Tucked between jagged karst mountains and jungle-clad hills, Phonsavan feels like Laos’ forgotten corner, but the unassuming capital of Xieng Khouang Province is also the gateway to one of the country’s most enigmatic UNESCO World Heritage sites. Exploring the mysterious Plain of Jars, a vast archeological site dotted with gigantic stone jars, tops the list of things to do in Phonsavan. After pondering the Iron Age relics, visit the ancient capital of Muang Khoun, go swimming at a natural waterfall, or tackle the overnight Pakheo Trek.
The best time to visit Laos is from October through February, when the weather is typically warm and dry with low humidity—ideal for exploring Phonsavan’s open-air archeological sites. Avoid the hot and rainy months from late July through September if you can, as the monsoon season often renders the region’s caves and waterfalls unvisitable. March through May are the hottest months, so plan sightseeing for the early morning or evening.
After arriving in Phonsavan—a short flight from Vientiane or about an 8-hour bus journey from Luang Prabang—you can easily get around the small town center on foot. To visit the Plain of Jars or other nearby sites, it’s easiest to join one of the many guided tours or take a shared tuk-tuk or minivan. It’s also possible to rent a bike or motorbike, but take care: The roads are dusty and unpaved.
A visit to Phonsavan’s archeological wonders also provides an opportunity to learn about Laos’ war-ravaged past and the indelible mark that it’s left on one of the world’s most bombed regions. Find out about the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), a non-governmental organization working to clear the region of unexploded ordinance (UXO), at the MAG UXO Visitor Information Centre, or tour Tham Piu Cave, where one of the most shocking tragedies of the Secret War in Laos took place.
