Nestled in Xieng Khouang province, on the northern side of Laos, Phonsavan is a charming town with a stunning landscape filled with nature. It is famous for its natural attractions that tourists who love adventure and outdoor activities are fond of. Also, another thing that comes to mind when you hear the name of the town is the Plain of Jars. It is a vast megalithic landscape that is home to numerous archaic sandstone jars, whose origins remain a mystery. Besides these, the city has remarkable temples that are worth a visit. One is a Wat Phia Wat temple that houses a 16th-century Buddha statue. If you are planning to explore Xieng Khouang province, here is a list of the best things to do in Phonsavan, Laos. Feel free to browse below.
1. Pay respects at Lao War Memorial
Laos is a beautiful country with lots of things to offer, and Phonsavan is filled with fascinating attractions as well. One of the many things that you should not miss in this busy metropolis is the Lao War Memorial. This must-visit granite monument was built in honor of the people who died during the Indo-China war, and the ones that suffered from it. It is nestled in a peaceful area in the city, with blooming flora and lush plants. Plus, the scenery from this side of the city is breathtaking.
Lao War Memorial
Address: Phonsavan, Laos
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
2. Check out local dishes at Dok Mai Deng
Your Phonsovan holiday will not be complete without trying out the flavorful Laotian cuisine. Pair their famous sticky rice with some sumptuous laab (Lao meat salad). Be sure to have a taste of the spicy noodle soup Khao Poon. If you are looking for a fantastic eatery where you can try all these, head over Dok Mai Deng. It is a casual and budget-friendly dining spot, set in a homey setting. There is indoor and outdoor dining, and at night, the place transforms into a lively nightspot with neon lights and upbeat music.
Dok Mai deng
Address: Phonsavan, Laos
3. Honor fallen war heroes at Vietnamese War Monument
Situated in an elevated, vast open space in Phonsavan, with scenic views of the hilly landscape of the area, the Vietnamese War Monument is one of the numerous memorials in the city. It was built to symbolize the union of the Vietnamese people and the Laotian people during the 1965 - 1975 war. It features a huge centerpiece in white and gold, with a structure of two soldiers in front. The sides also show fascinating carvings that represent the Laotian people. The surroundings in the Vietnamese War Monument are clean and accentuated with plants in cemented flower beds.
Vietnamese War Monument
Address: Phonsavan, Laos
4. Pray at Tham Xang Cave
If you are the type of tourist who is into adventurous activities, Tham Xang Cave is an attraction in Phonsavan that you should definitely not miss. It is nestled in the northeastern side of Thakaek, and it is only a bus or motorcycle ride away from downtown. Tham Xam Caves is a series of caves that are set on a limestone cliff. During the time of the war, the soldiers took refuge in the caves. This location is also a pilgrimage site for people who follows the teachings of Buddhism. You’ll find numerous statues of Buddha on site. While you’re here, make sure to check out the amazing stalagmite formations of Loop Cave and the limestone formations of Snail Cave located nearby.
Tham Xang Cave
Address: Vang Vieng 1003 Laos
5. Learn about the history of Xieng Khouang Province at Xiengkhoung Provincial Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Xiengkhoung Provincial Museum bills itself as the best provincial museum in Southeast Asia. The highlight of this museum is a permanent exhibit that helps tell the history and culture of Xieng Khouang Province of Laos. Here, you’ll find archaeological artifacts, as well as vintage objects, traditional clothing, jewelry, pieces of art, and old photographs. It is convenient for tourists as each display in the museum has well-written explanations. The best part? You can buy souvenir items in the museum as it has an on-site shop that carries products from local artisans.
Xiengkhoung Provincial Museum
Address: Intersection of Road 30 and Road 9, opposite the Xieng Khouang Provincial Government Buildings, Phonsovan, Laos
Website: Xiengkhoung Provincial Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am- 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 2 USD
6. Purchase some local goods at Navang Craft Center
Speaking of souvenir shopping, who doesn’t like splurging on shopping, right? If you are a tourist who likes buying some unique finds every time you visit foreign cities, you will be thrilled to know that Phonsavan has numerous shops that offer local crafts. One of them is Navang Craft Center. This little family-owned store’s specialty products are wood-carved items, specifically made from Fujian Cypress. Intricately carved by hand, the products come in different sizes. Some are furniture, and some are just tiny home decor pieces. These masterpieces are made on-site, and customers can witness the process of how these lovely things are done.
Navang Craft Center
Address: Phonsavan, Laos
Opening hours: 7:30am - 8pm (daily)
7. Gorge on scrumptious Laotian cuisine at Simmaly
Long hours of sightseeing, visiting monuments, and souvenir shopping can take a toll on your body at the end of the day. End your fun-filled adventure with a delicious meal in Simmaly. It is a laid-back dining spot that is just off the main street. It has a semi open-air setting that allows customers to see the hustle and bustle of the area while gorging on its delicious Laotian dishes. The food in Simmaly is very affordable, and it is served in generous portions. It serves scrumptious Laotian cuisine, including tam mak hong, larb, Khao jee, and many others.
Simmaly
Address: Phonsavan, Laos
Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)
8. Shop and dine at Phonsavan Night Market
Nestled in the heart of Phonsavan, Phonsavan Night Market is a bustling and vibrant open-air trade fair that both tourists and locals flock to. The market has everything the city has to offer, including delicious Laotian dishes, fresh fruit, artisan products, clothing, accessories, toys, and a lot more. Plus, all these products are within a budget-friendly price range. Bargaining is a common tradition in Phonsavan Night Market. So, you must be sure that your negotiating skills are polished. Don’t forget to purchase some Lao silk as this product is something that you do not just find anywhere.
Phonsavan Night Market
Address: Unnamed Road, Phonsavan, Laos
9. Be mesmerized by the ancient stone jars at Plain of Jars
One of the main attractions and the most-visited landmarks in Phonsavan is the Plain of Jars. The city is known for its landscapes of rolling hills with picturesque nature views. The Plain of Jars is one of the many interesting open spaces in the city. Why visit it? You should see it because in this area lies a multitude of ancient stone jars that are scattered all over its megalithic landscape. History can’t tell the origins of these mysterious jars, but most tourists are fascinated by their strange characteristics.
Plain of Jars
Address: Phonsavan, Laos
Spend a holiday in Phonsavan
Phonsavan is a fascinating town in Laos, also known as the Land of a Million Elephants. It has diverse offerings for its visitors, including gorgeous natural wonders, remarkable landmarks, must-see temples, local shops, and excellent eateries. Plan a Laos trip and check out the beautiful town of Phonsavan. Curate an exciting vacation itinerary with the help of this list of the best things to do in Phonsavan.
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