Things to Do in Phonsavan, ປະເທດລາວ

Phonsavan, the capital of Xieng Khouang Province in northeastern Laos, serves as the gateway to one of Southeast Asia's most mysterious archaeological sites - the Plain of Jars. This small town sits at an elevation of 1,200 meters on a plateau surrounded by rolling hills and mountains, offering cooler temperatures than most of Laos. The area bears the scars of being the most heavily bombed region during the Secret War, making it both a place of historical significance and natural wonder. Today, Phonsavan attracts visitors primarily for its proximity to the enigmatic jar sites, where thousands of ancient stone jars dating back 2,000 years dot the landscape. The town itself is relatively modern, having been rebuilt after wartime destruction, but it provides essential services for travelers while maintaining an authentic small-town Lao atmosphere. Beyond the famous jars, the region offers insights into Hmong culture, war history, and beautiful highland scenery that makes it a unique destination in Laos.

Top Things to Do in Phonsavan

Plain of Jars Archaeological Sites

Explore the mysterious Plain of Jars, featuring thousands of ancient stone jars scattered across three main sites (Sites 1, 2, and 3). These megalithic jars, believed to be 2,000 years old, range from small vessels to massive containers weighing several tons, with their original purpose still debated by archaeologists. Site 1 is the largest and most accessible, while Sites 2 and 3 offer more remote experiences with fewer crowds.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 15,000 LAK per site, with guided tours available for $20-40 per day. Visit early morning or late afternoon for better lighting and cooler temperatures. Choose tour operators that include transportation and can provide historical context about both the jars and UXO safety.

UXO Visitor Information Centre

Learn about the devastating impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos at this educational center that provides crucial context for understanding the region's recent history. The center displays various types of bombs and ordnance used during the Secret War and explains ongoing clearance efforts. It's an essential stop for understanding why Laos remains the most heavily bombed country per capita in history.

Booking Tip: Free admission with suggested donations welcomed. Open daily 8am-5pm with English-speaking guides available. Allow 1-2 hours for the visit and consider this a must-see before exploring the jar sites to understand UXO safety protocols.

Hmong Cultural Village Visits

Experience authentic Hmong culture by visiting traditional villages around Phonsavan where you can observe daily life, traditional crafts, and agricultural practices. Many villages welcome visitors to learn about Hmong textiles, silverwork, and farming techniques while gaining insight into how this ethnic minority has preserved their culture. Some villages offer homestay experiences and traditional meals.

Booking Tip: Village visits cost $10-25 per person including transport and guide. Best arranged through local tour operators who have established relationships with villages. Bring small gifts like school supplies for children and be respectful of photography restrictions.

Mulberry Farm and Traditional Crafts

Visit local mulberry farms and witness the traditional process of paper and textile making that has been practiced in the region for generations. You can participate in hands-on workshops to create your own mulberry paper or observe the intricate process of silk weaving. These visits support local communities while preserving traditional crafts.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost $15-30 per person including transportation and workshop participation. Book through guesthouses or local tour operators, with morning visits recommended when artisans are most active. Products make excellent souvenirs and directly support local families.

Tham Piu Cave Memorial

Visit this poignant memorial cave where hundreds of civilians sought shelter during bombing raids, making it an important site for understanding the human cost of the Secret War. The cave serves as both a natural wonder and a sobering reminder of wartime tragedy. A small memorial and information boards provide historical context about the events that took place here.

Booking Tip: Entry fee around 10,000 LAK with guided tours available for $20-35 including transport from Phonsavan (about 30km away). Combine with other cave visits or jar sites for a full day tour. Wear appropriate clothing as this is a memorial site requiring respectful behavior.

Getting There

Phonsavan is accessible by road from major Lao cities, with the most common route being the scenic 7-hour bus journey from Vientiane via Route 7. Daily buses depart from Vientiane's Northern Bus Terminal, costing around $8-12 for regular buses or $15-20 for VIP services. From Luang Prabang, the journey takes about 6-7 hours through mountainous terrain, with several bus companies offering daily services. The nearest airport is in Phonsavan itself, with Lao Airlines operating limited flights from Vientiane, though road travel remains the most reliable option.

Getting Around

Phonsavan is a small town easily walkable within the center, but reaching the Plain of Jars sites requires transportation as they're located 5-25km outside town. Most visitors rent motorbikes ($8-12 per day) or bicycles ($3-5 per day) for independence, though road conditions can be challenging during rainy season. Tuk-tuks and songthaews are available for shorter trips around town ($1-3), while organized tours with minivans ($20-40 per day) are popular for visiting multiple jar sites safely with guides who understand UXO risks.

Where to Stay

Town Center

Near Central Market

Route 7 Area

Jar Site Road

Hillside Guesthouses

Budget Backpacker Zone

Food & Dining

Phonsavan's dining scene centers around the town's main roads, offering a mix of Lao, Vietnamese, and basic Western dishes at very affordable prices. Local restaurants serve traditional Lao staples like laap, tam mak hoong (papaya salad), and sticky rice, often featuring highland vegetables and herbs unique to the region. The central market area has numerous small eateries and noodle stalls perfect for breakfast or quick meals, while a few restaurants cater to international visitors with pizza, pasta, and Western breakfasts. Don't miss trying local specialties like Hmong sausage and highland coffee, with most meals costing $2-6 and the atmosphere remaining authentically local rather than touristy.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Phonsavan is during the cool, dry season from November to February when temperatures are pleasant (15-25°C) and rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for exploring outdoor sites. March to May brings warmer weather but remains relatively dry, though temperatures can reach 30°C during the day while still being cool at night due to the elevation. The rainy season from June to October should be avoided as heavy rains make roads difficult, some jar sites inaccessible, and increase the risk of UXO exposure due to shifting soil, though the landscape becomes lush and green during this period.

Insider Tips

Always stick to marked paths when visiting jar sites due to unexploded ordnance - this is not just a suggestion but a critical safety requirement that could save your life

Bring warm clothing as temperatures can drop significantly at night year-round due to the 1,200m elevation, especially during cool season when it can reach near freezing

Learn a few basic Hmong phrases as many villagers in the area speak Hmong as their first language rather than Lao, and showing this cultural awareness is greatly appreciated

Things to Do in Phonsavan