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Region: Laos Packaged Tours

2 Days - 1 Night

Xieng Khuang Province, an area of strategic trading and military importance is a mountainous region full of mountains and waterfalls. Phonsavan, the capital of the region acts as a tourism hub for the area and includes a fine collection of archaeological riches, including the mysterious Plain of Jars.

The province is one of the northern regions of Lao most heavily affected by the Secret war. Virtually every town and village was bombed at one time or another between 1964 &ndash 1973, leaving behind a devastating toll on the local terrain and farmlands. The area is pockmarked with bomb craters in which little or no vegetation grows.

Located 130km's from the Vietnamese border, the area has also been home to conflicts with neighbours. By 1964 the North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao had established vast tunnels under the Plain of Jars, as part of the Ho Chi Minh trail. This battlefield served to deliver daily bombing by American planes, and ground battles between the Pathet Lao and US-trained H&rsquomong army.

The remains of ordinance left behind play a role in everyday life, with bomb fragments serving as fence posts, planter boxes and various other uses by villagers. The surrounding mountains are also home to several ethnic minorities, including the Thai Dam, Phuan and H&rsquomong, the largest minority in the area.

DAY 1

Luang Prabang - Phonsavan
Depart early this morning for the overland journey to one of the great mysteries of this region - The Plain of Jars. The journey is approximately 220 km and takes approximately 6 hours, passing through remote areas of spectacular mountainous scenery with many small ethnic minority villages along the way. If time permits there may be the opportunity to stop and visit some of these villages.

Upon arrival in Phonsavan, the capital of Xieng Khuang province check into your hotel before heading out to explore the township with your local guide.

Meals: Lunch

DAY 2
Plain of Jars - Vientiane - Depart
This morning depart with your guide to visit the local market in town, where ethnic minorities (including Thai Dam, H&rsquomong, and Phuan) from the surrounding villages usually gather. Next explore the mystery that is the Plain of Jars.

There are 3 main sites where jars are located. There are over 500 jars spread over 3 sites and they vary in size from 1 to 3 meters in height, with the largest 2.7 meters in diameter. It is said that the heaviest jar weighs 6 tons.

The purpose of these Jars, thought to have been carved from solid rock around 3,000 years ago, remain a mystery even today. There have been recent UNESCO sponsored projects to determine the history of the jars.

Return to your hotel to check-out by 12 noon and after lunch, depending on your flight time, there may be some time for more exploration of the township or the surrounding region where the affects of the &lsquoSecret War&rsquo are still visible and put to use by the locals &ndash bomb casing are used to support buildings and act as planter pots for flowers and vegetables.

Transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to Vientiane.