Phonsavan

Phonsavan (ໂພນສະຫວັນ) (Phonsavanh) is the capital of Xieng Khouang Province in Central Laos. It is known primarily as the gateway to the Plain of Jars.

Phonsavan Halal Explorer

Phonsavan is the provincial capital of Xieng Khouang Province. It was built in the late 1970s and replaced the old Xieng Khouang which had been destroyed during the Second Indochina War. It is in the centre of the Plain of Jars and has a pleasant climate all year around, although it can become chilly on winter nights due to its elevation of 1,100 meters. The long winding main street of Phonsavan looks like the setting of a David Lynch-inspired spaghetti western minus the tumbleweeds. As soon as you leave town the nationside is dominated by green hills and pine forests. Villages consist of colourful wooden houses. Ranching is the primary occupation. You will see more than one Hmong cowboy with brown and violet cowboy hats. During Hmong New Year there are even bullfights in Phonsavan.

The best-known tourist attraction is the nearby Plain of Jars, which is to be nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status. The main economic activities in Phonsavan are governmental administration, mining companies from China and Australia, tourism and the work of NGOs clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO).

Phonsavan is home to various ethnic groups, such as the Phuan, whose ancestors once founded the kingdom of the same name; the Hmong, whose New Year's celebrations in Xieng Khouang are famous throughout Laos; the Khmu, and the Tai Dam. There is also a minority of Laotian Chinese and Vietnamese, as well as some international workers and missionaries from Korea and GCC countries. Typical local products are natural dyes and textiles, each with an individual pattern depending on the ethnic group, basketry, mulberry paper umbrellas, spoons made from war scrap or embroidery.

For general information visit the Provincial Tourism Department near the market, Thalat Nam Ngum, on the road to the airport.

Travel to Phonsavan

Phonsavan's Xiang Khouang Airport (IATA Flight Code: XKH) has 4 flights per week to Vientiane.

Lao Airlines offers six flights a week in peak season and four flights in low season. Coming from Vinh or Hanoi in Vietnam, visas are available on arrival at the Nam Ka border, which is open daily 6AM Monday - 6PM. The bus from Vinh leaves four days a week and takes 12 hours, from Hanoi there is one bus per week.

If you are travelling from Vientiane you can either take VIP buses or local buses. The buses leave from the northern bus terminal and take 10-12 hours. The roads are paved but there are plenty of bends. The bus trip from Vang Vieng takes 7-8 hours. Buses run daily from Luang Prabang via Route 13 and Route 7 and take 8 hours. Shared minivan options to the most popular destinations, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane, are now offered by travel agencies.

There were two buses running daily from Vinh in Vietnam, going from the main bus station at 6AM (no reservations necessary) (2022). Vinh can be visited easily by train from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

How to get around in Phonsavan

To get to other towns in the province you can take local buses or pick-up trucks. Inside Phonsavan and there are plenty of tuk-tuks, which might not be available without prior booking early in the morning or late at night. A normal tour inside the town costs about 52,000 kip. There are 9 travel agents in Phonsavan that arrange bike, motorbike and vehicle rentals. A bike costs depending on quality from 62,000 kip per day. You can rent scooters for about 322,000 kip. Renting a minivan costs about USD80-80, but a four-wheel drive costs over USD 170. This includes or excludes fuel, depending on the company. All prices vary depending on season and availability.

Tuk-tuks are not allowed to take tourists to the jar sites. You can visit the site with a certified guide or on your own.

A shared tuk tuk from the bus station to the town centre costs around 52,000 kip per person.

What to see in Phonsavan

Battlefields

During the Second Indochina War, Xieng Khouang was the scene of extensive ground battles and intense aerial bombardment due to its perceived strategic importance. The provinces of Houaphan and Xieng Khouang had been the stronghold of Pathet Lao forces and their Vietnamese allies. The heavy aerial carpet bombardments to neutralize those forces or to drop off unused ordnance after returning from missions in Vietnam turned the Plain of Jars quite literally into the Plain of Scars and the most heavily bombarded area worldwide. In addition to bombs, massive quantities of defoliants and herbicides were dropped.

Evidence of the intense fighting can be seen in the cratered landscape and in war relics such as unexploded bomb casings, tanks, and defensive positions. The resourceful local residents refashion war scrap into items for everyday use, e.g., spoons in Ban Napia village, planters, fences, tools, pumps and barbecues.

