Phonsavan Travel

Phonsavan Weather Overview

The weather in Phonsavan is quite the same with the one in Luang Prabang. Average temperatures in Phonsavan vary somewhat. Considering humidity, temperatures feel nice most of the year, excluding some hot weeks in the summer, with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year. The area is somewhat temperate — in the 58th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above. If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Phonsavan, the hottest months are June, May, and then July. The warmest time of year is generally mid April where highs are regularly around 85.1°F (29.5°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 64°F (17.8°C) at night.

Check the table below to have the general idea of Phonsavan weather throughout the year.

Best time to go to Phonsavanh

The best time to visit the Phonsavan is between October to February, when the weather is not hot, and the humidity is manageable. It is excellent weather to be outdoors and explore the archaeological sites. From late February, summer sets in slowly with March to May being the hottest months. Monsoon begins in late July and lasts until September.

Phonsavan Current Weather & 7-Day Forecast

PHONSAVAN WEATHER

A wonderful journey to Laos cannot complete without calling on Xieng Khouang, which is awesome with not only to the Plain of Jars but also varying other things to make the explorations.

Below are some best things to do in Xieng Khouang that you should place on your list to have an amazing tour to this country.

1. Dropping in the Plain of Jars

Whether you are interested in history and archeology or not, Plain of Jars, located in Phonsavan, is still the must-visit destination if you plan to travel to Laos. This is a group of fields including thousands of stone jars of various sizes. Who created these jars and how they are made has still remained mysterious theories. The locals believe that a race of giants made them to drink rice wine while the others argue the jars were used to store water for the dry season. However, some bones, teeth, and human skeletons were found in the jars, so it is now said the jars functioned as urns in burial rites
Plain of Jars suffered from intense battles as well as US bombing. Indeed, the US Air Force dropped more bombs on Laos, primarily the Plain of Jars, than it dropped the whole of World War II (Wikipedia)

It is highly recommended to visit Thong Hai Hin, also called site 1, since it is one of the largest sites of the plain with more than 300 jars and has the only one decorated with human images.

Ban Phakeo or widely known as Plain of Jars site 52, which comprises for 392 jars, is a great place for trekking and adventure tours in Laos. During the tours to site 52, you will have a chance to admire stunning spectacles in Phonsavan including lesser-known waterfalls, primitive forests and idyllic H’mong villages, which can be only accessible by foot. 

Opening hours: Plain of Jars opens from 9 am to 5 pm and each visitor has to pay the entrance fee of 10,000 Kip (US$1.5)

Note: You will find there are “secret war” signs at many sites on the ground that a large number of bombs were dropped on the plain during the Vietnam War. Despite clearing works of unexploded bombs, you should visit within the marked areas to ensure your safety.

2. Wandering around Mulberries Organic Silk Farm

Remember to take a trip to Mulberries Organic Silk Farm in Xieng Khouang, one of the best things to do in Xieng Khouang, which will answer all your questions about yarn or fabric. Established in1991, the farm aims at reviving and encouraging Laos traditional yarn production by providing the training and support in silk worm rearing, art, and craft practices of weaving. Here, you will have chance to observe or even participate in one stage of the whole silk-making products. Additionally, the mulberries shop sells many silk products coming in a variety of colors, sizes, and patterns. You can order patterns, fabrics, and colors to have suitable souvenirs for your friends and family members. If lucky, you may meet Miss Kommaly, who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize due to her tireless try to help the local women and ethnic minorities raise their income through weaving. She would tell you how she began this environmental-friendly cooperative 20 years ago.

3. Paying a visit to Muang Khoun

Muong Khoun, situated 30 kilometers away from Phonsavan, used to be the capital of Phuan Kingdom and the provincial capital under the French colonialism. To save time, it is advisable to combine the trip to the Plain of Jars with a quick visit to Muong Khoun. The town brings you a chance to see Buddha images and stupas to help you experience Lao culture in Xieng Khouang more. For example, many tourists rarely reach Muang Khoun without taking a visit to That Foun. What makes this 30-metre stupa made of brick special is a hole right through it. Or another ruin of temple suggested for you is Wat Piawat, the highlight of the town. There is a large Buddha image sitting on the grounds, at the end of a column of brick pillars. Especially, there is a jar site near Ban Phai village comprising jars made from granite, not stone like the ones in the Plain of Jars.

