Phonsavan, Laos: travel guide
Gateway to the Plain of Jars, with its fields of ancient stone urns
Capital of Xiangkhouang province and the base for the Plain of Jars, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2019. Also the centre of Laoss UXO clearance work, with two visitor centres explaining the legacy of the Secret War.
About Phonsavan
Phonsavan is a highland town in Xiangkhouang province and the base for the Plain of Jars, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of ancient stone jars scattered over grassy hills. Their origin is still debated, which only adds to the mystery.
Site 1, known locally as Thong Hai Hin, is the most visited group and the easiest to reach. The town is also the centre of efforts to clear unexploded ordnance left from the war, and the MAG visitor centre explains this history clearly and respectfully.
Phonsavan suits history enthusiasts and travellers on the northern circuit between Luang Prabang and Vientiane. The cooler months from November to February are the most comfortable, as the highlands can feel chilly at night.
- Country
- Laos
- Currency
- LAK
- Time zone
- Asia/Bangkok
Last updated
Top places to visit in Phonsavan
Plain of Jars Site 1 (Thong Hai Hin)
Heritage · 4.5 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Xiengkhouang Provintial Museum
Museum · 4.1 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
UXO Survivors' information Centre
Museum · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Mulberries organic farm
Cultural · 4.8 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Lao War Memorial
Heritage · 3.9 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Vietnam War Memorial
Heritage · 4.1 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Wat Banthern
Temple · 4.2 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Wat Yon
Temple · 4.1 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Wat Suntiphab
Temple · 4.0 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Golden Buddha
Heritage · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Where to stay in Phonsavan
Hotels
- Maly Hotel USD 28 to USD 55 per night
- Anoulack Khen Lao Hotel USD 28 to USD 55 per night
- Mimi Hotel USD 28 to USD 55 per night
Where to eat
- Bamboozle Asian, Burger, Fish
- QueenQueen Restaurant Thai, Lao
- Nisha Indian
- Simmary Lao
- Hùng Thành Seafood
- Not&Bo Lao
- Suli kitchen Lao
- Craters International
Getting to Phonsavan
Nearest airport: Vang Vieng (VNG), about 99 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Walking
Best time to visit Phonsavan
- Jan 24°C
- Feb 26°C
- Mar 29°C
- Apr 30°C
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct 26°C
- Nov 25°C
- Dec 23°C
More in Laos
Frequently asked questions about Phonsavan
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Phonsavan?
- The highest-rated places in our Phonsavan guide are Mulberries organic farm, UXO Survivors' information Centre, Plain of Jars Site 1 (Thong Hai Hin), Wat Banthern, Xiengkhouang Provintial Museum.
- How do I get around Phonsavan?
- Ways to get around Phonsavan covered in our guide: Walking.
- What is the weather like in Phonsavan?
- Average daytime highs in Phonsavan run from 23°C in Dec to 30°C in Apr.