• Baan Khai - The extent of the bombardment is in particular evident at Baan Khai. Here and the landscape is pockmarked with craters. Driving north along Route 7 plenty of creatively modified war scrap used in local architecture catches your eye. In Tajok, a Hmong village along Route 7 (30 kilometers northeast of Phonsavan), you can discover lots of bomb casings reused as barn pillars, fences and for other uses.

• Baan Tajok - Although not littered with structures built from UXO, with a bit of browsing you will find some scattered about (such as corn and grain storage with the occasional planter) the village.

• Pho Kod War Memorial

• War Memorials - Constructed to commemorate the thousands of Pathet Lao soldiers who lost their lives during the Indochina Wars and to honour the Vietnamese soldiers who fought alongside them. Climb up the small hills and you will be rewarded with great views of the town and surrounding areas.

Caves of refuge

During the war thousands of local residents took shelter in caves and set up hospitals and schools. The army used the caves as well to store weapons and medical supplies. Two major caves are open to the public:

• Tham Piu Cave - One of the tragedies of the so-called secret war, on 24 Nov 1969 a single rocket fired from an aircraft caused the death of an estimated 374 people who had taken refuge in the cave. Their bones are still buried in the rubble.

• Tham Xang Caves - In a scenic karst area and the caves were used by the revolutionary fighters. Inside the cave complex they set up a hospital, an arsenal, and a medical depot. Evidence can still be seen. Besides its war history and the illuminated residential cave is worth visiting to see its natural beauty. The Hmong community of Ban Ta takes care of the caves and offers a local tour service.

Nature

Xieng Khouang is widely known for the Plain of Jars, but beyond its jars is the natural beauty of the province. Xieng Khouang’s scenery is characterised by the highest mountains in the nation (Mount Phou Bia), its pine forests, deciduous woodlands, rolling hills and grasslands. In the cold season the green hills of the Plain of Jars turn reddish brown, punctuated with yellow sunflowers and poinsettia in full bloom. Nam Ngum and the largest river in the province, originates in the highlands of Paek District and is one of the major tributaries of the Mekong. Nong Het and Phaxay District in particular offer stunning karst scenery with plenty of caves, cliffs, underground rivers and waterfalls. The area is particularly beautiful during peach and orchid tree blossoming in Feb.

• Hot Springs - The big hot spring, Baw Nyai, has been developed as a resort with bungalows and indoor bathing facilities. You can walk through the forest to the spring source, but swimming in the swimmingpool is not feasible. The jar site of Ban Nam Hom is just a 2 kilometers walk away. This jar site offers an insight into how the jars were made as part of the site is a quarry. Taking a guide to visit the site is recommended.

• Nong Tang Lake - Nong Tang is a large picturesque natural lake flanked by high limestone cliffs. Locals use it for fishing and it is a popular picnic site. Enjoy the peaceful setting in the local restaurant. Overnight stay is available in a guesthouse along the shore.

• Old Cemetery and Lake Jao Supanouvong - It's unique in that Tai Dam animist tombs are mixed with Catholic tombstones, Chinese graves, and Lao Buddhist reliquary. The hilltop offers sweeping views and is an ideal spot for watching the sunset over the green hills. The lake, 3 kilometers north of town, is named for Prince Supanouvong and the first president of the Lao PDR. Once the site of the provincial jail, it is now a place of repose.

• Tad Ka Waterfall (Nong Het) - This impressive waterfall is surrounded by spectacular limestone karst. The water runs down in cascading steps alternating with steep areas for more than 100 meters. It flows all year round. To get to the falls a guide is recommended.

• Tad Ka Waterfall (Tajok) | The water flows down several tiers. A spectacular jungle trail winds its way up the waterfall crossing it several times. A popular picnic spot for local residents, especially during the Lao New Year holidays. Local tour companies offer day tours including a picnic lunch and a hike up the waterfall.

• Tad Lang Waterfall - Tad Lang cascades down about 800 meters. To enjoy its beauty follow the trail down to the bottom of the valley. It is a good picnic spot, but because you must cross a river to reach it, access is difficult in the rainy season.

• Thathom - Travelling to Thathom is still an adventure. Driving mainly on dirt roads you pass thick deciduous forests, stands of bamboo, remote villages and cross rivers several times. Thathom offers a gorgeous karst landscape with plenty of rivers, caves, and historical sites, but tourist services are scarce. Songthaews leave Phonsavan daily, but there are no regular trips in the rainy season. Boat services are available once you reach the Nam Xan River going to Paksan in Bolikhamxay Province.

