Plain of Jars

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Phonsavan - Plain of Jars - Phonsavan - Luang Prabang
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights
Price:
From £ 459.- per person (excluding flights)
When to go:
November - May

Puzzle over the ancient mystery of giant stone jars scattered across hilly plains and visit an inspiring community project dedicated to educating young people in north eastern Laos. Nobody knows how, when or why the huge jars appeared, making the Plain of Jars a truly mind-boggling place. During this trip you’ll wander across the bizarre and beautiful plains on a guided tour and meet the spirited students of the Buffalo Foundation, committed to improving opportunities for young people with English classes and football coaching. It’s an eye-opening and heart-warming experience.

Day 1 – Arrival in Phonsavan

Most travellers take a flight from Vientiane to Phonsovan and, if you look out the plane window, you’ll see the huge craters left by America’s secret war on Laos. When you arrive, you’ll make your own way from the airport to your cosy guest house. In the afternoon, you can visit the MAG (Mines Advisory Group) centre, where you can find out how unexploded mines affect the lives of the local people.

Day 2 – Plain of Jars

There are three plains in the Phonsavan area peppered with ancient sandstone jars. Some experts believe that the giant jars were used to store wine or rice, while others believe that the dead were once buried in them. At Site 1, you’ll find a giant urn weighing thousands of kilos. According to the Laotians, this jar was the victory-cup of the mythical King Jeuan. You’ll also find another 250 jars with oval or round openings and, at times you’ll also see decorated ‘lids’. Archaeologists believe that these lids were never used to shut the jars, but the mystery surrounding the plains is nowhere near being solved.

In the afternoon you’ll visit The Lone Buffalo Foundation, a community project offering young people free English courses and computer courses. It also promotes physical activities, such as football classes, encouraging English study through sport. Meeting travellers gives the students a great opportunity to practice speaking in public, so your visit will come in very handy. In turn, you’ll learn a great deal about local Laos culture.