Phonsavan is the gateway to the Plains of Jars about 435km northeast of Laos capital Vientiane.The old capital Xieng Khouang was destroyed during the second Indochina War and was replaced by Phonsavan in the late 1970s.
Phonsavan lies in an altitude of near 1100metres above sea level and has a cool climate during winter months of between November to February so remember to carry some warm clothes as well when during the night temperature can be as low as 10 degree celcius.
March and May is the hot season while June till October will be the rainy season with a mean temperature of around 30 degree celcius.
Phonsavanh is home to various ethnic groups, such as the Phuan, whose ancestors once founded the kingdom of the same name, the Hmong, which New Years celebrations in Xieng Khouang are famous throughout Laos, and the Khmu and Tai Dam.
There is also a minority of Laotian Chinese and Vietnamese as well as some international workers and missionaries from Korea and the United States of America.
On arrival from Xieng Khouang Airport from Vientiane which has 4 flights per week,the main road leading to town center is the first sight of a "Welcome to Xieng Khouang" signboard on a beautiful small landscaped garden at a junction just across the Xieng Khouang Hotel(a top end hotel popular among dignitaries) and Post office.
Xieng Khouang province has a border with Luang Prabang and Huoaphanh in the north, Vietnam in the east, Bolikhamxay in the south, Vientiane and Xaysomboune in the west.
There are 8 districts in the Province of Xieng Khouang with a population of mere 264,000 according to year 2004 consensus: 1) Kham 2) Khoune 3) Morkmay 4) Nong Het 5) Paek 6) Phaxay 7) Phoukood 8) Thatom
Lao Youth Travel has been established since 2001 offering quality tours through Laos the Jewel of the Mekong.
The main office Classic Tours is at No:039-05,Fa NgumRoad, Mixay ,Vientiane Capital.
Tel +856-21 24 0931/0939/2802 Fax +856-21 21 3037 Mobile Phone +856-20 5550 7950
Discovery and Barefoot Tours Luang Prabang Branch, 410 Visounarath Road, Ban Visoun, Luang Prabang, Tel : 856-71 253340, Fax : 856 71 253340.
Pakse Office, Ban Sok Am Nouay, Unit 6, Pakse Champasak Province,
Tel/Fax : (856-31) 900405
Xieng Khouang Branch, 204 Road N7, Phonsavanh, Xieng Khouang,
Tel/Fax : (856-61) 211532 Phonsavan has close to 12 hotels and 36 guesthouses.
Sabaidee Guesthouse,my temporary homestay which is off the main Road 7 and less than 5 minutes to the main market right in the heart of Paek District,centrally located. Tel:020-5067990/020-5068174 Mail:Sabaidee2000@hotmail.com
Room rates from 30,000 kips onwards.
A mixed of tenants including some locals as well.Motorcycle and bicycle for rent available. Three star ratings.
The White Orchid Guest House offers 18 comfortable, clean and well-equipped guestrooms that present great value for money in the very centre of Phonsavan.
Room rates from USD10.00 Tel:+856 21 262530 White Orchid Guest House is a large green hotel located on the corner of the main street and Old Airport Road in the centre of Phonsavan town.
It is surrounded by restaurants, shops and tourist facilities and a short walk to the market and post office and just a 10-minute drive from the airport or provincial bus station and 15 minutes from the 1st Plain of Jars site.
From small and simple but good value
Economy rooms for the single traveler on the ground floor to large and spacious Superior and Executive rooms for 3 to 4 people featuring a lounge suite and dining table on the higher floors and everything in between.
White Orchid Guest House provides guests with a wealth of local information together with a laundry service, safe at reception and a restaurant with complimentary breakfast.
Pre-booked guests receive a complimentary airport or bus station transfer on arrival.
Along the side road from White Orchid at the very end is a very huge modern entertainment and convention centre in the midst of construction with nearly 80% completed.
The ultra modern cultural and entertainment stage has already been in commisioned and being used as a musical training center.
This is the old airport of Xieng Khouang land parcel in the Paek District.
The project started in early August year 2010 with the goal of being a trading center for Northern Laos and also tourism promotion.
Golden Mountain Garden Group is the tunrkey project developer of this 12.5 hectares concession rights wholly managed by the Lao citizens.
The exhibition center building has a very large floor space so in time to come this will be the focus of international companies converging here to tap the vast business opportunities in the IndoChina region.
Meanwhile a small night market has already started and the tourists draw is still not up to mark.
Night golfing is available at the far end.
Miss Dam,the cheerful reception of Golden Mountain Garden Resort is on hand to greet visitors who need assistance.
Tel:020-233 45645,061-213 899. Property division reception of Phoukham Group company Limited is near the main entrance.
Tel : (+856-61) 213 899 Mobile : (+856-20) 2234 5645, 2234 5657
This area is in the Phonsavanhxay Village.
Bungalows in Lao traditional style so unique constructed with teak timbers.
This is truly a place to relax in the cool highlands of Phonsavan.
Single room is 80,000kips while double is 100,000 kips.
Meanwhile everything is still new and low occupancy,very dark the whole surroundings at night.
In time to come,the rates will be a five star category so if you happened to be here in Phonsavan why not try having the experience living in a traditional Lao house.
Back to the main street of Route 7,Honsava II market is less than 2km north from town center and this is where the bus terminal is located.
The ticketing counters don't seemed to have anyone around.
It will be best to book bus tickets through your hotels or guesthouse because long distance buses only operated once in the early morning.
Otherwise you'll be entertained by the Vietnamese lady selling baguette.
Chittavanh Hotel same row as minibus and bus terminal Address: No,7Rd, Phone Savanh Tai, Peak District, Xieng Khouang, Laos, Phonsavan
Room rates from USD19 with free Wi-fi, Chittavanh Hotel is a large and bright peach colored hotel with inhouse restaurant, bar and karaoke rooms.
Houphan Guesthouse is at the very far end of Road 7.
Tel:061-211260/020-2937300
Dok Khoune Hotel,a 4-star hotel is located in the centre of the main street, close to many shops, restaurants, tourist information, and Plain of Jars.
The Dok Khoune Hotel offers clean, comfortable guest rooms with a choice of double, twin or triple beds.
Room rates from 18.00. It has mountain views and featuring an impressive display of old artillery and ammunition left over from the ‘Secret War' behind reception where staff is friendly, inviting and helpful.
The sister property, Dok Khoune Guesthouse, located across the road has a street front restaurant with a great, diverse and affordable menu with breakfast served here every morning.
Anouluck Kenlao Hotel is a mid-range hotel same row as White orchid guesthouse, The Anoulack Khen Lao Hotel is the only Phonsavan hotel to feature an elevator lift and one of the few with air-conditioned rooms for warmth or cooling.
Anoulack Khen Lao Hotel has a good range of facilities and services including a 5th floor restaurant, cars for rent and free airport or bus station transfer for arriving guests. Tel:06-213599,020-2152499
Room rates from:USd25.00
NamChai Guesthouse same row as Sabaidee Guesthouse. Tel:061-312095,020-2340546,2937744.
List of other accomodations:
1) Vansana Plain of Jars
Professionally managed hotel with sister hotels in Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Modern, clean and spacious rooms at around 45-55 USD or more. Phonesavanhtai Village, Paek District, Xieng Khouang Province.
Tel: (856-61) 213 170.
2) Maly Hotel Located in the southern part of town. Very good restaurant. The better rooms are much nicer than the basement rooms. Idiosyncratic UXO and local ethnic themed decorations.
The owners are very knowledgeable about recent history.
LAK 150,000-500,000 Paek District, Xieng Khouang Province. Ban PhonsaAathneun
Tel: + 856 61 312 031
3) Xieng Khuang Hotel Free Wi-Fi. Big rooms. Functionalist Vietnamese architecture.
LAK160,000-640,000 Paek District, Xieng Khouang Province, Ban Phonsavansay
Tel: + 856 61 213 567
4) Thien Chaleung Guesthouse Thonghaihin Rd, Phonesaat Thai,towards the intersection with Route 10 near airport and Tourist Information Center. Tel:(+856)61312454 Rates from USd10.00
5) Duangkeomany Guesthouse Phonesaat Village, Paek District,opposite Information Centre office,5 minutes to airport. Free pickup.Rates from USD30.00
6) Banna Plains of Jars House. Road 7, Ban Turn,Paek District Has an impressive display of cluster munitions left over from the war in the lobby. Free pickup.Tel:(061)212 484. Rates from USD10.00
7) Phouxang Hotel Another hill top hotel. Rooms from 10-20 USD. Paek District, Xieng Khouang Province, Ban PhonKham Tel: +856 61 312 097
8) Nice Guesthouse The name tells it all. Popular with backpackers. Located on the main strip. LAK 60.000- LAK 80.000. English speaking staff. Paek District, Xieng Khouang Province. Ban Phonsavankang Tel: +856 61 312 454
9) Vanaloun Guesthouse Paek District, Xieng Khouang Province. City Center. rooms are LAK 50,000 Ban Phonsavan-kang SengTavan Guesthouse Paek District, Xieng Khouang Province, Ban Phonsavannue. rooms are LAK 50,000-60,000
Tel: +856 61 211 131
10) Koukham Guesthouse Paek District, Xieng Khouang Province. Rooms are LAK 50,000-60,000 Ban Phonsavanxay Tel: +856 61 211 216
11) Samphan DouangPaekob Guesthouse Paek District, Xieng Khouang Province Ban Nguay. Rooms are LAK 50,000. Tel: +856 61 212 338
12) Say Pha Souk Guesthouse Paek District, Xieng Khouang Province, Ban nguay. Rooms are LAK 50,000 Tel: 856 20 587 5284
13) LaPhoneKham Guesthouse Paek District, Xieng Khouang Province, Ban Numngum, located on the road to Plains of Jars,opposite the information Center, provincial Tourism Department Xiengkhuang Rooms are LAK 50,000
14) Kong Keo Guesthouse
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