4. Visiting War Memorials

If you have enough time, you should visit the two major war memorials on a hill in the south of Phonosavan. During the Indochina war, Vietnam and Laos always support each other to win the independence, so they have maintained a very faithful friendship for many years. Although each is the embodiment of the Vietnamese and the Lao losses, both are built in Lao traditional style. When seeing two monuments, you will find the slogan “The nation remembers your sacrifices” and “Lao – Vietnamese solidarity and generosity forever” on the Lao and Vietnamese one respectively. Nearby is the granite slab consisting of the names of the soldiers lost in the war on its surface. 
One tip is that you should visit these memorials in the late afternoon to see the stunning sunset combining with the beautiful view of the countryside below.

5. Back in the Time at UXO Visitor Information Center

You may not know that Laos is the most heavily bombed country on earth. Although the war ended 40 years ago, there are lots of unexploded ordnances remaining in Laos, endangering people’ lives. A visit UXO Visitor Information Center operated by British organization MAG will tell you about Laos’ another story of the hard period of time the country went through in the war and how UXO affects people today. Actually, many Lao people, both adults and children, have collected UXO with cheap metal detectors then sold them for scrap metal, which is very dangerous for their life. There are examples of UXO on display and documentaries showing all the trauma which you ought to watch right at the center. Donation is welcomed, or you can buy a T-shirt at the souvenir shop to support the process of clearing the UXO in Laos.

Address: Main Street, next to Bamboozle Restaurant and Bar, Phonsavan 009, Laos

Tel: 00 856 61 211 010

6. Relaxing at Hot prings

After a day full of physical activities, your muscles may become tired. How about diving into warm water and relaxing at hot springs in Xieng Khouang? But those springs are very hot making swimming impossible, so you have to go to the resorts in Ban Nyai that is about 67 km from Phonsavan or walk down the river. The resort has bungalows equipped with bathing facilities. Near the resort is the Ban Nam Hom which is very convenient to visit after the swim. Another destination is hot springs in Ban Xang located 3 kilometers east of Muang Kham. Before take a swim, you can wander around the village to get a brief view of the local’s life. You may see Tai Dam women make and sell beautiful textile products which you can buy directly as souvenirs. Or making some conversations with the villagers to know more about their culture is not a bad idea.

Phonsavan’s food scene may surprise visitors, especially those who have been on the road in remote northern Laos. The town boasts a number of good international restaurants on the main tourist strip, while tasty true Lao fare is harder to come by.

Lao Falang Restaurant – Western & local fusion food

Come to Lao-Falang Restaurant, you’ll never regret the moments of savoring the stunning Western and Laos foods as well as the great beer. While enjoying the desirable meals, you can view the valuable documentary shows on the big screens that tell you what occurred in the Phonsavan about 40 years ago. The bonuses for this restaurant are the foreign currency exchange service, and the transportation offer (mini-bus and motorbike) if requested.

Bamboozle Restaurant & Bar – International food

If you prefer dining in a laid-back vibe, just come to Bamboozle! The restaurant-and-bar zone has the great Western and Laos menu including the delicious mulberry pancakes, goat cheese, yogurt, baguettes, etc.

Since this place is usually packed, the ideal time to have dinner here is around 21:00, after the rush hours. Bamboozle is regarded as “the best burger in town” and stays open late; so, just come to evaluate its party service at night.

Add to this chilled beers and a rock-and-roll soundtrack and it’s a winner. A percentage of the profits goes towards the Lone Buffalo Foundation, which supports the town’s youth.

Cranky-T Café & Bar – Fusion local food

In contrast to the repetition of rice, tea and beer in northeastern Laos, Cranky T’s will satisfy cravings for bread, coffee and cocktails.

The modern cafe-bar wouldn’t be out of place in capital city Vientiane, so travellers can confidently order that macchiato, martini or Malbec.

The coffee is excellent, and a cup is included in the 45,000 kip all-day breakfast sets designed to get you going before jar-site-hopping.

If popping in for dinner (available from 17:00-21:00), have a fresh salad with chicken teriyaki or smoked salmon, 45,000-55,000 kip.

There’s indoor and outdoor seating, WiFi and a well stocked bar—this is a busy spot for a sun-downer or a night cap. Adjacent to Cranky T’s is an epicerie from the same owner, where travelers can self cater with drinks, snacks and cheese.

Nisha Restaurant – Indian food

Indian restaurants are scattered throughout northern Laos and Phonsavan has Nisha’s Indian.

It does the trick, it’s cheap and has a wide range of vegetarian options, like chana masala, aloo mutter and curry, all veg dishes for just 18,000 kip each.

Meat dishes like the flavourful chicken tikka masala are 30,000 kip, going well with the hot, fresh made naan.

