Phonsavan City—Xiengkhouang Province, Laos - Cityscapes on Waymarking.com

Phansavan is a city in northern Laos, and capital of the Xiengkhouang Province. It has a population of ~35,000, and a local economy based upon agriculture (largely rice), and tourism. A noticeable trickle of tourists from all over the world travel here to see the megalithic site "The Plain of Jars. These are sites of stone jars, crafted two millennia ago, ~2m tall, on the southern side of the city. The plan is for the Jars to be declared a World Heritage Site. The city has a local economy, but the streets are lined with low cost tourist guest houses, low cost tourist restaurants, and tour companies vying for your business.

To the south of the city is a natural high point, ~1,200m high, as opposed to ~1,100 for the city proper. This can be reached by vehicle on a paved road, the final stretch on foot is up a small hill. On the hilltop is a square concrete pad. I do not think that this is a designated lookout, but it serves the purpose.

From here the city centre can be seen, and to the north, but the southern end of the city is obscured by a smaller hill.

I found this a delightful spot (August). Most of south east Asia is hot and dusty, plus pollution, however, the air here was fresh, crisp and clean. The wind was blowing from the east, through green, leafy hills. It was also cool. I was breathing in lungfuls of oxygenated, cool, damp air. I was tempted to stay, but I could see heavy rain on the way (rainy season). A group of children followed me around, laughing at my antics, and giggling at my slow and careful descent of the hill, as they raced up and down.

Accessible at night, but take care, a muddy path. Entry is free.

City Name: Phonsavan. View Type: Over Land Location Type: Natural High-Point City Lights: yes Terrain: Fee: Not Listed Distance: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Logging requirements are left to the waymark owner, but a photo is always appreciated.

Recent Visits/Logs:

There are no logs for this waymark yet.