Plain of Jars Laos Tour: Which Sites Are Worth Visiting?

Unveiling the Mysteries: What Is the Plain of Jars?

So what exactly is the Plain of Jars? This megalithic archaeological site features over 2,000 massive jars made from sandstone, granite, and limestone in Xiangkhouang. The largest stands over two meters high and weighs several tons. But here’s the twist — no one knows exactly why they were made.

Legend has it that a giant king, Khun Cheung, commanded these jars to be made to brew and store rice wine for a grand victory feast. Another tale suggests they were used to collect rainwater for traders and travelers crossing this elevated region. Meanwhile, archaeologists believe they were likely used in burial rituals, supported by discoveries of human remains, pottery, and ornaments near the jars.

These intriguing stories, along with UNESCO World Heritage recognition, make each jar more than a relic — they are gateways to a forgotten civilization. Touring with Impress Travel means you’ll hear the legends, walk the ancient paths, and learn what each site reveals about the people who once lived — and died — here.

Plain of Jars (Source: frankcornfield)

Best Time to Visit: Season, Weather & Photography Tips

Best Time of Day to Visit the Plain of Jars

Best Season to Visit

Pro Tip:
If you’re planning to trek between Jar Site 2 and Site 3, schedule your walk in the early morning or late afternoon for cooler air and softer terrain. Impress Travel Laos Tours will help customize your itinerary with built-in rest stops, picnic options, and optimal light for unforgettable photography.

Discover the Three Main Sites (Jar Site 1, 2, 3)

Jar Site 1 – Thong Hai Hin

Just 10–15 km from Phonsavan, Site 1 features over 300 gigantic stone jars, spread gracefully across gentle hills with panoramic views. The terrain here is smooth and wide, making it ideal for families, seniors, and casual walkers.

Besides the massive jars, this site houses the only known jar with a lid, a mysterious cremation cave, and several bomb craters — haunting reminders of the Vietnam War bombings that scarred this land. You’ll also find excellent facilities here: a visitor center, interpretive signs, clean restrooms, and refreshment stalls.

Early morning visits offer the best light for photography, as sunbeams cut through morning mist, creating an almost spiritual ambiance. This is the perfect place to begin your journey — the starting point of every expertly guided Plain of Jars itinerary.

Jar Site 1 (Source: xiengkhouangtourism)

Jar Site 2 – Hai Hin Phu Salato

Site 2 is your destination. Located around 8km beyond Site 1, this secluded forested hill holds roughly 90 smaller jars, hidden among tall trees and shady groves.

You’ll need to walk through grassy fields and ascend a small hill, but the reward is pure serenity. The view from the hilltop overlooks sprawling rice paddies and distant villages. Unlike Site 1, this place often feels like your own private discovery — a favorite among photographers and those who enjoy light trekking and peaceful moments in nature.

Site 2 may be less visited, but it offers a deep connection to the landscape and silence, perfect for thoughtful travelers.

Jar Site 2 (Source: laoslife)

Jar Site 3 – Ban Xieng Di / Lath Khai

Site 3 is the most atmospheric and artistic of them all. Located about 24–25 km southeast of Phonsavan, this site takes you deep into the Lao countryside. To reach the jars, you’ll cross a bamboo bridge, wander through lush rice fields, and follow winding dirt paths to two jar fields nestled within a working village.

Here, you’re not just visiting history — you’re immersing in local life. Children play in the fields, buffalo graze lazily nearby, and the sounds of nature mix with the sights of tradition. With around 150 jars, this site is a photographer’s paradise, especially during the rice harvest months of October and November, when the valley turns golden.

Jar Site 3 (Source: worldheritagesites)

Plain of Jars Travel Tips & Safety Advice

Your safety and comfort are our priority at Impress Travel. Follow these essential tips to make the most of your journey:

• Always stay on marked paths — areas beyond may still contain unexploded ordnance (UXO).
• Bring closed-toe shoes, sun hats, long sleeves, and drinking water.
• Opening hours are from 7:00 to 17:00 only — no overnight stays allowed at any site.
• Entrance fee: 10,000 kip per site (subject to change).

Traveler-Specific Advice

How to Get There: Travel Tips from Impress Travel Experts

Whether you’re coming from Luang Prabang, Vientiane, or crossing the border from Vietnam, getting to the Plain of Jars is simple — especially with Impress Travel’s arranged transfers.

Suggested Itineraries: Plan Your Trip or Let Us Handle It

Where to go in Laos backpacking? Impress Travel proudly offers curated journeys that balance time, comfort, and cultural depth — whether you have 1 day or 3 days, our team ensures your Plain of Jars itinerary is smooth, insightful, and unforgettable. Here’s how we make each day count:

1-Day Quick Discovery Tour (Perfect for Busy Travelers)

Designed for those who want to unlock the essence of the Plain of Jars Laos in just one day, this tour departs from Phonsavan and features four enriching stops:

• 08:00 – 08:30: Hotel pickup, welcome briefing with your English-speaking guide.
• 08:30 – 10:30 – Jar Site 1: Walk amidst over 300 ancient stone jars, view bomb craters, and visit the on-site visitor center. Learn about megalithic burial rituals and wartime scars.
• 10:45 – 12:15 – MAG UXO Visitor Centre: Watch documentaries such as “Bomb Harvest” and speak with field staff to understand UXO clearance efforts.
• 12:30 – 13:30: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant – taste Lao classics like laap, sticky rice, and grilled river fish.
• 13:45 – 15:30 – Tham Piew Cave: Discover the “Missile Cave”, its haunting wartime legacy and geological beauty.
• 15:30 – 16:30 – Mulberries Organic Silk Farm: See the full process of Lao silk-making – from cocoon to loom – and try your hand at natural dyeing.
• 16:45 – 17:00: Return to Phonsavan.

