Town in Xiangkhouang, Laos
Phonsavan
Cool highland town and base for the Plain of Jars and Laos' wartime UXO legacy. Quiet and cheap, with a slow journey in; little nightlife and basic healthcare.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$337–583Comfortable, one person · ₭7.5M–13MDetails
- Value for money99/100Better value than 98% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: Apr, 30°CDetails
- Internet60 MbpsFixed broadband, Laos medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; guesthouses sell refills.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$6.7–17.9Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTuk-tuk or tour vanWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashMostly cash in kip; a few tour agencies take USD or baht.Details
Where to stay in Phonsavan
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Town centre (Main Road) | Guesthouses, restaurants, tour offices and the bus station |
Apps that work in Phonsavan
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- LCR Ticket: Book Laos–China Railway train seats
- Taxis: No ride apps; use tuk-tuks or ask your guesthouse. Confirm prices before getting in, and book a driver for day trips.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Laos.
- Mostly cash Mostly cash in kip; a few tour agencies take USD or baht. ATMs exist in town but cap withdrawals, so bring spare cash.
- Currency: Kip (LAK). US$1 ≈ ₭22,287.30 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: BCEL and other bank ATMs accept foreign cards but cap each withdrawal low and charge a fee every time.
- Tipping: Not customary; leaving small change is appreciated. Tip guides and drivers at the end of a tour.
- Paying by phone: Lao QR (BCEL One) is everywhere but needs a local account; Thai banking apps can pay many Lao QR codes.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Fill in the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) within 3 days before arrival and before departure at main airports and Friendship Bridge I.
- Get an e-Visa at laoevisa.gov.la at least 5 days ahead, or a visa on arrival at main airports and borders.
- Tourist visas last 30 days and can be extended twice in-country, up to 60 extra days; overstays bring heavy fines.
Emergency numbers
Police 1191 · Ambulance 1195 · Fire 1190
Plugs
Type A, B, C, E, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy at airports or carrier shops with your passport; data packs cost a few dollars. Unitel has the widest coverage. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Laos
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.