More about hotels in Xiangkhoang
About Xiangkhoang accommodation
Xiangkhoang (also spelled Xieng Khouang) is a highland province in northern Laos, best known for the mysterious Plain of Jars scattered across its plateau. Staying here puts you within easy reach of one of Southeast Asia's great archaeological puzzles, all set against cool, rolling highland scenery that's a refreshing change from the steamier lowlands further south.
Most travellers base themselves in Phonsavan, the provincial capital, which has grown into a comfortable little hub of guesthouses, hotels and eateries geared towards visitors heading out to the jar sites. Accommodation here is simple and good value, so no worries if you're travelling on a tight budget, you can put your money towards extra time exploring instead.
Where to stay in Xiangkhoang
- Phonsavan: The provincial capital and the natural base for visiting Xiangkhoang, with the widest range of guesthouses and hotels, plus the market, restaurants and tour operators you'll need to arrange jar-site visits.
How much is Xiangkhoang accommodation?
- Budget: AU$20-35, a simple guesthouse room with a fan, comfortable bedding and a private or shared bathroom.
- Mid-range: AU$45-85, a private hotel room with hot water, a minibar and often brekkie included.
What Xiangkhoang is known for
- The Plain of Jars: Hundreds of massive stone jars, some over two metres tall, scattered across open highland plains. Carved from sandstone and granite and believed to date to the Iron Age, their original purpose is still debated by archaeologists, with a burial or ceremonial role the leading theory. It's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Southeast Asia's great archaeological mysteries.
- Cool highland scenery: Sitting on the Xiangkhoang Plateau at over 1,000 metres above sea level, the province has a noticeably cooler, drier climate than much of Laos, with rolling grassy plains and pine-dotted hills good for an easy morning walk.
Top-rated hotels in Xiangkhoang
- Auberge de la Plaine des Jarres: A characterful stone-and-timber hotel set on a hillside above Phonsavan, with fireplace lounges, valley views and a restaurant serving Lao and French-influenced dishes.
- Kongkeo Guesthouse: A long-running, highly rated guesthouse in central Phonsavan with a garden terrace, free WiFi and a team who can help arrange jar-site tours.
- Sipanya Guesthouse: A quiet, garden-set guesthouse a short drive from the airport, popular for its peaceful setting and warm hospitality.
Travel tips for Xiangkhoang
- Phonsavan's small airport (XKH) has short domestic flights from Vientiane, or you can arrive by bus for a longer trip through scenic highland country.
- Pack a light jacket, evenings on the plateau are cool year-round and December to February can be genuinely chilly.
- Wear comfortable, sturdy footwear for walking around the jar sites, as the ground underfoot is uneven grassy plain.
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