The land of high rugged mountains, valleys, water sources of many river streams make it one of the most beautiful landscape in the country. However the province was heavily bombed during the 1964-1973 war. Virtually all towns were bombed. Thousands of craters left by the explosion are being used as fish ponds. The former capital Xieng Khouang was entirely destroyed by bombs, and the new principal town was formed at Phonsavan.

The groups of people living in the province include Thai Dam, Hmong, Lao Lum and Phuan, and Vietnamese. The mysterious plain of Jars (Thong Hai Hin) is near Phongsavan. Hot springs and caves can be visited by road from the capital.