huoi Luong Commune - Quiet villas among the hills of food trees border area - Price from 950,000 - 2,200,000 VND/night.

Experience (Native Homestay)

Homestay Vang Pheo 

Golden Homestay Pheo

Located in the middle of the "beauty" valley in Phong Tho commune, Vang Pheo Homestay offers a true living experience right next to the border gate with prices ranging from 300,000 to 500,000 VND per night. The host is a native who will enthusiastically share stories about the origin of the village, take you for a walk by the Nam Lum stream to welcome the sunrise or prepare dinner with fresh ingredients from the forest garden. The quiet space of the old village and the sincerity in service bring a feeling of closeness at home, very suitable for those who want to deeply feel the soul of the sunny and windy border land.

Homestay Ma Ly Pho 

Located right next to the border in Ma Ly Pho commune, this homestay scores points with its simple wooden house design overlooking the green hillsides. with costs ranging from 250,000 to 450,000 VND per night. This is an ideal place for tourists to rent motorbikes to tour around nearby national landmarks, experience harvesting agricultural products with local people and enjoy rustic cuisine such as grilled Ban Pig or crispy fried stream fish. The combination of dedicated service and spacious mountain and forest space helps travelers who love the backpacking style to explore the vibrant lifestyle of Ma Lu Thang border gate in the most complete and economical way.

Other cozy homestay locations:

  • Homestay Huoi Luong: Huoi Luong Commune - Experience the living space in the middle of a lemon growing area climbing the border - Price from 250,000 - 400,000 VND/night.

  • Muong So Homestay: Muong So Commune - Learn about ancient Thai culture and enjoy local famous wine - Price from 200,000 - 450,000 VND/night.

Festival cuisine and culture 

Famous restaurants

Lai Chau Bac Tay Chicken Restaurant

Lai Chau Bac Tay Chicken Restaurant

Making a strong mark on the culinary map in Quyet Tien ward, Tay Bac Chicken Restaurant is a name not to be missed for those who want to "touch" the original sweetness of the mountains and forests on the journey towards the border. This establishment conquers diners with an in-depth menu of free-range chickens with firm meat, meticulously marinated according to unique recipes such as grilled chicken mac Khen or fragrant wild mushroom chicken hotpot. With a cost ranging from 150,000 to 300,000 VND per guest, the combination of airy space and rich local flavors here ensures you an inspiring lunch before continuing your journey to explore Ma Lu Thang International Border Gate in Phong Tho commune.

Thanh Son Restaurant 

Own The intersection between modern elegance and indigenous flavors in Quyet Tien ward, Thanh Son restaurant has long become a "golden" address for travelers to enjoy the quintessence of Northwest products. The menu here is a symphony of the mountains and forests with a variety of pork dishes, crispy fried stream fish and fresh wild vegetables carefully selected from neighboring villages every day. With costs ranging from 200,000 to 450,000 VND per person, the restaurant not only satisfies the taste buds but also brings a feeling of absolute relaxation thanks to its professional service style, worthy of being an ideal rest stop on the road to conquering the northern border region.

Some other quality culinary locations:

  • Border restaurant (Ma Ly Pho commune): Specializes in fast food and specialty snacks to serve traders at the border gate with prices ranging from 50,000 - 150,000 VND.

  • Lai Chau potted rice (Tan Phong ward): Specializes in serving traditional family rice meals with braised fish and typical highland sour soup priced from 100,000 - 250,000 VND.

  • Muong Thanh Restaurant (Doan Ket Ward): High-class stopover for large groups of guests with a diverse menu combining Asia and Europe from 350,000 - 700,000 VND/person.

Local cuisine

Goby buried in ash Vang Pheo 

In the White Thai villages of Phong Tho commune, ash-buried goby is a "soul" dish imbued with the unique folk cuisine of the border highlands. The small stream gobies are carefully marinated with ginger, lemongrass, guava seeds and basil leaves, then wrapped in dong leaves, buried deep in the hot ash of a wood stove until they release a rich aroma, usually priced from 80,000 to 150,000 VND per plate. The sweet taste of the fish blends with the passionate aroma of forest spices to create an unforgettable taste impression, helping visitors fully feel the meticulousness and enthusiasm of the indigenous people for their precious products.