Best things to do in Phonsavan

• Help Teach English - Participate in English classes at Phonsavan School (English Centre, Phonsavan School). English speaking Muslims are welcome to participate in English evening classes in the local primary/junior high school. It is a rewarding experience, and you don't have to be a teacher.

• SOS Orphanage - Founded in 1998 to take care of the many children who lost their parents in UXO accidents. Today 145 children live in 12 family houses. The associated kindergarten and primary school are open to local children. You are welcome to visit the centre during office hours. Check in at the administration building first.

• UXO Visitor Information Centre - MAG - The Mines Advisory Group deals with UXO (unexploded ordnance). MAG began its Lao programme in 1994 and started the first internationally supported UXO clearance operation in Xieng Khouang. MAG works to help people to rebuild their lives and alleviates suffering by responding to the needs of conflict affected communities. Local staff has been training to clear away the brush, to use a metal detector and recognize ordnance. Their village assisted clearance approach allows communities to participate in the process. The UXO survivors Information Centre was opened by the World Education organisation. The centre has a gift shop with products made by UXO survivors.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Phonsavan

Typical local products from Phonsavan and the surrounding area are naturally dyed textiles, each with a pattern exclusive to the maker's ethnic group, basketry, mulberry paper umbrellas from Ban Mixay, spoons made from war scrap from Ban Napia or Hmong embroidery.

• Fresh Food Market - An excellent place to sample the variety of unique foods that Xieng Khouang has to offer. The cool climate and high altitude of the province produces many food items and forest products that are unavailable in other parts of Laos, e.g., mushrooms, peaches, plums and passion fruit.

• Hmong Crafts Centre - In the downtown offering products made by Hmong. In the same shop is also a (Thai) massage parlour run by a group of 4 experienced Thais. The boss trains local residents in the art of massage.

• The Mulberry Silk Farm - Lao Sericulture Co, a fair trade company, is dedicated to enabling Lao village silk producers in the northern provinces to revive the art of high quality silk production. Villagers are trained in sericulture and the process of raising silkworms, processing and improved weaving techniques, and natural dying. Leaves, bark, vines, berries, and seeds create colours to appeal to virtually any taste. A free guided tour leads you through the production process. The purchase of souvenirs helps the local communities and enabling them to rise out of poverty.

• Navang Craft Centre - Famous for woodcarving. This family business produces crafts made from scented long leng wood (Fujian cypress), a rare wood. You can watch the carvers work and buy souvenirs.

Halal Restaurants in Phonsavan

Phonsavan has a surprisingly broad offering of food for a provincial town its size. There are about 32 proper restaurants and many pho (noodle) soup shops. You can easily find Chinese, Vietnamese and Lao restaurants, but here are some special places:

• Nisha | Restaurant serving Indian and Lao food, for Vegetarian and Meat eaters. The interior is very unassuming but the food is recommended. Service can be very slow when busy (1-2 hours from ordering to table).

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Phonsavan

Phonsavan - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Phonsavan, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Phonsavan. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Phonsavan and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Phonsavan. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Phonsavan. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inPhonsavan: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Phonsavan.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Phonsavan: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Phonsavan, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Phonsavan.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Phonsavan, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Phonsavan, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Phonsavan and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Phonsavan, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Phonsavan, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Phonsavan without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Phonsavan is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Phonsavan.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Phonsavan is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Phonsavan, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Phonsavan Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• s.ehalal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&1506388&&Muang+Phonsavan&&.Zz48c41adea3b1402ea8fd839-206204 Kong Keo Guesthouse - Plains of Jar tours between 130,000-150,000 kip. Restaurant closed in rainy season.

• s.ehalal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&1506388&&Muang+Phonsavan&&.Zz48c41adea3b1402ea8fd839-206204 Nice Guesthouse - The name says it all. Popular with backpackers. English-speaking staff. Rooms have fan-only option, no air-con. Wi-Fi.

• s.ehalal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&1506388&&Muang+Phonsavan&&.Zz48c41adea3b1402ea8fd839-206204 Sabaidee Guesthouse - Double or twin rooms with bath. Breakfast and tourist services available.

• s.ehalal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&1506388&&Muang+Phonsavan&&.Zz48c41adea3b1402ea8fd839-206204 Sengdavan Guesthouse - Nice rooms
• s.ehalal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&1506388&&Muang+Phonsavan&&.Zz48c41adea3b1402ea8fd839-206204 Vanraloun Guesthouse - Basic rooms with decent bed, 50,000-60,000 kip for a single, bath en suite. No Wi-Fi. Eager-to-please staff, though his English is not the best. Free bottle of water given daily. No windows in the room and the sound of motorbikes will serenade you until after 24:00. The fan (loud) helps.

