Phonsavan

Hotels In:

• Luang Prabang
• Houeixay
• Luang Nam Tha
• Phonsavan
• Savannakhet
• Vang Vieng
• Vientiane

Built in the 1970s and located in the North of Laos, Phonsavan is a very recent capital of Xieng Khouang province in Laos. While it is modern compared to other cities in Laos, it's particularly dusty. Tribes occupy the hills surrounding Phonsavan. Walking down a dusty street in Phonsavan might feel like being in a spaghetti western, the streets empty, dust rising, waiting for Clint Eastwood to pop out of a shack. However, unlike the western which brings its audience some closure, Phonsavan is a bundle of untold, unsolved mysteries.

Old bombshells are used as a decorative motif in this town. Phonsavan is one of the most bombed cities in Laos, and locals have made creative use of the pieces left behind. They are used as pots for plants, fences, and barbeque pits. While the bombshell-made home décor is an interesting sight, Phonsavan is most famous for the Plain of Jars. The Plain of Jars consists of large stone jars that are believed to be from 1500 to 2000 years ago. There are over 400 stone jar sites around the Xieng Khouang area but Phonsavan is the site of the largest grouping of stone Jars. Sights 1, 2, and 3 are open to the public, but the remaining sights are closed off due to the thousands of unexploded bombs that comb the area.The purpose of the Jars are unknown, but archeologists theorize that the jars could have been used as funeral urns or storage chambers for food. Their linear setup suggests that they could have also been used as a trade route. Going on an organized tour is recommended since the tourguides know the safe way to see the sight and avoid stepping on anything potentially explosive.

The trip to get to Phonsavan is part of the Phonsavan experience. Travelers commonly take a bus from Vientiane. The bus ride takes about eight hours, but the scenery is stunning. Shockingly green vegetation coats the mountains and villages unaccustomed to foreigners dot the route. The town of Phonsavan itself has several accommodations for visitors, which are all located along the main strip. Because there are only so many dining options, restaurants often overcharge for only decent food. The street food at the market, however, is delicious and well priced. Due to the ratio of locals to tourists, local routine is accessible to visitors who wish to immerse themselves briefly with the local culture. In the evening, locals often kick a ball around in the streets, and if you are charming enough, you may be able to avoid the over priced restaurants and find yourself eating homemade dishes from a Phonsavan home.

Phonsavan is currently a road less traveled, but a paved road, close to completion, might speed up tourism to this area. Thus, it is a privilege to see it now while it is still mostly untouched.

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Laos Travel Guide Laos flies under the tourist radar, which is half its appeal. Weave through the temple-lined streets of World Heritage-listed Luang Prabang, explore mystical Wat Phu Champasak, and watch the sun set over the magnificent Mekong.