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Phonsavan
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Discover the enigmatic Plain of Jars, immerse yourself in Lao culture, and explore the resilient spirit of Phonsavan in the highlands of Laos.

Phonsavan, nestled in the highlands of Laos, is an enchanting city known for its mysterious Plain of Jars. These ancient stone jars are scattered across the landscape, creating a captivating and enigmatic atmosphere that draws visitors from around the world. The origins and purpose of these jars remain a mystery, adding an element of intrigue to your visit.
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Beyond the Plain of Jars, Phonsavan offers a glimpse into traditional Lao culture and history. The city is a gateway to the region's rich heritage, with numerous temples, scenic landscapes, and vibrant markets. The local people are known for their hospitality, making it easy for tourists to feel welcome and immersed in the local way of life.
Phonsavan also serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the Lao people. The region was heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, and evidence of this past can still be seen today. Visiting the UXO Information Centre is a sobering experience, shedding light on the impact of unexploded ordnance and ongoing clearance efforts. Despite its tumultuous history, Phonsavan has blossomed into a peaceful and inviting destination, perfect for those seeking both adventure and reflection.

When is the best time to visit Phonsavan?

Best: March–April, November · 24–28°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January204
February214
March (best)245
April (best)2816
May3023
June3230
July3134
August3134
September3032
October2822
November (best)2412
December215

Getting to and around Phonsavan

How to get there

Phonsavan is located in the Xiangkhoang Province of Laos. The nearest international airport is Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. From Vientiane, you can take a domestic flight to Phonsavan's Xieng Khouang Airport, which takes about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can travel by bus or minivan from Vientiane to Phonsavan, which takes approximately 8-10 hours by road. There are also bus services from Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng to Phonsavan.

Transportation

Phonsavan is a relatively small town and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, tuk-tuks and local taxis are available and affordable. Motorcycle rentals are also popular among tourists for exploring the surrounding areas. Public buses are limited, so renting a vehicle or using local transport services is recommended for convenience.

Best attractions in Phonsavan

Phonsavan, located in Laos, offers visitors a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Explore the mysterious Plain of Jars, an archaeological site with thousands of ancient stone jars scattered across the landscape, shrouded in myths and legends. Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting traditional Hmong villages and witnessing their vibrant way of life. Trek through the lush countryside, dotted with stunning waterfalls and limestone caves waiting to be discovered. Phonsavan is a hidden gem waiting to be explored, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for adventurous travelers.

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Best landmarks in Phonsavan

Phonsavan in Laos offers visitors a unique blend of history and natural beauty. The Plain of Jars, a mysterious archaeological site scattered with ancient stone jars, provides a glimpse into the region's ancient past. Visitors can also explore the nearby caves used during the Vietnam War, offering a sobering reminder of the area's tumultuous history. The stunning landscapes of Phou Khout Mountain and Nong Tang Lake provide opportunities for outdoor adventures, while the vibrant night market offers a taste of local culture and cuisine. Whether you're a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, Phonsavan has something to offer for every type of visitor.

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Explore Phonsavan on the map

Plan your Phonsavan trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Phonsavan

Phonsavan offers a unique dining scene that combines traditional Laotian cuisine with influences from the Hmong and Tai Dam communities. Visitors can expect to enjoy dishes such as laap, a spicy minced meat salad, and khao soi, a coconut curry noodle soup. The night market is a must-visit for street food lovers, with vendors selling grilled meats, sticky rice, and fresh fruit shakes. For a more upscale dining experience, there are restaurants serving French and Vietnamese fusion cuisine, as well as international dishes. With its diverse culinary offerings, Phonsavan promises to delight the taste buds of any adventurous foodie.

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Best bars in Phonsavan

Phonsavan may be known for its ancient history, but when the sun sets, the city comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene waiting to be explored. From cozy bars serving up local Lao beer to lively nightclubs where you can dance the night away, there is something for every visitor to enjoy. Whether you're looking to unwind with a cocktail in hand or experience the local music and dance scene, Phonsavan's nightlife has it all. So, grab a drink, hit the dance floor, and immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of this hidden gem in Laos.

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Best nightclubs in Phonsavan

Phonsavan may be known for its ancient history, but when the sun sets, the city comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene waiting to be explored. From cozy bars serving up local Lao beer to lively nightclubs where you can dance the night away, there is something for every visitor to enjoy. Whether you're looking to unwind with a cocktail in hand or experience the local music and dance scene, Phonsavan's nightlife has it all. So, grab a drink, hit the dance floor, and immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of this hidden gem in Laos.

