Phonsavan Laos

Phonsavan is the capital of the province of Xieng Khouang in Laos. It has a population of 37,507 and the name Phonsavan roughly translates as ‘hills of paradise’. Built during the 1970s, Phonsavan has picturesque countryside full of green hillsides and forests of pine trees.

It replaced Muang Khoun which used to be known as Xieng Khoung which was ravaged during the Second War of Indochina. The colourful houses in the villages here are made from wood. Cattle raising provides a livelihood for the locals in this region. One can often see Hmong cowboys dressed in violet-and-brown attire complete with hats. New Year’s Day here is celebrated with bullfighting.

1. How to get to Phonsavan

Flights travel to and from Vientiane four days of the week at the Xiang Khouang Airport in Phonsavan. During the holiday season there are six flights via Lao Airlines which can be used from Hanoi or Vinh in Vietnam. This reduces to four flights during off season. One can acquire visas on arrival to Phonsavan at the Nam Ka border.

If you prefer taking the bus from Vinh it will take you 12 hours to reach Phonsavan. There are VIP or local buses running once a week from Vinh.