2-Day Classic Highlights Tour (Our Best-Seller)

A perfect balance of culture, history, and natural scenery — this two-day journey reveals all major jar sites plus traditional village life and sacred caves.

Day 1 – Off-the-Beaten-Path Exploration

• 08:00: Pickup from Phonsavan.
• 08:45 – 10:15 – Jar Site 2: Climb gentle hills to find ~90 jars tucked under forest canopies. Ideal for photographers and quiet walkers.
• 10:30 – 12:00 – Jar Site 3: Cross rice paddies on footbridges and explore jars surrounded by rural landscapes and water buffalo paths.
• 12:15 – 13:15: Local lunch at a traditional homestay – try grilled chicken in banana leaves and sticky rice in bamboo.
• 13:30 – 16:00 – Muang Khoun Ancient Capital: Visit the ruins of Wat Phia Wat, see the bombed French villas, and admire That Foun stupa.
• 16:30 – 19:00: Check-in to your homestay/hotel, engage in Hmong cultural exchanges, enjoy local rice wine, and watch Lao traditional dance (Lamvong).

Ruins Of Wat Phia Wat (Source: atlasobscura)

Day 2 – Spiritual Sites & Traditional Craft

• 07:30: Departure after breakfast.
• 08:00 – 10:00 – Jar Site 1: Deep dive into archaeological theories and Indochina War evidence with your guide.
• 10:30 – 12:00 – Tham Pha (Buddha Cave): Marvel at 229 golden Buddha statues hidden for centuries to avoid plunder.
• 12:15 – 13:15: Lunch in Phonsavan.
• 13:30 – 15:00 – Silk Workshop at Mulberries: Join a natural dye & loom weaving class, take home a unique handmade gift.
• 15:15 – 16:30 – Tham Piu Cave: Reflect at the mass grave site and view UXO exhibits from the tragic 1968 bombing.
• 17:00: Return to town.

3-Day Heritage & Nature Discovery Tour (For Deep Travelers)

This in-depth journey is built for travelers who seek full immersion: trekking, sacred legends, local crafts, and deep historical insight.

Day 1 – Cultural Prelude

(Same itinerary as Day 1 of 2-Day Tour)

Day 2 – Beyond the Surface

(Same itinerary as Day 2 of 2-Day Tour)

Day 3 – Trekking, Picnic & Craft Villages

• 08:00 – 10:30: Light trek through rice paddies, with your guide explaining highland ecosystems and plant uses.
• 10:30 – 11:30: Picnic lunch at an open field near the jars — fresh Laotian salads, shredded chicken, and tropical fruit juice.
• 11:45 – 13:30 – Muang Khoun Deep Dive: Visit lesser-known relics such as Wat Si Phom and early Xieng Khouang royal temples.
• 13:45 – 15:30 – Ban Xang Khong (Weaving Village): Join the Ock Pop Tok center, paint with natural dyes, and sip butterfly-pea tea.
• 15:30 – 17:00 – Tham Pha Ka Cave (Vientiane Province): Walk into cool limestone caves far from tourist crowds.

Who Should Visit? Tour Options by Traveler Type

Wherever your interests lie, there’s a route for you in our Plain of Jars itinerary selection.

Why Book with Impress Travel?

Because you deserve more than a trip — you deserve a meaningful journey.

• Our English-speaking guides are trained in both archaeology and war history.
• We offer flexible itineraries based on your pace, fitness, and preferences.
• All-in-one packages: from transport and hotels to meals and entrance tickets.
• We’re committed to local communities — working with local drivers, artisans, and hosts.
• Environmental care is central — we only operate in designated, cleared, and safe areas.

Whether you seek ancient legends, historical echoes, or peaceful rural trails, the Plain of Jars offers more than a destination — it’s a journey through time. From 1-day highlights to immersive 3-day cultural treks, Impress Travel brings you closer to the stories behind every stone.  

And if you’re also dreaming of drifting across the Four Thousand Islands Laos, wandering temples in Lao Prabang, or chasing sunsets in Vang Vieng, let us craft a full cultural journey that connects them all. Let Impress Travel Laos Tours handle the logistics while you immerse yourself in stories carved into stone and whispered by the wind.

FAQs

What is the meaning of the Plain of Jars?

It’s a prehistoric archaeological enigma. Most scholars believe the jars were part of ancient burial rituals, but local legends speak of giants brewing rice wine to celebrate victory. With no inscriptions and only one jar found with a lid, the truth remains unconfirmed.

Is the Plain of Jars worth visiting?

Absolutely. This is one of Southeast Asia’s most mysterious UNESCO sites, rich in ancient culture, haunting war history, and stunning natural views. A highlight of any Laos itinerary.

How do you get to the Plain of Jars?

Fly into Phonsavan, or travel by road from Luang Prabang or Vientiane. Impress Travel offers full transportation, from pickup to site transfers, in our tour packages.

Why is the Plain of Jars a mystery?

Thousands of stone jars, carved over 2,000 years ago, dot the hills without inscriptions, aligned strangely, and no clear explanation. One site has a cremation cave, another has jars hidden in forests. Every step reveals more questions than answers.