Plain of Jars

Luang Prabang to Phonsavan in Xieng Khouang Province - the Plain of Jars

The origin of the many hundreds of jars remains an enigma, but are thought to be associated with burial rights from the Iron Age. The enormous ancient stone jars are scattered over the whole of Xieng Khouang province, and clusters of up to 400 can be found in a single locality. 

The romantics will tell you that they were used for making huge quantities rice wine, but this is highly improbable even if it does make an amusing story. A more plausible reason for the jars is that they were used for burial ceremonies, but the real reasons for their existence have been lost in antiquity.

The Xieng Khouang province was extensively bombed in the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1973; there is still much unexploded ordnance in this area, and throughout much of Laos.

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From Luang Prabang to Phonsavan and the Plain of Jars the journey is 265 kilometres roughly South East. The visit cannot be done as a day trip with MinivanLuangPrabang from Luang Prabang, and we recommend that our small group tours and family holidays spend one or two nights in Phonsavan.

You might like to combine this custom tour with a trip to the Hot Springs at Ban Nyai, about 65 kilometres east of Phonsavan. The resort has bungalows and indoor swimming facilities. There is another, smaller hot spring nearby at Ban Xang. 

Another possible visit from Phonsavan is the beautiful Nong Tang Lake set amidst towering limestone karsts - lying about 50 kilometres west of Phonsavan on Route 7. 

Read more about Ban Nyai hot springs and Nong Tang Lake ......

You might also like to go on to  Nong Khiaw, Vang Vieng or Vientiane.

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The Hmong New Year is a time for the Hmong people to honour their ancestors and give thanks for the annual harvest of rice. Boys and girls in traditional dress will play Poy Pob, a game in which they form two lines opposite each other and throw balls back and forth to find a partner which might perhaps lead to a wedding at a later date.

All at the New Year celebrations will wear beautiful clothes and enjoy games and the many varieties of Hmong traditional food

If you travel from Phonsavan to Nong Khiaw (a lengthy journey) you will pass through Muang Hiem in Houphan Province. Years ago the area was populated by tigers which have long since disappeared. The river Nam Khan continues from Muang Hiem to Luang Prabang and beyond.

The hot springs are in the Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area  about ten minutes walk from the main road. The springs are among the hottest natural springs in Laos - you can boil an egg in  the hot waters! 

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MinivanLuangPrabang's minivan tour service specialises in arranging custom guided tours in Luang Prabang and throughout Laos for small groups and families by private hire minivan with driver, and our tour operator will do his best to accommodate all of your wishes. Self guided tours with our English speaking driver are also available.