Phonsavan is a fascinating destination for travelers interested in archaeology, history, and local culture. What makes it especially appealing are the variety of tours available, each offering a different perspective on this remote part of Laos. We particularly enjoy the tours that combine the mysterious Plain of Jars with cultural insights—like visiting the spoon-making villages or exploring the old capital—giving a well-rounded experience. For example, the Plain of Jars share group tour not only takes you to the key archaeological sites but also into the heart of local life with a visit to the spoon village. It’s a great way to see both the ancient stones and the hands that craft souvenirs from remnants of war.
Phonsavan’s tours appeal to a range of interests, from small-group adventures to in-depth multi-day explorations. Whether you’re into history, cultural crafts, or simply soaking in the rugged beauty of northern Laos, there’s a tour that fits. Below, we break down six of the best options, highlighting what makes each one unique.
Quick Overview
This list features guided group tours, private excursions, and multi-day packages, all centered around the Plain of Jars, one of Laos’ top UNESCO sites. Some tours focus on local crafts, like spoon-making and noodle processing, adding a cultural touch. Others include visits to historic sites like Muang Khoun and Long Cheng, giving insight into the region’s wartime past. For a comprehensive experience, the From Phonsavan: Plain of Jars and Long Cheng Tour blends archaeology and history, while shorter day trips like the Plain of Jars Day Trip are perfect if you’re tight on time.
Keep reading to see which tour matches your interests and travel style.
1. Plain of Jars Share Group Tour
At number 1, the Plain of Jars share group tour offers a straightforward, budget-friendly way to explore the main archaeological sites with a knowledgeable local guide. For just $45 per person, you get to visit Site 3 (Ban Xieng Di), Site 2 (Ban Na Kho), and the largest Site 1, all in one day. The tour also includes a stop at the Ban na phia spoon making village, where you can see artisans crafting souvenirs from bomb casings—a poignant reminder of Laos’ wartime history.
What makes this tour stand out is its efficiency and focus. The small group size means you get personalized attention, and the guide’s local insights make the experience richer. The sites themselves are awe-inspiring; the mysterious stone jars scattered across the plateau spark curiosity and wonder. As reviews note, the tour is well-paced and informative, perfect for travelers on a budget who want a rundown without sacrificing depth.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for first-timers wanting a guided, affordable introduction to the Plain of Jars and local crafts.
2. The Old Capital Tour Combined with Plain of Jars
Next up is the Old Capital tour combined with the Plain of Jars, a full-day experience that costs $150 for up to 8 people. This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts who want to connect the archaeological sites with the region’s past. Starting at 8:30 a.m., you’ll visit Sites 1, 2, and 3, plus the spoon village, noodle village, and the old capital of Muang Khoun—with its ancient Buddha statues and war remnants. A highlight is the stop at the stupa, blending spiritual history with cultural storytelling.
What makes this tour stand out is its well-rounded approach—combining UNESCO-listed sites with local craft villages, including a visit to the spoon village, where artisans repurpose bomb casings into jewelry and utensils. The tour ends at sunset, allowing for fantastic photos of the landscape. Reviewers highlight the tour’s great food and the engaging guide, Sakhone, who shares stories that bring the history alive.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a full, culturally rich day that ties archaeology with local life.
3. Plain of Jars Tour with Local Guide
For about $75 per person, the Plain of Jars tour with a local guide offers an immersive experience focusing on both the archaeological sites and the everyday lives of locals. The tour centers on Sites 1, 2, and 3, with a visit to Ban Naphia, a village where locals make spoons from aluminum bomb casings. This is more than just a sightseeing trip; it’s a chance to understand how the scars of war are woven into daily life.
Your guide will provide detailed context about each site and explain the significance of the bomb casings turned craft items. The visit to Ban Naphia is particularly memorable, with a chance to see how local artisans turn remnants of conflict into souvenirs. This tour also includes a stop at Wat Phiawat, a Buddhist temple that survived the war, adding spiritual depth.
Based on reviews, this tour’s strength lies in its personalized storytelling and the opportunity to interact with local artisans. While it’s slightly more expensive than the group tour, the focus on local craftsmanship and history provides good value.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers interested in local crafts and in-depth cultural context.
4. From Phonsavan: Plain of Jars and Long Cheng Tour
Number 4 on our list is a full-day tour that ventures beyond the plain itself to include a visit to the Long Cheng military base, a key site from the Vietnam War era. For $999 per person, this guided trip explores the mysterious stone jars and the Long Cheng airbase, where the history of conflict is palpable.
The tour includes pickup from your hotel in Phonsavan and a comprehensive itinerary that combines archaeology and wartime history. Your guide will explain the significance of the spoon-making industry, the Vietnam War remnants, and the stone jars’ mysteries. This is a great option if you want a deeper understanding of Laos’ complex past.
Reviews note the tour’s detailed storytelling and the convenience of hotel pickup. The cost is higher, but it’s justified by the extensive sights and historical insight, especially for history buffs keen on understanding the broader context.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a comprehensive and educational day combining archaeology with military history.
$999 per person
5. Luang Prabang: 3-Day Phonsavan and Plain of Jars Tour
Travelers with more time should consider the 3-day tour from Luang Prabang. For $640 per person, this package allows an in-depth exploration of the Plain of Jars, the Secret War, and the surrounding countryside, with flexible free time. The tour includes visits to the UNESCO World Heritage site and historical sites like Muang Khoun, offering a layered experience of archaeology, history, and scenery.
What makes this tour stand out is its balanced itinerary, designed for those who want to slow down and really absorb the sights. Your guide will share insights on the mysterious stone jars and the wartime history, making it perfect for travelers interested in deeper stories.
Reviews are not yet available, but the reputation of multi-day tours in Laos suggests this is a reliable choice for those wanting a thorough exploration without rushing.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers with a few extra days and a desire for a comprehensive, leisurely experience.
$640 per person
6. Plain of Jars Day Trip
Finally, the Plain of Jars Day Trip offers a convenient, single-day excursion for around $87 per person. It’s a compact way to see the main archaeological sites and visit Muang Khoun, the former capital with its That Found stupa and Wat Phiawat.
The itinerary includes a pickup from your hotel, visits to Sites 1, 2, and 3, and time to explore the ancient town. The highlight is the opportunity to see the prehistoric stone jars and learn about their history from your guide.
This tour is ideal if you’re on a tight schedule but still want to experience the core sights. The reviews praise its smooth organization and value for money, making it a reliable choice.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a focused, efficient day without sacrificing key sites.
$87 per person
How to Choose the Best Tour in Phonsavan
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, how much time you have, and what interests you most. For a budget-friendly overview, the Plain of Jars share group tour is a solid pick. If you want a more cultural experience with local crafts, the Plain of Jars Tour with Local Guide offers deeper insights.
For those interested in history and wartime sites, the Long Cheng Tour provides a comprehensive look at the region’s complex past. If your schedule is tight, the Plain of Jars Day Trip delivers the highlights efficiently.
Remember to book early during peak season, especially for popular multi-day tours, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Phonsavan offers a diverse range of tours that cater to different interests and schedules. If you’re after a rich cultural experience, consider the Old Capital and Plain of Jars**. For history buffs, the Long Cheng Tour dives deeper into wartime stories. Travelers on a budget will find the share group tour a great way to see the key sites without breaking the bank.
No matter which tour you choose, Phonsavan’s intriguing stone jars and wartime relics promise an unforgettable adventure. Be sure to plan ahead and reserve your spot early—these tours fill up quickly, especially in high season.