Introducing Phonsavan
It may not be the prettiest of Laos’ provincial capitals, but urban charm isn’t what brings tourists to Xieng Khuang’s largest city. They arrive in droves to visit the Plain of Jars and other sights in the area. Most congregate in the central crisscross of streets, peppered with none-too-appealing buildings and a hodgepodge of new and old guesthouses. But Phonsavan sprawls itself over a much larger distance, and the human milieu of tourists and locals, combined with the undulating backdrop, holds a bucolic charm.
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Traditionally, the area surrounding Phonsavan and the former capital of Xieng Khuang has been a centre of Phuan language and culture (part of the Thai-Kadai family, like Lao, Siamese and Thai tribal). The local Vietnamese presence continues to increase and you’ll hear the Vietnamese language in the streets almost as frequently as Lao and Phuan.
Outside the province most Lao (including Lao Airlines) still call the capital ‘Xieng Khuang’.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Laos - is it worth it?
by Cheese_Monkey 21 May 2012
For me, worth cutting out Vietnam to spend longer in Laos. We spent a month there, loved it so much we went back a few months later for…
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RE: Laos In two weeks
by Herbie47 17 May 2012
2 weeks is not really enough time for Laos. You can do the usual tourist thing, LP to VV TO VTE. If you want to go trekking you can go…
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RE: Warning: Xaysomboune, Xieng Khouang Province
by wanderingstraycat 16 May 2012
#14: Tha Thom was & is not within the restricted area. people have been travelling along the Phonsavan-Tha Thom-Paksan route with no proble…
Hotels & Hostels in Phonsavan
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Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel
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Phoukham Guest House
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KongKeo Guest House
Phonsavan
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