• s.ehalal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&1506388&&Muang+Phonsavan&&.Zz48c41adea3b1402ea8fd839-206204 Banna Plain of Jars House - Typical Xieng Khouang war decor.

• s.ehalal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&1506388&&Muang+Phonsavan&&.Zz48c41adea3b1402ea8fd839-206204 Maly Hotel - The better rooms are much nicer than the basement rooms. Idiosyncratic UXO and local ethnic-themed decor. The owners are very knowledgeable about recent history.

• s.ehalal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&1506388&&Muang+Phonsavan&&.Zz48c41adea3b1402ea8fd839-206204 White Orchid Guesthouse - Popular place. Organises tours. Decent rooms.

• s.ehalal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&1506388&&Muang+Phonsavan&&.Zz48c41adea3b1402ea8fd839-206204 Xieng Khuang May Hotel - Used to be the best in town, but is still popular for weddings. Decent rooms.

• s.ehalal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&1506388&&Muang+Phonsavan&&.Zz48c41adea3b1402ea8fd839-206204 Anoulak Khen Lao Hotel - Bright, clean and ample-sized rooms. Breakfast included. Only hotel in the province with a lift.

• s.ehalal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&1506388&&Muang+Phonsavan&&.Zz48c41adea3b1402ea8fd839-206204 Chittavanh Hotel - Bright, medium and large sized rooms. Fast Wi-Fi in room. The nightclub in the backyard is popular with students and young people in town.

• s.ehalal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&1506388&&Muang+Phonsavan&&.Zz48c41adea3b1402ea8fd839-206204 Duangkeomany Hotel - Modern hotel with clean rooms and Internet.

• s.ehalal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&1506388&&Muang+Phonsavan&&.Zz48c41adea3b1402ea8fd839-206204 The Hillside Residence - Nice colonial-style wooden villa offers charming rooms with a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy the balconies if you rent a room upstairs and the upper sitting terrace.

• s.ehalal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&1506388&&Muang+Phonsavan&&.Zz48c41adea3b1402ea8fd839-206204 Phouphadeng Hotel - Wonderful view. Professionally managed. Excellent French restaurant with Alsatian-influenced cuisine which is in its own league. Highly recommended, but not cheap.

• s.ehalal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&1506388&&Muang+Phonsavan&&.Zz48c41adea3b1402ea8fd839-206204 Phouxang Hotel - Hilltop hotel.

• s.ehalal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&1506388&&Muang+Phonsavan&&.Zz48c41adea3b1402ea8fd839-206204 Vansana Plain of Jars - Professionally-managed hotel with sister hotels in Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Modern, clean and spacious rooms.

• s.ehalal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&1506388&&Muang+Phonsavan&&.Zz48c41adea3b1402ea8fd839-206204 Xieng Khuang Hotel - Free Wi-Fi. Big rooms. Functionalist, and somewhat austere, Vietnamese architecture.

Stay Safe

Motorcycle accidents are not uncommon due to poor brakes and equipment. When renting a motorcycle in town ensure the fundamentals, such as brakes, are in good working order.

Happy Motorcycles are reported to offer some level of insurance.

Warning - Phonsavan is one of the most heavily bombed places in history. There is unexploded ordnance (UXO) everywhere. On average, 60 persons die each year due to UXOs. Use caution when wandering, and always stay on paths.

Telecommunications in Phonsavan

There are plenty of Internet cafes on the main street which are fast enough for Skype. There is a DHL drop-off point at the main market and a Lao post office. Nisha Restaurant, and sometimes the post office, sells postcards, which are difficult to get in Phonsavan.

Travel Next

• Luang Prabang. Bus at 07:30, 90,000 kip, air-con
• Plain of Jars
• Vang Vieng. Bus at 07:30, 95,000 kip, air-con
• Vieng Xai
• Vientiane. Bus 95,000-172,000 kip at 07:00, 8:00, 10:30, 16:30, 18:40, 20:00. hours can be changed, most notably the 07:00 and 08:00 can be merged into one 09:00 bus. 20:00 is the VIP bus. All have air-con. Two different bus stations and the trip from the southern bus station passing Pakxan takes 8 hours, from the northern bus station passing Vang Vieng takes 10 hours.
• Vietnam
• Vinh. 06:30, 150,000 kip, air-con

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