Xiangkhoang Province, Laos Travel Guide

Discover the ancient mysteries, rich history, and natural beauty of Xiangkhoang Province, home to the enigmatic Plain of Jars and vibrant local culture.

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Xiangkhoang Province

Nestled in the northeastern region of Laos, Xiangkhoang Province is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. Famous for the enigmatic Plain of Jars, this area invites visitors to explore its ancient archaeological sites. The Plain of Jars features thousands of large stone jars scattered across the landscape, believed to date back over 2,000 years. The origins and purpose of these jars remain a mystery, sparking the curiosity and imagination of all who visit. The province's capital, Phonsavan, serves as a gateway to these sites and offers a glimpse into local life. The town is a blend of traditional Laotian culture and remnants of French colonial influence. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant markets, sample local cuisine, and interact with the friendly residents. Phonsavan also houses the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) visitor center, where you can learn about the province's history during the Vietnam War and the ongoing efforts to clear unexploded ordnance. Beyond its historical and cultural attractions, Xiangkhoang Province boasts stunning natural scenery. The rolling hills, pine forests, and picturesque valleys make it a paradise for nature lovers. Trekking, bird watching, and visiting waterfalls are popular activities for those looking to immerse themselves in the serene landscape. The province is also home to traditional Hmong and Khmu villages, offering a unique opportunity to experience the diverse ethnic cultures of Laos.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Xiangkhoang Province.

Visit the Plain of Jars early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light for photography.
Explore the local markets in Phonsavan for unique souvenirs and delicious street food.
Respect local customs when visiting traditional villages; dress modestly and ask for permission before taking photos.
Check the weather forecast before planning outdoor activities, as the region can experience sudden changes in weather.
Learn about the historical significance of the area at the MAG visitor center to gain a deeper understanding of the local challenges.

Explore Xiangkhoang Province: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Xiangkhoang Province

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Best Attractions

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Plain Of Jars Visitor Center

Discover the enigmatic history of the Plain of Jars at the Visitor Center in Phonsavan, Laos, a must-visit for culture and history enthusiasts.

4.3

Plain of Jars Site 2

Explore the enigmatic stone jars of the Plain of Jars Site 2 in Laos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in history and natural beauty.

4.4

MAG UXO Visitor Information Centre, Phonsavan

Explore the MAG UXO Visitor Information Centre in Phonsavan, a vital hub for understanding Laos' history and ongoing efforts for a safer future.

4.3

Cánh đồng chum

Discover the captivating mystery of the Plain of Jars in Laos, where ancient history meets stunning natural beauty.

4.4

Best landmarks in Xiangkhoang Province

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Phousi Hill

Explore the spiritual serenity and breathtaking views of Phousi Hill, a must-visit destination in Luang Prabang, Laos.

4.3

Kong Keo Guesthouse, Tours & Motorbike rental

Explore Phonsavan with comfort at Kong Keo Guesthouse, your trusted base for discovery and adventure in the heart of Laos.

4.5

Luang Prabang Old Quarter

Explore the UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang Old Quarter: where ancient temples meet French architecture in a serene Laotian setting.

4.3

Wat Xiengthong

Discover Wat Xiengthong, Luang Prabang's crown jewel: a historic temple showcasing stunning Lao architecture, art, and spiritual heritage.

4.5

Best restaurants in Xiangkhoang Province

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Simmary

Experience the rich flavors of Laos at Simmary - an authentic Laotian restaurant in Phonsavan offering delightful traditional dishes.

4.0

Craters Restaurant & coffe

Discover authentic Lao cuisine at Craters Restaurant & Coffee in Phonsavan—where history meets flavor.

3.7

Sabaidee Xiengkhouang

Discover authentic Lao cuisine at Sabaidee Xiengkhouang in Phonsavan - where tradition meets flavor in every bite.

4.1

Mario Restaurant ຮ້ານອາຫານມາລິໂອ່

Savor authentic Laotian cuisine at Mario Restaurant in Phonsavan – a delightful culinary experience awaits you.

4.1

Best bars in Xiangkhoang Province

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Tree Town Restaurant and Pub (ຮ້ານອາຫານ&ບັນເທີງ ທີທາວ)

Discover the lively essence of Phonsavan at Tree Town Restaurant and Pub, where culture meets nightlife in a vibrant disco club atmosphere.

3.7

Bombie's restaurant

Experience authentic Thai cuisine in Ban Phonsavan at Bombie's Restaurant, where every dish tells a story of Laos' rich culinary heritage.

4.6

ນັ່ງຊິວ ບາຣ໌ກູ

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of ນັ່ງຊິວ ບາຣ໌ກູ in Phonsavan, where local flavors meet a lively nightlife experience.

4.3

ມາຫຼີ້ນບາຣ໌

Explore the vibrant nightlife of Phonsavan at ມາຫຼີ້ນບາຣ໌, where traditional charm meets modern fun.