Lai Chau "Cordyceps" worms

Chit worms are a quintessential product harvested by people in Phong Tho commune from tree trunks located on high hillsides, is considered a precious medicinal herb that helps improve the health of diners. The worms have a golden color and a rich taste. They are often processed into nutritious porridge or soaked in wine as gifts, priced from 150,000 to 300,000 VND for each bowl of specialty porridge. Enjoying the fatty flavor of chit worms in the cold weather of the border region will help you understand why this dish is known as a typical product of Lai Chau mountains and forests, reminding of the richness and uniqueness of Northwest nature.

Experiential cuisine

>Discover snacks at Ma Lu Thang Border Market

Finding the vibrant rhythm of life through the experience of enjoying border snacks right in the international market area of Phong Tho commune is an exciting activity for souls who love to explore. In the bustling space of the trading market, the feeling of sitting on small chairs, enjoying a plate of sticky rice cakes or a colorful bowl of handmade Thai pho with a cost of only 30,000 to 70,000 VND helps you fully immerse yourself in the life of local residents. This is a great way to enjoy the simplicity, eat delicious food and listen to everyday stories through the unique voices of the Dao and Thai ethnic people in the border area.

Sip border specialties at Phong Tho 

Sitting and sipping a cup of fragrant corn wine at small roadside shops overlooking the Nam Na river is an exquisite cultural experience when visiting the international border gate. With service costs ranging from 30,000 to 60,000 VND per guest, you will be able to relax in a chilly space and watch the scene of bustling trade between the two sides of the border as dusk falls. The mellow spicy taste of local corn wine mixed with the spacious space helps all fatigue seem to disappear, bringing a feeling of connection and love for the quiet but resilient beauty of the Northern frontier land.

Cultural Experience & Festivals

Then Kin Pang Festival of the White Thai people 

Thai Then Kin Pang Festival Held solemnly and bustlingly on the occasion of the third lunar month every year in Muong So commune, this is the largest spiritual cultural festival in the region to pray for health, good harvests and gratitude to the gods. The most unique highlight is the Then worshiping ceremony combined with vibrant folk games such as water splashing by the Nam Lum stream and the solidarity dance, attracting a large number of ethnic people around the border gate area to participate. Tourists visiting on this occasion will be immersed in the sacred space, listen to smooth Then songs and directly participate in colorful community activities, bringing a feeling of intense emotion in the heart of indigenous cultural heritage.

Suggested other cultural activities and experiences:

  • Participate in the Han festival: Rituals and sacrifices Folk sports festival honoring national heroines in Muong So commune in the spring.

  • Shopping for border products: Choose Sung Phai corn wine, Phong Tho dry tea and forest medicinal herbs at clean agricultural products stalls in Phong Tho commune.

  • Learn about traditional weaving: Follow the crafts Artisans in Vang Pheo village meticulously weave elaborate bamboo baskets and baskets to recreate the rustic daily life of the White Thai people.

Amusement area

>Soak in Muong So hot spring (Muong So Commune)

Muong So Hot Springs

Nestled in the middle of the green "beauty" valley in Muong So commune, Muong So hot spring is an ideal health recovery "stop station" and a destination not to be missed on the journey to visit the Ma Lu Thang border region. This natural hot water spring is sourced from deep within the limestone mountains of Phong Tho land, creating warm pools of water with misty steam radiating into the vast space. Amid the chilly weather typical of the border highlands, soaking in the nutrient-rich hot mineral water here helps the body get rid of all fatigue, supports blood circulation effectively and brings a feeling of complete relaxation in a pristine, peaceful natural setting of Lai Chau province.

Muong So hot spring area also possesses many other unique experiential activities:

  • Hot mineral therapy: Enjoy the relaxing feeling of soaking in warm water at the ideal temperature, helping to dispel stress after a long journey and effectively supporting skin beauty thanks to precious natural minerals from the ground.

  • Check-in in the misty valley: Unique photography activity next to shimmering steaming streams in the early morning, set as a backdrop The scenery is green rice fields and sharp limestone mountains typical of Muong So commune to preserve magical frames.

