Destination

Plain Of Jars

Still unsure of their true significance, historians and lay people alike continue to be intrigued by the huge stones of the Plain of Jars in northern Laos, some of which weigh about six tons. Some stand tall as a man and tilted by time, others are eroded into the ground; many have moldered for millennia, perhaps the remnants of a trade route or the markers of burial pits. While the Plain of Jars' ancient origins remain cryptic, in the last century they have gained a different unfortunate notoriety. Between 1964 and 1973, American planes carpet bombed Xieng Khuang province, where the Plain of Jars is located, due to its close proximity to the North Vietnamese border. In just under a decade, Laos achieved the dubious distinction of being the most bombed country in the world. This sorrowful chapter in Laotian history is commemorated by the nearby Vietnamese and Lao war memorials.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

Chinese Market

Take a stroll through the Chinese Market and purchase anything from gold and silver to delicacies like wild mushrooms and ordinary items for daily use. The market has its own unique cultural bent, and is a good way to enjoy an evening.

Lao War Memorial

Erected in 1998, the Lao War Memorial, located on a hilltop, offers a picturesque view of the surrounding area. The Pathet Lao (Laotian communist) soldiers who died in the war have their names etched in stone.

Plain of Jars

The Plain of Jars is a peaceful but mysterious place, a vast open plain, dotted with odd giant stones, stretching to the distant mountains. Reminiscent of the fields of Naza Lines in Peru, the Plain of Jars piques our curiosity with the hint of ancient and esoteric human activity. European research in the 1930s found that the jars were used in prehistoric burial rituals and date back to the Iron Age of 500 B.C. The plain is a field day for photography enthusiasts.

Vietnamese War Memorial

Dedicated to the Vietnamese soldiers who fought and died in northeast Laos, the memorial was created as a gesture of solidarity between the two countries in the wake of the "American War."

Laos Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Northern

Central

Southern

Plain Of Jars Itineraries

All Itineraries

Heritage of Northern Laos: Discovering the Past, Protecting the Future

Start in the UNESCO Heritage City of Luang Prabang, drift down the river after dark on an intrepid night safari in Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park, then end your trip at the historic and mysterious Plain of Jars.

Interests Responsible, National Parks, Wildlife

Destinations Laos

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person: From $6,100

See Itinerary

Auberge de la Plaine des Jarres

Plain Of Jars, Laos

This French-run mountain lodge-style property sits on top of Phou Phadeng mountain, with the cool air giving it a real Alpine feel and with superb views of the surrounding countryside. The charming wooden chalets all have balconies as well as separate sitting areas and real log fireplaces with chimneys, as well as modern touches like en-suite hot showers. There is also a very cozy restaurant, which serves up traditional Lao cuisine and selected French dishes, accompanied by a good wine list. The lodge is ideally located for visiting both the Plain of Jars and the market town of Phonsavane.

Multi-Country Specialists

Laos Goes Well With

Cambodia

Vietnam

Thailand

Myanmar

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

Laos Silk Weaving Up Close

Author: Ronan O'Connell

Lao people have been weaving these colorful threads for more than 1,000 years with silk made from mulberry leaf-fed silk worms.

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Dinner at the Rosewood Luang Prabang with Chef Sebastien Rubis

Author: Tyler Roney

If you’re talking about fine dining in Luang Prabang, you’re talking about Rosewood Luang Prabang — and most certainly about culinary director Sebastien Rubis.

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Southern Laos: Tribal Secrets Unlocked

Author: Jay Tindall

Southern Laos offers rarely seen and almost epic tribal adventure. The Brao, Alak, Katu or “Katang” and Ta Oi tribes all offer fascinating cultural insights.

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What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.

American Family

Our very detailed itinerary included 13 towns in 9 different countries, focusing on Indochina and Thailand. Remote Lands did such a wonderful job planning the trip.

Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam