The fascinating and mysterious Phonsavan

I. Introduction
Phonsavan is central to Xiangkhouang province, formed in the late 1970s. This land is also known as "the hills of paradise". The Plain of Jars is the name of this megalithic landscape in Central Laos that was recognized to be the UNESCO world heritage and this is the reason to travel to Phonsavan. However, Phonsavan has its attraction created by the human being and nature. Coming here, you will admire many famous beautiful scenes, picturesque countryside paintings with green hills and immense pine forests. Not only have many interesting features, but Phonsavan also provides you with extremely attractive destinations to explore.

II. Best time to visit
The best time to take a trip to Phonsavan is from November to March which is the dry season, however, you still can visit Phonsavan in the hot season from March to May as this place is not as hot as others thanks to the altitude of 1100 meters high. May to October are the months that you should consider visiting this destination as this time is the rainy season and some of the jar sites and other rural places may be hard to reach by the rain.

III. Things to see and do

1. The Plain of Jars
There are 3 plain of Jars in Xieng Khieng province and the first one is in Phonsavan. The interesting thing that makes these jars' fields so attractive is the width of thousands of meters of the field with many different ancient stones. There are jars up to 5m high and about 1m in diameter, weighing up to 14 tons. The date of these mysterious jars is determined to be 1500-2000 years old. The area has also been heavily bombed over the years, but this remains one of the most beautiful spots in Laos as well as an archaeological mystery in the world.

2. UXO-Visitor Information Centre
There are two UXO Information Centers in Phonsavan located close together. This is operated by the British Mining Consulting Group (MAG). Coming here, you will learn about the story of unexploded bombs and mines still scattered throughout parts of Laos. As you walk around, you can see galleries that will show you how the bombs affect the area, and you may also see some pieces of UXO that are safely secured.
The hub works on donations and they are still actively removing decrypted ordinances in the area, so this is a place worth a visit if you want to do something that also benefits the local community.

plain of Jar

3. That Foun (Foun Stupa)
Situated in the downtown Khoun District, this Buddhist stupa has another name as That Chomsi. It measures about 30 meters and was constructed in 1576. This tower is about 30 meters high, is said to be the place to worship a golden Buddha statue as well as a part of Buddha ashes brought from India inside.

4. Tham Xang Caves
The Tham Xang Caves, are located in a limestone cliffside, around 36 kilometers outside of Phonsavan but it is worth making the effort to visit. The caves would have once been used by revolutionary fighters who had set up multiple facilities inside the caves the years ago, during the time of the Secret War. To that end, there would have been a complex of the complete cave here including a hospital and a medicine depot. Nowadays, coming to see the caves, you can take a guided tour to learn all about how people would have camped out here in the past.

5. The Mulberries Farm
The mulberry farm is a silk farm where you can learn all about how silk is produced.
The farm will take you through the process, from the silkworms still in their cocoons, to the finished product in the form of beautiful silk scarves. If you want to gain hands then you can even attend classes that will help you learn how to weave and dye beautiful silk pieces.

IV. How to get here

1. By Plane
It’s 5 km from the Xieng Khouang Airport (XKH) to the city centre. Lao Airlines There is an average of 4 to 6 flights a week by Laos Airlines basing on peak season or low season. The airline seems to be the most convenient and fastest way within 40 minutes to fly between the two cities.
2. By car
It is nearly 8 hours of driving from Luang Prabang or Vang Vieng to Phonsavan. If you transfer from Vientiane to there, you have to spend 9 to 10 hours. Currently, the paved road is quite convenient and easy to move, but sometimes there are crooked roads.