Town in Xiangkhouang, Laos
Getting around Phonsavan
How to get around Phonsavan
Tuk-tuks and rented motorbikes cover the town and the Plain of Jars sites. Buses link Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng slowly; the airport has limited flights.
Ways to get around Phonsavan
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Tuk-tuk or tour van | About LAK 300,000–600,000 for a Jars site tour | Day tour with several sites; bargain or join a group |
| Rented motorbike | About LAK 150,000–250,000 per day | Roads to the sites are paved but narrow |
| Long-distance bus | About LAK 100,000–220,000 | Luang Prabang or Vientiane, 6–10 h on winding roads |
Taxis in Phonsavan
- No ride-hailing apps operate here. No ride apps; use tuk-tuks or ask your guesthouse. Confirm prices before getting in, and book a driver for day trips.
Arriving in Phonsavan
Xieng Khouang Airport (XKH)
Small airport 5 km from town; flights from Vientiane are limited, so check Lao Airlines. Tuk-tuk LAK 30,000–60,000.
Wattay International, Vientiane (VTE)
About 400 km by road: bus 8–10 h, or take the Laos–China Railway to Vang Vieng then a bus.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Easy to rent and the best way to reach the Jars sites. Mountain roads are risky; wear a helmet and avoid riding at night.
- Driving: on the right. Carry a 1949 IDP and your home licence; in any crash, foreigners usually pay compensation regardless of fault.
- Onward travel in Laos: The Laos–China Railway links Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang and the Chinese border; trains sell out, so book ahead. Elsewhere it's buses, minivans and Mekong slow boats.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Phonsavan?
No ride-hailing apps work here. No ride apps; use tuk-tuks or ask your guesthouse. Confirm prices before getting in, and book a driver for day trips.
What's the best way to get around Phonsavan?
Tuk-tuks and rented motorbikes cover the town and the Plain of Jars sites. Buses link Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng slowly; the airport has limited flights.
How do I get from the airport to Phonsavan?
Small airport 5 km from town; flights from Vientiane are limited, so check Lao Airlines. Tuk-tuk LAK 30,000–60,000.
Is Phonsavan walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Phonsavan
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Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.