Optional Laos Pre-Tour to the Plain of Jars
November 9 – 13, 2010

The Plain of Jars is a large group of historic cultural sites in Laos containing thousands of stone jars, which lie scattered throughout the Xieng Khouang plain in the Lao Highlands at the northern end of the Annamese Cordillera, the principal mountain range of Indochina. Archaeologists believe that the jars were used 1,500–2,000 years ago. Most of the excavated material has been dated to around 500 BC–800 AD. Anthropologists and archeologists have theorized that the jars may have been used as funeral urns or perhaps storage for food.
     There are total of more than 400 sites across the whole Plain of Jars, centering on the area of Xieng Khouang. The jars lie in clusters. The largest cluster, near the town of Phonsavan, known as Site 1, contains over 250 jars of varying sizes. This destination is under consideration to be added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.

ITINERARY

Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Depart USA

Depart your home city today on an international overnight flight to Laos. When doing a search for airfare, use the airport code for Luang Prabang, which is LPQ. You will most likely fly to Bangkok and connect to a flight on either Laos Airlines, Thai Airways, or Bangkok Airways. Our travel partners in Asia can assist you with booking your flight from Bangkok to Laos. Click here to see recommended flights.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Arrival in Luang Prabang

You will be met upon arrival in Luang Prabang, and transferred from the airport to our hotel. Because there is a good possibility that participants will be arriving after the dinner hour, we have not included any meals today. However, those who arrive in the afternoon and who wish to dine together, will meet in the hotel lobby to make plans for the evening. Overnight in Luang Prabang.     (No Meals)

Thursday, November 11, 2010
Transfer to Phonsavanh and the Plain of Jars

After breakfast, travel by vehicle from Luang Prabang to Phonsavanh (Xieng Khuang). Muang Khoun is the ancient capital that was founded by Chao Noi Muang and was a stronghold for the Xieng Khouang royal family. It was destroyed during the Indochina War. The town was rebuilt after 1975 with rows of wooden Lao houses and a market area. It has an impressive location as it is surrounded by mountains. Overnight in Phonsavanh.     (Breakfast)

Friday, November 12, 2010
Phonsavanh / Piu Cave

Spend the morning visiting some of the local markets in Phonsavanh. Proceed to Piu Cave, stopping at different Hmong and Thai Dam villages on the path to the cave.On the return, visit the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Ban Khay. Visit Plain of Jars Site I. Overnight in Phonsavanh.     (Breakfast)

Saturday, November 13, 2010
Return to Luang Prabang

After breakfast, travel by vehicle from Phonsavanh (Xieng Khuang) to Luang Prabang with sightseeing at Muang Sui. This is a slow journey along mountain roads with stunning views of the forested mountains, lush valleys and karst formations. Stop at Muang Sui, visiting Wat Ban Phong, the second oldest temple in the province; scenic Nong Tang Lake, rimmed with limestone cliffs; and the extensive cave network of Tham Pha Cave. Only discovered recently, this cave contains a 5m high Buddha image dating from 777 AD, surrounded by gold and wooden statues of smaller size. Upon arrival in Luang Prabang check into the hotel and join the group for the remaining portion of the introduction to Laos tour.     (Breakfast)