5.0

Best nightclubs in Xiangkhoang Province

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Tree Town Restaurant and Pub (ຮ້ານອາຫານ&ບັນເທີງ ທີທາວ)

Experience the lively nightlife at Tree Town Restaurant and Pub in Phonsavan, where local cuisine meets vibrant disco energy for an unforgettable evening.

3.7

ນັ່ງຊິວ ບາຣ໌ກູ

Discover the lively atmosphere and diverse drink selection at ນັ່ງຊິວ ບາຣ໌ກູ in Phonsavan, a must-visit bar for tourists seeking nightlife.

4.3

ມາຫຼີ້ນບາຣ໌

Discover the lively nightlife of Phonsavan at ມາຫຼີ້ນບາຣ໌, where local flavors and vibrant atmosphere unite for an unforgettable experience.

5.0

ເມືອງຜາໄຊ

Experience the vibrant nightlife at ເມືອງຜາໄຊ, a premier night club in Lat Sen, where music, dance, and culture come alive.

4.3

Best shops in Xiangkhoang Province

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Plain Of Jars Visitor Center

Discover the mysteries of ancient Laos at the Plain of Jars Visitor Center, where history and culture come alive through fascinating exhibits and artifacts.

4.3

Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Centre

Explore the rich heritage of Laotian craftsmanship at Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Centre, a cultural gem in Luang Prabang offering workshops and unique handmade treasures.

4.8

The Boutique by Ock Pop Tok

Explore The Boutique by Ock Pop Tok in Luang Prabang for a unique blend of traditional crafts, textiles, and sustainable shopping experiences.

4.5

MINISO

Explore MINISO in Luang Prabang for trendy gifts, stylish accessories, and unique souvenirs that capture the spirit of your travels.

4.2

Explore Xiangkhoang Province on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Xiangkhoang Province, mapped for you.

Xiangkhoang Province Essentials

Xiangkhoang Province is located in northern Laos. The nearest airport is Xieng Khouang Airport (XKH) in Phonsavan, the province's capital. Direct flights are available from Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Vientiane to Phonsavan, which takes about 8-10 hours. For a more scenic route, consider traveling by minivan or car, which allows you to stop at various points of interest along the way.
Within Xiangkhoang Province, local transportation options include tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis, and regular taxis. For longer journeys, buses and minivans are available, connecting major towns and tourist sites. Renting a motorbike or bicycle is also a popular option for exploring the province at your own pace. Be sure to negotiate the fare beforehand if using tuk-tuks or motorbike taxis.
The official currency in Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK). While some hotels and larger restaurants in Phonsavan may accept credit cards, it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting rural areas. ATMs are available in Phonsavan, but they can be scarce in smaller towns, so ensure you have sufficient cash before venturing out.
Xiangkhoang Province is generally safe for tourists. However, visitors should exercise standard precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. Be mindful of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in remote areas and stick to well-trodden paths and marked tourist sites.
In case of emergency, dial 1191 for police assistance or 1195 for medical emergencies. Phonsavan has a hospital and several clinics that provide basic medical services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in Phonsavan where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect for local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes before entering temples and cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do be polite and patient when using public transport. Don't eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'nop' (a slight bow with hands pressed together in a prayer-like gesture). Avoid physical contact, especially with monks. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't point at food with your finger, use your whole hand instead.
To experience Xiangkhoang Province like a local, visit the morning market in Phonsavan, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Laotian goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss visiting the Plain of Jars, an archaeological site with mysterious stone jars scattered across the landscape. For a unique experience, participate in a traditional Laotian Baci ceremony, which involves tying strings around your wrists to promote good fortune.

When is the best time to visit Xiangkhoang Province?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Xiangkhoang Province

