Travel from Luang Prabang to Phonsavan to experience on of the great mysteries of this region

The plain of jars. Enjoy the remote areas, villages and spectacular mountainous scenery of this trip. Discover the effects of the 'Secret War' on this region which are still visible today.

DAY 1 : Luang Prabang - Phonsavan

After an early breakfast, it?s time to head overland to one of the great mysteries of this region ? The Plain of Jars. The journey is approximately 220 km and will take approximately 6 hours, passing through remote areas of spectacular mountainous scenery. You will pass many ethnic minority villages along the way, and there may be the opportunity to stop and visit some villages. Upon arrival in Phonsavan, the capital of Xieng Khoung province check into your hotel before heading out to explore the township with your local guide.

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 archeological 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 ? 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 neighbors. 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 Hmong 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 Hmong, the largest minority in the area.

Meals: Lunch

Today 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 - 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. After lunch at a local restaurant continue to explore the surrounding region where the affects of the ?Secret War? are still visible and put to use by the locals ? bomb casing are used to support buildings and act as planter pots for flowers and vegetables.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 3: Phonsavan - Luang Prabang
The morning is free to relax or head out on your own and explore the local market in town, where the ethnic minorities (Thai Dam, Hmong, Phuan) from the surrounding villages usually gather every morning. After an early lunch begin the return drive to Luang Prabang, arriving late in the afternoon, and transfer to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

OPTION:
There is also the option on day 3 to fly from the Plain of Jars to Vientiane - price on application

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