Boun Tai district located in the southeast of Phongsaly town, far from the province 50 km, Bountai is well-known for its colorfully dressed minorities. The population is officially made up of 8 different ethnic groups, but. Many of them came from elsewhere, mostly from China, fleeing wars and famine during the 19th Century. In Bountai Town, the eight main ethnic groups are the: Tai Lue, Phounoy , khamu , Akha, Tai Yang, Hmong, Hor and Bit, Phounoy and Hor. Thai Dam people are mostly found in Muang Mai district, Yao, Hor and Lolo people in Yod Ou district. Most of their villages are remote and up in the mountains, some of them creating a perfect trekking destination. Akha people practice spirit worship and several taboos are to be respected in their villages.

Many Khmu live in Muang Khua and Samphan districts. They are at least 14 different groups of Akha and related people. Most of their villages are remote up in the mountains, some of them constituting a perfect trekking destination. Akha people practice spirit worship, and several taboos are to be respected in their villages.