  • Picnic and enjoy Thai cuisine: Organize small picnics right next to the stream, combined with enjoying ash-buried goby or grilled moss right on the rocks next to the water to enjoy the wonderful harmony between cuisine and nature.

  • Explore the nearby Vang Pheo culture: A short stroll from the hot spring area to the oldest White Thai village in the region, providing insight into the rustic daily life and unique folk festivals of local residents.

Suggested tour

Experience tour

Tour 3 Days 2 Nights: Frontier spirit – Colors of Muong So valley

  • Itinerary:

    • Day 1: Center of Doan Ket ward – Move to Ma International Border Gate Lu Thang in Phong Tho commune - Visit milestone 79 and border demarcation line - Shopping at the border gate commercial center - Overnight at the hotel in the border gate area.

    • Day 2: Phong Tho commune - Depart for Muong So commune - Explore Vang Pheo cultural tourism - Experience Muong So hot spring bath - Enjoy White Thai cuisine and cultural exchange - Overnight at a local homestay.

    • Day 3: Muong So commune - Visit Han temple in Khong Lao commune - Check-in at the suspension bridge across the Nam Lum stream - Shop for specialties of tan sticky rice and ash-buried goby - Return to the starting point.

  • Characteristics: This journey is a perfect combination of the vibrant trade life at the border and the unique cultural space of the "valley of beauty" Muong So. Visitors will enjoy the spacious atmosphere of the border region, where roads leading to the international border gate have been modernized, making travel between key tourist communes of Lai Chau province convenient. This is an in-depth tour for those who love history, want to witness firsthand the changes of the border area and learn about the cultural depth of the White Thai and Dao ethnic people.

  • Transportation: New tourist cars, specialized pickup trucks suitable for border terrain.

  • Tour price Reference: 3,500,000 - 4,200,000 VND/person (Full package of quality accommodation services, border specialty cuisine and tickets to visit attractions).

  • Suggested organizers: Lai Chau Travel, Vietravel Northwest.

Family tour family

>1 Day Tour: Friendship Journey - Taste of Muong So

  • Itinerary: Tan Phong ward center - Visit and check-in at Ma Lu Thang International Border Gate (Phong Tho commune) - Experience shopping for border goods - Enjoy roasted duck and stream fish specialties at local restaurants - Visit the public tourism village Pheo Gold Dong - Return to the provincial center.

  • Features: The program is designed at a leisurely pace, promoting education and engagement for families who want to learn about national border sovereignty. The members will have a meaningful day off when they directly set foot on the border area, then learn with their children about the rustic life and traditional crafts in the villages in Muong So commune. The green space of the rice valley and a rich menu with clean, rustic dishes will help all members regenerate strong energy in the peaceful scenery of Lai Chau province.

  • Transportation: Personal car or high-quality tourist car.

  • Reference tour price: 850,000 - 1,200,000 VND/person (Including shuttle bus, border tour guide and specialty lunch).

  • Suggested organizer: Northwest Discovery, Lai Chau Travel Company.

Eco-tourism & Discovery

>Tour 2 Days 1 Night: Border Trekking – Golden Pheo Bonfire Night

  • Itinerary:

    • Day 1: Doan Ket Ward – Phong Tho Commune – Trekking along the Nam Na River in the border area - Experience camping and outdoor BBQ parties along the stream - Exchange campfires and stay overnight in a high-class tent (Glamping) at the cultural village.

    • Day 2: Welcome the sunrise on the top of the hill along the border - Move to Muong So commune - Relax at the natural hot mineral vein - Visit the local cave system and limestone mountains - Return provincial center.

  • Characteristics: This is a journey dedicated to those who are passionate about exploring wild nature and want to experience the feeling of sleeping among thousands of windy borders. The special highlight is the moment of welcoming the first rays of sunlight illuminating the national landmark, followed by the journey of absolute relaxation at the hot springs of Muong So commune. The feeling of freedom when crossing border patrol routes and enjoying a cup of warm corn wine by the flickering campfire will be extremely valuable memories in your notebook to explore the province.

  • Transportation: Specialized motorbike or pickup truck to transport specialized camping gear.

  • Tour price Reference: 1,800,000 - 2,500,000 VND/person (Including camping equipment, picnic barbecue and cruise insurance).

