Plain of Jars: Site 1
ທົ່ງໄຫຫີນ: ແຫຼ່ງທີ 1
Hundreds of Iron Age stone jars scattered across grassy hills; a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019.
- Start at the visitor centre
- Stay between the white-and-red MAG markers
- Visit late afternoon for low light
Plain of Jars: Sites 2 & 3
ທົ່ງໄຫຫີນ: ແຫຼ່ງທີ 2 ແລະ 3
Quieter sites on forested hilltops and among rice fields, south of Phonsavan.
- Hire a driver or guide for the day
- Walk through paddies to Site 3
- Bring water, as facilities are basic
MAG UXO Visitor Centre
ສູນຂໍ້ມູນ UXO ຂອງ MAG
Explains why Xieng Khouang is one of the most heavily bombed places on earth, and how clearance continues.
- Watch the documentary screenings
- Free entry; donations fund clearance
- Never touch metal objects in the countryside
Muang Khoun, the old capital
ເມືອງຄູນ ນະຄອນເກົ່າ
The former royal capital of Xieng Khouang, where a bomb-scarred Buddha still sits at Wat Phia Wat.
- See Wat Phia Wat's ruined columns
- Climb to That Foun stupa
- About 35 km from Phonsavan
Mulberry silk farm
ຟາມໄໝ ແລະ ໝາກມອນ
A long-running organic farm near Phonsavan showing sericulture from mulberry leaf to woven silk.
- Take the free farm tour
- Watch the weavers at work
- Try mulberry tea
Hot springs near Muang Kham
ນ້ຳຮ້ອນໃກ້ເມືອງຄຳ
Natural hot springs in the hills east of Phonsavan, with simple bathing houses.
- Bring a towel and swimwear
- Combine with a Hmong village visit
- Roads are slow, so allow a half day
Hmong New Year (November to December)
ບຸນປີໃໝ່ມົ້ງ (ເດືອນ 11-12)
After the harvest, Hmong communities celebrate with ball-tossing courtship games, bull fights and new clothes.
- Dates vary by village
- Phonsavan hosts large gatherings
- Dress warmly, as nights are cold