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Best shops in Phonsavan

Phonsavan offers a unique shopping experience for visitors, with bustling markets selling traditional Laotian handicrafts, vibrant textiles, and intricate silver jewelry. Visitors can explore the local night market for a taste of authentic street food and browse through stalls filled with handmade souvenirs. The city is also known for its fresh produce markets, where visitors can sample exotic fruits and vegetables unique to the region. Whether looking for a cultural memento or trying out local delicacies, Phonsavan's shopping scene has something for every traveler to discover.

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Phonsavan essentials

Currency and Payment
The official currency in Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK). While some hotels and restaurants in Phonsavan may accept credit cards, it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Phonsavan, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in major cities like Vientiane or Luang Prabang before traveling. US Dollars and Thai Baht are also accepted in some places.
Safety
Phonsavan is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Be cautious around the Plain of Jars and other historical sites, as there are still unexploded ordnances (UXOs) in some areas.
Emergency Situations
In case of emergency, dial 1191 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Phonsavan. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. The local hospital provides basic medical services, but for serious conditions, evacuation to Vientiane or another major city may be necessary.
Do's and Don'ts
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and cover your shoulders when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a slight bow and the traditional 'nop' gesture (hands pressed together in a prayer-like fashion). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
Local Tips
To experience Phonsavan like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Lao goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Plain of Jars, a megalithic archaeological landscape, and explore the nearby villages to learn about traditional Lao life. For a unique experience, visit the UXO Information Centre to understand the history and impact of unexploded ordnances in the region.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
Helloສະບາຍດີ[sa bai di]
Goodbyeລາກ່ອນ[lak orn]
Yesຂ້າພະເຈົ້າ[ka pha chao]
Noບໍ່[bo]
Please/You're welcomeກະລຸນາ[ka lum na]
Thank youຂອບໃຈ[kop jai]
Excuse me/Sorryຂ້າພະແຈ[ka pha chae]
How are you?ໂຊກດີບໍ?[sok di bo]
Fine. And you?ດອກບໍ. ແລະເຈົ້າ?[dok bo. lae chao]
Do you speak English?ເຈ້ໃຫ້ຟ້າຍພາສາອັງກິດ?[jai dai faa ny pha sa ang kit]
I don't understandຂໍ້ອະນຸດ[kon anut]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseຂ້າພະຊາດເບິ່ງການອາຫານກາບມີອາຫານ[ka pha sa dap bung kan ahan kap mi ahan]
I don't eat meatຂ້າພະບໍ່ແກ້ມຊີວ[ka pha bo kaem siw]
Cheers!ຕີລະນີ![ti lai ni]
I would like to pay, pleaseຂ້າພະຈ່າຍເພື້ອມ່ວນ[ka pha chai phue mon]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!ຊ່ວຍງາມ![suang nam]
Go away!ໄວຈະຫຼາຍ![wai sa lai]
Call the Police!ຂ້າພະແລ່ນໃຊ້ບີບອາຊີໃນ![ka pha len sai bi a si nai]
Call a doctor!ຂ້າພະແລ່ນໃຊ້ພະຍາຊາວາ![ka pha len sai pa nyasa wa]
I'm lostຂ້າພະຊົ່ວຮູ້[ka pha su hu]
I'm illຂ້າພະບົດອາມາດ[ka pha bot amad]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...ຂ້າພະຊື່ຫ້າມາ...[ka pha su ham ma...]
I'm just lookingຂ້າພະກິດສຳລັບ[ka pha kit sam lap]
How much is it?ຄ່າເຈົ້າແມ່ນງ່ວງ?[ka nyae mon ngong]
That's too expensiveເກີນເປັນຂຶ້ນຈີມ[kan pen khuen chim]
Can you lower the price?ຄ່າເຈົ້າແມ່ນຂື້ນໄຈໃນ?[ka nyae mon khun nai]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?ເວລາແມ່ນແມ່ນ?[welaa mon mon]
It's one o'clockແມ່ນເທືອນ[mon thun]
Half past (10)ທ່ານເທືອນ (10)[than thun (sip)]
Morningກາງເດືອນ[kang deun]
Afternoonຄັນເດືອນ[kan deun]
Eveningກາງປາກ[kang pak]
Yesterdayວັນວິດີເດືອນ[wan wit deun]
Todayມື້ນີ້[me ni]
Tomorrowແມ່ນທີ່[mon thi]
1ໜຶ່ງ[neung]
2ສອງ[song]
3ສາມ[sam]
4ສີ່[si]
5ຫ້າ[ha]
6ຫ້າກ[hak]
7ແປດ[ped]
8ແປດຫ້າ[ped ha]
9ແປດສາມ[ped sam]
10ສາມ[sip]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?ຢູ່ຫລາຍ...?[yu lai...?]
What's the address?ທ່ານມີສາຍງ່ວງ?[than mi sa nyong?]
Can you show me (on the map)?ເຈ້າໄດ້ເປີ້ນໃນຜົນງານເຂົ້າໄວ?[jai dai pen nai pon ngan khao wai?]
When's the next (bus)?ມື້ເດີມຈາກການນີ້?[me deu mon jak kan ni?]
A ticket (to ....)ໜ້າຈ້າມ (ເກາະ ....)[na cham (kae ...)]

