In this investigation, the effects of some important parameters on the flow patterns in a narrow vertical channel for counter-current vapour-liquid flow of an ethanol-water system were studied. The parameters included the liquid Reynolds number, ethanol concentration, contact angle, and pressure drop. The vapour phase velocity profile was significantly influenced by the pressure drop through the channel. The ethanol concentration and liquid Reynolds number were found to have a significant impact on the liquid holdup (average film thickness) as well as the velocity profiles in the liquid and vapour phases. In the ranges studied, the contact angle and pressure drop were found to have a negligible effect on the liquid holdup.