The Plain of Jars is a megalithic archaeological landscape in Laos. Scattered in the landscape of the Xieng Khouang plateau, Xieng Khouang, Lao PDR, are thousands of megalithic jars. These stone jars appear in clusters, ranging from a single or a few to several hundred jars at lower foothills surrounding the central plain and upland valleys.
The Xieng Khouang Plateau is located at the northern end of the Annamese Cordillera, the principal mountain range of Indochina. Initial research of the Plain of Jars in the early 1930s claimed that the stone jars are associated with prehistoric burial practices. Excavation by Lao and Japanese archaeologists in the intervening years has supported this interpretation with the discovery of human remains, burial goods and ceramics around the stone jars. The Plain of Jars is dated to the Iron Age (500 BCE to 500 CE) and is one of the most fascinating and important sites for studying Southeast Asian prehistory. The Plain of Jars has the potential to shed light on the relationship between increasingly complex societies and megalithic structures and provide insight into social organisation of Iron Age Southeast Asia’s communities. To visit the jar sites one would typically stay in Phonsavan.
Day 1: Arrive in Vientiane (L)
Welcome to Vientiane. Upon arrival, meet your guide transfer to your hotel.
After a short break, we start visiting the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket, the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.
Stay overnight at hotel in in Vientiane.
Day 2: Vientiane – Vang Vieng (B,L)
Today We are driving ahead about 3hours and hlaf to Vang Vieng. Upona rrival, check in at yoru hotel. Enjoy a short tubing along Somg river about 2hours. You can see the stunning view of the town.
Stay overnight at hotel in Vang Vieng.
Day 3: Vang Vieng – Xieng Khouang (B,L)
After breakfast, We drive to Xieng Khouang, which was devastated by American bombing between 1964 and 1973. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
We then drive out to visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. We also have time, this afternoon seeing the old capital of Muang Khoun Province and the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people. They have an interesting local culture and a colorful history.
Stay overnight at hotel in Xieng Khouang.
Day 4: Xieng Khuoang – Luang Prabang (B,L)
Early morning, we visit Central Market of Phonsavan to watch different Hill Tribes to barter and exchange merchandises.
Afternoon, we then heading out this small town to Luang Prabang about 270KM, on the way, we drop off and see a site more than 200 years old Buddha images in Thampra and varied Hmong and varied hill tribe minority villages along the road. They are nice, friendly and welcome you to visit. After a photo stop, we continue driving up hill, enjoying mountain splendid natural scenery, forest and landscape. After a tea or coffee break at Sala Phoukhoun, where the T-junction of bordering meets Vientiane-Xiengkhouang-Luang Prabang. The journey will take us over mountainous region to Luang Prabang. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos.
Arrival in Luang Prabang. Checking into hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.
Day 5: Luang Prabang city tour – Kuang Sii Fall (B,L)
After breakfast, visit National museum, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai and visit Wat Xieng Thong.
After lunch, transfer you to airport for your departure flight.
INCLUSION:
Transportation in private
Accommodation in twin shared room
Boat trip as stated in above sights
English speaking guide
Admission fee to indicated sights
Meals mentioned
Gov’t tax and service charge
Luggage handling and drinking water
EXCLUSION:
Tip
Drinks
Personal expenses
