"So much more than the Jars." Top 5 Page for this destination Ban Phonsavan by planxty

Ban Phonsavan Travel Guide: 64 reviews and 83 photos

Plain of Jars, site 3, Phosavan, Lao. - Ban Phonsavan

Come for the Jars and stay for the rest.

There is no doubt that the nearby Plain of Jars is the major draw of Phonsavanh, and rightly so, they are very impressive. Indeed, one of my only real plans on my current trip was to see them, and I am very glad I did, they truly are an archaeological wonder.

However, there is a lot more to the place, as I hope my tips indicate but the visitor's over-riding memory of the city and surrounding area will probably be of the bombs, which are truly ubiquitous. I know in my tips I make many mentions of them but not to do so would be like discussing Ireland without pubs! I only managed to spend a few days here but could happily have spent much longer. The city itself (really more of a town) has a nice relaxed feel, there are some good food options and the surrounding countryside is truly magnificant.

Last visit to Ban Phonsavan: Jan 2010
Intro Written Jan 27, 2010
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (19)

Lady spinning, Tai Dam village, Phonsavanh, Lao. - Ban Phonsavan

Ancient skills in an unchanged place. Off The Beaten Path (1)

Whilst returning on my motorcycle from visiting the Tham Piu (see seperate tip) my eye was drawn by a sign indicating... more travel advice

Mrs. Bounmee restaurant, Muang Kham, Lao. - Ban Phonsavan

A quick, decent lunch. Restaurants (5)

I had ridden from Phonsavanh to Muang Kham one day as I was heading for the Tham Piu (Piu cave, see seperate tip), and... more travel advice

planxty's trusty steed, Phonsavanh, Lao. - Ban Phonsavan

Get on your bike and ride! Transportation (1)

A scooter is a perfectly viable way of getting about Phonsavanh and it's environs, indeed a bicycle would suffice for... more travel advice

Tourist Information Centre, Phonsavanh, Lao. - Ban Phonsavan

Get the information first. Things to Do (10)

There just is no getting away from the bombs in this area. The area to the front of the tourist information centre looks... more travel advice

Favorites (1)
What's in a name?

Hotels (1)
Basic and brilliant.

Comments (4)

tiabunna Jan 18, 2012 at 2:36 AM Report Abuse

After visiting Phonsavanh several months ago (yes, I'll get around to doing a page soon, I promise myself), visiting your page brought it all back and added extra details. A fascinating place and a great page about it.
MalenaN May 13, 2010 at 4:22 AM Report Abuse

The Plain of Jars sounds to be a very interesting place to visit, and so does the Tai Dam Village! I hope to go to Laos one day!
cachaseiro Mar 15, 2010 at 7:12 PM Report Abuse

oh yes. phonsavan is certainly one very interesting place.
picek Jan 28, 2010 at 4:39 AM Report Abuse

You have done another great site here (again:) - it is delightful reading, kept me busy for some time:) You also know how to find interesting places, such as cemetaries. If I go back there, I will have to remember your tips:) Have a great time! Vesna