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Plain Of Jars Tour

Price Per Person

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USD 540
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Day 1: Luang Prabang - Phonsavanh (L) We leave Luang Prabang and continue on road No.13 about the highlands and through the breathtaking scenery to Xieng Khouang. On the way, we can enjoy the magnificent views . .
Country: Laos
City: Xieng Khuang
Duration: 3 Day(s) - 2 Night(s)
Tour Category: Full Day Tours
Package Itinerary

Day 1: Luang Prabang - Phonsavanh (L)

We leave Luang Prabang and continue on road No.13 about the highlands and through the breathtaking scenery to Xieng Khouang. On the way, we can enjoy the magnificent views and visit one of the many Hmong villages in this area. The Hmong are an Asian ethnic group from the mountainous regions of Laos, they are also one of the sub-groups of the Miao, an ethnic minority in Southern China. The Hmong began a gradual migration to the south in the 18th Century due to political unrest and to find more farmland.

Xieng Khouang, with the Plain of Jars, is a very famous tourist attraction and was also nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. By 1973, every village in the province of Xieng Khouang was destroyed by American bombing during the Indochina War. Approx. 2 tons of bombs per inhabitant were dropped during the conflict in Laos and a lot of them were in the area of ​​Xieng Khouang. However, this area is surprisingly beautiful, with its mysterious ancient stone jugs next to bomb craters, the relics from the dark days of a destructive war. Before we reach the Plain of Jars, we can stop for a visit at Muang Sui, located 50 km from Phonsavanh and road No.7.

The quiet little town of Muang Sui is notable for several reasons. During the Indochina War, this was the last position of the Nationalist Lao Army and the CIA, supported by Air America, before it was evacuated. This area became known as 'Lima Site L-108' and the runway and some of the abandoned buildings are still visible today.

The other reason to visit Muang Sui, is the richness of Buddhist sites in the area, including historic temples and caves. Of the caves around Sam Neua, some of them were used as bomb- shelters during the war, and evidence (in the form of medical wastes) can be seen in some cases even today.

Overnight in Phonsavanh.

Day 2: Plain of Jars (B, L)

The Plain of Jars is a large cultural site in Laos containing thousands of stone jars. Archaeologists believe that jars were used 1,500 to 2,000 years ago. Most of the excavated material has been dated to around 500 BC to 800 AD. Anthropologists and archeologists have theorized that the jars may have been used as funeral urns or perhaps storage for food.

Lao stories and legends claim that there was a warrior race of giants who once inhabited the area. The local legend tells of the ancient king named Khun Cheung, who fought a long, victorious battle. It is said that he celebrated his victory by creating jars to brew and store huge amounts of Laos, a traditional rice wine. The jars lie scattered throughout the northern end of the Xieng Khouang plain in the Lao Highlands which meet the Annamese Cordillera, the principal mountain range of Indochina which divides Laos and Vietnam.

In the context of the Vietnam War and the Secret War, the Plain of Jars typically refers to the entire Xieng Khouang plain rather than the cultural sites themselves. On your way to the cultural site, you might see old Russian tanks and large craters which are now historic remnants themselves.

The tour will take you to visit sites 1,2 & 3 within the Plain of Jars. The others are considered too dangerous.
We'll end our visit with Muang Khoun the former royal capital of the Xieng Khouang region. Though the town was heavily bombed during the war, a few colonial French buildings remain along with several temples and the famous stupa tower of That Foun, which was built in 1576. It is said that That Foun was built over the ashes of Lord Buddha which were brought to Laos from India.

Overnight in Phonsavanh.

Day 3: Phonsavanh – Luang Prabang (B, L)

Morning choice of activities; e.g. visit the local market (Hmong Market in Nong Pet only on Sunday mornings) or the MAG Visitor Center in downtown Phonsavanh.

Transfer back to Luang Prabang in the morning; arrive in LPB in the late afternoon. Transfer to your hotel.

(Alternatively, take a flight to Vientiane)

Price Includes:

English speaking guide

Transport with AC

All entrance fees

Drinking-Water

Government Tax

Accommodation

Price Excludes:

Drinks / Alcohol

Visa fees/border fees

All Flights

Personal expenses

Travel Insurance

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