History of Phonsavan

The Birth of Phonsavan

Phonsavan, meaning 'Hills of Paradise,' is a relatively new city established in the late 1970s. It was developed to replace the ancient town of Muang Khoun as the provincial capital of Xiangkhouang Province after extensive damage during the Second Indochina War. The city was meticulously planned with wide streets and modern infrastructure.

The Plain of Jars

One of the most enigmatic and significant archaeological sites in Southeast Asia, the Plain of Jars is located near Phonsavan. It consists of thousands of stone jars scattered across the Xiangkhouang Plateau. These megalithic jars, dating back to the Iron Age (500 BCE to 500 CE), are believed to have been used for funerary purposes, although their exact origin and use remain a mystery.

The Second Indochina War

During the 1960s and early 1970s, Phonsavan and the surrounding Xiangkhouang Province were heavily bombed by the United States as part of the Secret War in Laos. The area became one of the most heavily bombed regions in the world. This devastating period left behind a legacy of unexploded ordnance (UXO) that still affects the region today.

Muang Khoun

Muang Khoun, the ancient capital of Xiangkhouang Province, lies about 30 kilometers southeast of Phonsavan. It was a thriving cultural and political center before being largely destroyed during the Second Indochina War. The remnants of its former glory, including the That Foun stupa and Wat Phia Wat temple, offer a glimpse into its historical significance.

The Hmong Community

Phonsavan is home to a significant Hmong population, an ethnic group with a rich cultural heritage. The Hmong people have their own language, traditions, and festivals. Their history in the region is marked by resilience and adaptation, especially in the face of the challenges posed by the Secret War and subsequent socio-economic changes.

Post-war Reconstruction and Development

Following the end of the Second Indochina War, Phonsavan underwent significant reconstruction efforts. The Lao government, with international assistance, focused on rebuilding infrastructure, clearing UXO, and promoting economic development. Today, Phonsavan is a growing city with a mix of traditional Lao culture and modern influences.

The Mines Advisory Group (MAG)

The Mines Advisory Group (MAG) is an international NGO that has been active in Phonsavan and the Xiangkhouang Province since the early 1990s. MAG's work involves clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO) left from the Secret War, making the land safe for agriculture and habitation, and providing education on UXO risks to local communities.

Phonsavan in Photos

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Phonsavan, Laos

Discover Phonsavan with Evendo, your 100% free travel guide app. Explore landmarks, attractions, restaurants, and more with ease.

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Unlock the hidden gems of Phonsavan, Laos with Evendo, the ultimate free travel guide app. From landmarks to local tips, Evendo has everything you need for an unforgettable trip.

  • History and travel essentials of Phonsavan
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • User-friendly navigation
  • 'Near Me' feature to find nearby attractions
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Are you planning a trip to Phonsavan, Laos? Look no further than Evendo, your comprehensive, free travel guide app that makes exploring this fascinating city easier and more enjoyable than ever. With detailed information on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, shops, bars, nightclubs, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities, Evendo ensures you won't miss out on any must-see spots.

Discover famous landmarks like the Plain of Jars, the UXO Information Centre, and the Mulberries organic silk farm. Savor the local cuisine at renowned restaurants such as Craters Café and Bamboozle Restaurant & Bar. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or culinary delights, Evendo provides rich descriptions, images, maps, and local tips to enhance your travel experience.

Evendo also allows you to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, eliminating the hassle of planning. With features like the 'Near Me' tool, curated local tips, and easy navigation, you'll feel like a local in no time. Plus, Evendo's global coverage of 7,000+ destinations means you'll have a trusted travel companion no matter where your adventures take you.

Download Evendo today and start your journey to discovering the best of Phonsavan, Laos!

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