Xieng Khouang Airport Overview

Xieng Khouang Airport (XKH) serves Phonsavan, the capital of Xiangkhouang province in northern Laos. It takes its name from the Xiangkhoang Plateau, the high country around the town. Most visitors arrive here on their way to the Plain of Jars, the famous landscape of ancient stone vessels scattered across the plateau.

Location: Xieng Khouang Airport and Phonsavan

The airport is just a few kilometres from central Phonsavan, so the transfer is short. It has a single asphalt runway, 07/25, around 2,480 metres long.

The Terminal at Xieng Khouang

Expect a small, simple terminal with basic check-in and waiting areas. It is a calm place to fly from, without the queues of a big hub. Bring cash in Lao kip, as card payments may not be accepted everywhere in Phonsavan.

Airlines Serving Xieng Khouang

Flights link Xieng Khouang with Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Carriers on the route include Lao Airlines, Lao Skyway and Lanexang Airways. The flight is short, well under an hour, and saves a long mountain road journey. Timetables can change, so check the current schedule before you book.

Getting from the Airport into Phonsavan

Tuk-tuks and minivans usually meet arriving flights, and many guesthouses and tour agencies in Phonsavan can arrange a pickup. Hiring a driver for the day is a common way to visit the jar sites.

Visiting the Plain of Jars from Phonsavan

The Plain of Jars is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with hundreds of large stone jars spread over several sites near Phonsavan. The region also carries the legacy of wartime bombing. Local information centres explain the ongoing work to clear unexploded ordnance.

Tips for Travelling via Xieng Khouang

• Stay on marked paths at the jar sites and other rural areas.
• The plateau is cooler than lowland Laos, so pack a warm layer, especially for early mornings.
• Arrange your airport transfer with your accommodation ahead of arrival.

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