Town in Xiangkhouang, Laos
Phonsavan for solo travelers
Is Phonsavan good for solo travel?
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.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 3/5 · Good, with some effort |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Limited |
| Safety | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Solo women | Comfortable for solo women, with little harassment. Dress modestly and avoid isolated villages without a guide. |
How to meet people in Phonsavan
Share a Plain of Jars tour with other travellers from guesthouse notice boards, watch the free evening UXO documentaries at the MAG visitor centre, and eat at the few restaurants on the main road.
Good things to do alone
- Visit Plain of Jars Site 1, 2 and 3
- Visit the free MAG UXO visitor centre and films
- See Muang Khoun, the old capital's ruins
- Soak at Tad Chiam Hot Springs
- Try Lao sausage and local noodle soup
Where to stay in Phonsavan
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Town centre (Main Road) | Guesthouses, restaurants, tour offices and the bus station |
Solo travel across Laos
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| Luang Prabang | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Vang Vieng | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| 4000 Islands | 4/5 | Limited |
| Nong Khiaw | 4/5 | Limited |
| Thakhek | 4/5 | Limited |
| Vientiane | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Pakse | 3/5 | Limited |
| Phonsavan | 3/5 | Limited |
Quick answers
Is Phonsavan good for solo travelers?
Good, with some effort (3/5). Cool highland town and base for the Plain of Jars and Laos' wartime UXO legacy.
How do you meet people in Phonsavan?
Share a Plain of Jars tour with other travellers from guesthouse notice boards, watch the free evening UXO documentaries at the MAG visitor centre, and eat at the few restaurants on the main road. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Phonsavan?
Limited.
Is Phonsavan safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women, with little harassment. Dress modestly and avoid isolated villages without a guide.
More about Phonsavan
Going to Phonsavan solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Phonsavan meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.