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Xiangkhoang Province. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Helloສະບາຍດີ
  [sa baai di]
- Goodbyeສະບາຍດີ
  [la khon]
- Yesຕົວ
  [tua]
- Noບໍ່
  [bo]
- Please/You're welcomeກະລຸນາ
  [ka lao]
- Thank youຂໍຂອບ
  [khop jai]
- Excuse me/Sorryຂໍຂອບ
  [khop jai]
- How are you?ສະຖານະວ່າທັກໝືກ?
  [sa thana wa tak muk?]
- Fine. And you?ປະວັດໄດ້. ທັກໝືກເອ?
  [pa wat dai. tak muk ao?]
- Do you speak English?ເຈົ້າໄດ້ວຽກພາສາອັງກິດບໍ?
  [jao dai wiak phasa angkit bo?]
- I don't understandຂ້າພະເຈົ້າບໍ່ເຂົ້າ
  [kha pa jao bo khao]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseຂ້າພະດັບອາຫານຢູ່ກວາງ
  [kha pa dap ahan yu kwang]
- I don't eat meatຂ້າພະບໍ່ກິນຮາກອາຫານ
  [kha pa bo kin hag ahan]
- Cheers!ສະບາຍດີ
  [sa baai di]
- I would like to pay, pleaseຂ້າພະຈ່າຍກວາງ
  [kha pa chai kwang]
- Help!ຊ່າງຊ່າງ!
  [sang sang]
- Go away!ໄດ້ວ່າງ!
  [dai wang]
- Call the Police!ໂທດີແລະຜູ້ສາຍ!
  [tho di lae phu sai]
- Call a doctor!ໂທດີແລະປະທານ!
  [tho di lae pa than]
- I'm lostຂ້າພະເກີດ
  [kha pa ket]
- I'm illຂ້າພະກາງໄດ້
  [kha pa kang dai]
- I'd like to buy...ຂ້າພະຊືວງ...
  [kha pa suang...]
- I'm just lookingຂ້າພະໄດ້ບໍ່ຊອບ
  [kha pa dai bo sop]
- How much is it?ມັກແລະຢູ່ເດືອນດຽວ?
  [mak leu yu duan yuay?]
- That's too expensiveນີ້ການຂອບເຂົ້າແລ້ວ
  [ni kan kop khao laew]
- Can you lower the price?ເຈົ້າຈ່າຍເລີ່ມຕົວເກີນແລ້ວບໍ?
  [jao chai leum tua kan laew bo?]
- What time is it?ເວລາແລ້ວເມື
  [welalao leum]
- It's one o'clockແລ້ວເມືແລະ
  [leum leu]
- Half past (10)ສິບອາທິດ
  [sip atid]
- Morningເຊັນ
  [sane]
- Afternoonບ່ອນ
  [bon]
- Eveningປອນ
  [ban]
- Yesterdayວັນວັນກ່ອນ
  [wan wan kao]
- Todayວັນນີ້
  [wan ni]
- Tomorrowມື້ອື້ນ
  [mein un]
- 1ໜ້າ
  [na]
- 2ສອງ
  [song]
- 3ສາມ
  [sam]
- 4ສີ່
  [si]
- 5ຫ້າ
  [ha]
- 6ຫົກ
  [hok]
- 7ເຈັດ
  [chet]
- 8ແປດ
  [paet]
- 9ເກົ້າ
  [kao]
- 10ສິບ
  [sip]
- Where's a/the...?ຢູ່ໃກ້...
  [yu kwai...]
- What's the address?ທີ່ຢູ່ອີມ່ວນ້ອຍ?
  [ti yu imuan noi?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?ເຈົ້າສະແດງກັບຂ່າວ?
  [jao sa dang kab gaw?]
- When's the next (bus)?ມື້ອື້ນມື້ກ່ອນຂອບ?
  [mein un mein kao kop?]
- A ticket (to ....)ເງິນຟາຍ (...)
  [ngern fai (...)]

History of Xiangkhoang Province

The Plain of Jars is one of the most enigmatic archaeological sites in Southeast Asia, located in Xiangkhoang Province. This vast landscape is dotted with thousands of large stone jars, each weighing up to several tons. These jars date back to the Iron Age (500 BCE to 500 CE) and are thought to have been used for burial practices. The origins and purpose of these jars remain a subject of speculation and study.
Xiangkhoang Province was once the heartland of the Kingdom of Muang Phuan, a significant Tai kingdom. Muang Phuan flourished from the 14th to the 19th centuries, with its capital at Xieng Khouang. The kingdom played a crucial role in the regional politics of Southeast Asia, engaging in trade and warfare with neighboring powers, including the Khmer Empire and the Lan Xang Kingdom.
In the late 19th century, Laos, including Xiangkhoang Province, came under French colonial rule as part of French Indochina. The French influence brought about changes in the administration, infrastructure, and economy of the region. Xiangkhoang became a strategic location due to its resources and geographical position, laying the groundwork for future conflicts.
During the Vietnam War, Xiangkhoang Province was heavily impacted due to its proximity to the Ho Chi Minh Trail. From 1964 to 1973, the U.S. conducted a secret bombing campaign in Laos, making it one of the most heavily bombed places per capita in history. The Plain of Jars and surrounding areas were severely affected, leaving behind unexploded ordnance (UXO) that continues to pose a danger to this day.
Following the end of the Vietnam War and the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in 1975, Xiangkhoang Province has been on a path to recovery. Efforts to clear unexploded ordnance have been ongoing, with international organizations and the Lao government working together. The region has also focused on developing its tourism sector, promoting the historical and cultural significance of sites like the Plain of Jars.
Xiangkhoang Province is home to a diverse population, including ethnic groups such as the Hmong, Tai Dam, and Khmu. Each group has its own unique traditions, languages, and cultural practices. Festivals, traditional crafts, and local cuisine reflect this rich cultural tapestry, offering visitors a glimpse into the vibrant life of the province's inhabitants.