  • Suggested organizer: Lai Chau Trekking Group, Adventure Northwest.

Shopping and Souvenirs concept

Specialty Muong So Tan Sticky Rice (Muong So Commune)

Muong So tan sticky rice is known as the most precious "pearl" of the beauty valley, an indispensable gift on the journey to explore the remote border region of Ma Lu Thang. Located in a land with a temperate climate and pure spring water flowing from the ravine, the sticky rice grains here possess the characteristics of being round, pure white and radiating a passionate fragrance right from the time they were still grains. With the traditional farming process of the White Thai ethnic people in Muong So commune, when cooked into sticky rice, the rice grains have a special softness, sweetness and fragrance that flies far throughout the village. This product always attracts a large number of tourists to stop and buy the newest bags of rice to bring back the rich, warm flavor of love for the land and love for highland people as gifts for their families.

Specialties Tan sticky rice

Here are some reputable addresses and products for you to find and buy typical local souvenirs on your journey of discovery:

  • Phong Tho kitchen buffalo meat (Phong Tho Commune): A typical gift with a mountain and forest flavor made from meat fibers The freshest buffalo, marinated with doi seeds and mac khen according to the secret recipe of the people of Phong Tho commune. Dried pig tongue bamboo shoots (Ma Ly Pho commune): Natural product collected directly by indigenous people from the primeval forests surrounding the border gate in Ma Ly Pho commune. After being harvested, the young bamboo shoots are meticulously processed and dried naturally in the sun and wind, keeping their crispness and pure sweetness.

  • Border dried cardamom (Huoi Luong commune): Dubbed the "spice queen" of the highlands, cardamom in Huoi Luong commune possesses large size, thick peel and extremely dense aroma. The product is often purchased by tourists at clean agricultural stalls near the border gate to use as cooking spices or medicinal herbs to improve health. 

Support information and other information

Ma Lu Thang Border Gate Economic Zone Management Board (Phong Tho Commune)

Address: Phong Tho Commune, Lai Chau Province.

Function: This is the focal unit responsible for coordinating all trade, import-export and tourism promotion activities in the international border gate area associated with the Kunming - Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong economic corridor. The office is a place to provide detailed information about customs clearance regulations, diagrams of functional areas such as complex control houses, commercial centers and assist visitors in learning about administrative procedures when visiting border areas. The staff here is always ready to advise on logistics services, regulations on duty-free goods and accommodation standards, ensuring you have a complete and legal journey to explore the border economic area in Phong Tho commune.

Ma Lu Thang International Border Gate Border Guard Station

Address: Phong Tho Commune, Lai Chau Province.

Function: The unit performs the task of maintaining security and order, protecting territorial sovereignty and ensuring absolute safety for residents and tourists in the border area 24/7. Border guards directly receive reports on security incidents, assist in guiding tourists to visit the area of ​​national border marker 79 and ensure a civilized tourism environment, preventing illegal border and border boundary violations. The presence of border guards helps tourists' sightseeing, goods exchange and cross-border cultural exchanges in Phong Tho commune always take place smoothly and solemnly under the strict supervision of the Lai Chau provincial government.

Phong Tho Commune Health Station (Regional Medical Support Facility)

Address: Phong Tho Commune, Lai Chau Province.

Function: Medical facility specialized in providing emergency first aid and handling health situations that arise for tourists as well as traders when participating in outdoor trading and sightseeing activities. Located in a strategic area of ​​the commune, this unit is fully equipped with necessary supplies to promptly support cases of fatigue due to long journeys, heat stroke or common health problems when participating in activities at the border gate on peak days. This is a reliable medical fulcrum to help tourists and their families feel completely secure when making journeys to conquer the border areas, discovering the beauty of the Nam Na River in the open space of Phong Tho commune.

In situations where urgent security, rescue or medical support is needed in the Ma Lu Thang International Border Gate area, please contact immediately via the national numbers:

  • 113 (Police)

  • 114 (Fire & Rescue)

  • 115 (Medical emergency)

Wish you have an exciting journey to explore Ma Lu Thang International Border Gate, fully feel the excitement of the Northern border region and enjoy precious moments of cultural exchange in Phong Tho commune - a symbol of development and strong friendship in Lai Chau province!