Simmaly Restaurant – Local food

Serves up a tasty line of rice dishes, noodles and spicy meats, including steaming fĕr (rice noodles). The pork with ginger is lovely.

This restaurant is very popular amongst the fellow tourists, the expats, as well as the locals. With the excellently responsive service and high-quality fusion, Simmaly helps enrich the culinary picture in Phonsavan.

Travel to Phonsavan sounds inspiring to many people, but some still feel unwilling to go just because they feel worried about the status of hotels and guesthouses in this laid-back city. So, where to stay in Phonsavan? For a successful trip and a sound night, please concern yourself with the following reliable accommodation in Phonsavan – the lodging paradise for backpackers.

1. Lieupi Mixay Guesthouse

Expect to pay under $10 per night to lay your head in Lieupi Mixay Guesthouse! On arrival, you see the spotless and modern room, the sparkling tiled floor, the thick quilt, hot water bathroom, etc., for the standard rest. The backpackers are usually advised to stay in this budget digs when they are in Phonsavan; so, it’s highly recommended to all.

2. Sabaidee Guesthouse

The other fantastic lodging for the backpackers in Phonsavan should always be Sabaidee. Within the price of under $10 per night, this guesthouse is in favor of the budget patrons who evaluate the reasonable room prices, the good information on the wall, the homelike atmosphere, and motorbike rental. All of these lovely traits ensure you to have the good time in Phonsavan as the successful backpackers. Take this digs in Phonsavan!

3. Phoukham Guesthouse

Just under $10 per night, Phoukham is still the trustworthy budget option for the backpackers who only want a safe place to rest in Phonsavan. The condition of this guesthouse may not totally satisfy the newcomers because the bed is old and the furniture is not eye-catching. However, at least, the room is equipped with basic facilities, and the hot water bathroom with the Western-style toilet are the bonuses.

4. Kong Keo Guesthouse

Once again, under 10$ for a night, Kong Keo is in the budget category. The highlights of this guesthouse are the good-looking garden in the front, the fine entrance, and the propitious location to Bamboozle restaurant & bar. Besides, Kong Keo owns the very chummy staff who are willing to serve you via the cute “point-and-smile” approach.

5. White Orchid Guesthouse

Priced from $10 to $20 per night, the White Orchid has long attracted many patrons and its heyday circa was in 1987. Thanks to the positive work of the owners, the guesthouse owns the immaculate and tidy rooms, the well-trained and chummy employees, which make it the top-of-the-top lodging alternative for the tourists.

6. Anoulack Khen Lao Hotel

This is the mid-range hotel in Phonsavan that you cannot go wrong. Remarkably, this hotel owns the bar fridge, the very gentle bed, cable TV, free Wi-Fi in every room, etc., which attracts groups of tourists. Plus, the onsite restaurant on the fifth floor serves you breakfast. You can also eat there at any time if pre-booking. Anoulack Khen Lao Hotel is the pleasant choice for a bit more comfort during your stay in Phonsavan.

7. Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel

This is the remarkable mountain hotel in Phonsavan, gaining fame for the decent outdoor pool, the Laos authentic restaurant and bar, free parking, free airport shuttle, and more. Especially, it is the location of Vansana that sets it apart; from here, you can easily access the town’s famous sites namely Phonsavan Market, Plains of Jars, and Xiengkhouang Provincial Administration Offices.

By Flights

Phonsavan's Xiang Khouang Airport (IATA: XKH) - You can now (Oct 2019) fly from Luang Prabang on Lao Skyways on Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 11:10 - it takes 30 minutes and costs approaching $USD50 - they also have flights from Vientiane on the same days. Lao Airlines offers six flights a week in peak season and four flights in low season.

By Bus

Bus services connect Phonsavan from Vientiane. You can either take VIP buses or local busses. The busses leave from the northern bus terminal and take about 8 to 9 hours. Note: The roads are paved but there are plenty of serpentines. The bus trip from Vang Vieng takes 7-8 hours. Busses run daily from Luang Prabang via Route 13 and 7 and take 8 hours. There is a regular VIP bus from Paksan bus terminal (inside the market) at 7:30 to Phonsavan that takes 7-8 hours.

Coming from Vinh or Hanoi in Vietnam, visas are available on arrival at the Nam Ka border, which is open daily from 6:00 – 18:00. The bus from Vinh leaves four days a week and takes 8 to 9 hours.

Minibus services run from both Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, which can either be booked from a travel agent, guesthouse or directly with the station. These may or may not include pick up from your guesthouse, so ask when booking.