Haven't been to Phonsavan in about 5 years now but glad to hear it hasn't tipped toward tourism the way the rest of Laos has. Probably because it's not readily accessible.

Interesting to note Vang Vieng is playing Seinfeld now. For years it was Friends. Beautiful town, but atrocious food (except for the small market to the north side of town where a woman sells laap plaa stuffed in chilis).