Phonsavan

Asia

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Laos

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Phonsavan

The city of Phonsavan is known as the gateway to the Plain of Jars archeological site. Located in central Laos, this UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises thousands of stone jars concentrated in more than 100 locations. Believed to be over 1,000 years old, the exact purpose of these jars remains a mystery to this day.

To delve deeper into the history and culture of the region, visit the Xieng Khouang Provincial Museum. Here, you can learn about the Plain of Jars as well as the diverse Lao ethnic groups. Another must-visit is the MAG UXO Visitor Information Center, where you can learn about the active bombs left over from the war and the ongoing efforts to clear them. This MAG UXO Visitor Center is similar to the one in Vientiane.

Don't forget to explore the morning market to sample authentic Lao dishes and fruits, as well as pick up some souvenirs to br

Travel Tips for Phonsavan

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Phonsavan

A guide to Phonsavan's local transportation

Tuk-tuk

Bicycle

Motorcycle

Car Rental

You can easily find these three-wheeled vehicles on the streets of Phonsavan. Tuk-tuks offer convenient travel, with fares depending on the distance. Make sure to confirm the cost with the driver before getting into the tuk-tuk, and haggle if necessary to get a fair price.

Practical Tips for Phonsavan

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What are the top attractions in Phonsavan?

Phonsavan is known for the Plain of Jars, an archaeological site with thousands of stone jars scattered across the Xiangkhoang Plateau. Another attraction you must see in Phonsavan is the MAG UXO Visitor Information Center, a history museum that educates about the legacy of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the region.

What is the best site in the Plain of Jars?

There are more than 100 Plain of Jars sites in Xiangkhouang Province. However, due to bombings during the Secret War, most sites aren't safe to visit because of unexploded ordnance (UXO). Efforts to clear these UXOs have made seven sites safe and open to visitors: sites 1, 2, 3, 16, 23, 25, and 52. Among these, Site 1 is the most visited by tourists.

When is the best time to visit Phonsavan?

The best time to visit Phonsavan is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is cooler and more suitable for exploring outdoor sites like the Plain of Jars. If you want to participate in local festivities, Hmong New Year is usually celebrated on the last day of December. Avoid the rainy season, from May to October, as road conditions can be challenging due to heavy rainfall.

How do I get to Phonsavan from Vientiane?

The most common way to travel from Vientiane to Phonsavan is by bus, which takes about 8–10 hours, depending on road conditions. For a more convenient journey, you can fly from Vientiane's Wattay International Airport to Xieng Khouang Airport. The flight will take only 30 minutes, followed by a short drive to Phonsavan city center.

What are some must-try foods in Phonsavan?

When in Phonsavan, you should sample typical Lao dishes, including khao piak sen (rice noodle with chicken broth), larb (minced meat salad), and tam mak hoong (spicy green papaya salad). For dessert, indulge in fruits grown in the region, such as passion fruits, peaches, and plums. You can find these dishes and fruits at a local market.

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