Planning a trip to Phonsavan
Getting There & Getting Around
Lao Airlines flies from Vientiane to Phonsavan on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday and from Luang Prabang on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Their office is next to the post office. The airport is 4km (2 1/2 miles) from town and a tuk-tuk costs around 50,000 kip to the town center. The bus station is in the center of town. Most of the departures are songthaeaws making short trips, but buses also depart for Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Sam Neua near the Vietnamese border. Most long-distance buses leave early in the morning. It is 11 grueling hours to Vientiane and 10 no less grueling hours to Luang Prabang.
Tuk-tuks are the main form of transport here and they are not hard to find. You can also rent bicycles and motorcycles, but be aware that much of the surrounding countryside is littered with potentially explosive hazards.
Fast Facts
Banks & Currency Exchange -- The Lao Development Bank (tel. 061/312-188) is on Rte. 7 and will change cash only. Most travel agents will also change cash.
Hospitals -- The Lao-Mongolian Friendship Hospital (tel. 061/312-166) can deal with very basic health problems only.
Internet Access -- There are a few Internet cafes around the center of town but the connections are painfully slow.
Post Office -- The post office (tel. 061/312-005) is on Rte. 7 and domestic calls only are available.
Tourism Information -- The Provincial Tourist Information Office (tel. 061/312-217) is a short way up the road to the airport and has limited information. Travel agencies are more helpful.
