Plain of Jars Tour with Local Guide – Sites 1, 2, 3 & Ban Naphia

Summary

Explore Xieng Khouang’s Ancient Jars & Village Life

You’ll walk through living history on this Plain of Jars tour—exploring ancient sites, meeting local spoon makers in Ban Naphia, and learning firsthand about Xieng Khouang’s past from someone who grew up here. If you want real stories and hidden details (plus no map stress), this is your day.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Phonsavan felt cool as our guide pulled up right on time. We set off for Ban Naphia, a small village tucked into the Phaxay district. The drive took about half an hour—enough time to watch the mist lift over rice paddies and spot kids cycling to school. Once we arrived, you could hear the soft clang of metal from open-air workshops. Most families here make spoons out of old bomb casings—our guide explained how this trade started after the war. I tried holding one; it was surprisingly light, and you can still see traces of the original aluminum.

By mid-morning, we reached Plain of Jars Site 3 near Ban Xieng Di. There’s a short walk across a muddy rice field (bring shoes you don’t mind getting dirty). The path is lined with wildflowers and dragonflies flitting around. Our guide pointed out which fields were just planted and which would be ready for harvest soon—a detail I’d have missed on my own. Site 3 feels peaceful, almost hidden away, with jars scattered among tall grass and bamboo groves.

Lunch was at a roadside spot in Lak Khai—nothing fancy but the noodle soup hit the spot after walking under the sun. Next up was Site 2 near Ban Nakho. This place stands out because there’s a massive tree growing right through one of the jars; locals say it’s good luck to touch it. The jars here are taller than at other sites—some nearly as high as my shoulder—and you get sweeping views over the valley.

In the afternoon, we drove to Muang Khun, once Xieng Khouang’s capital before heavy bombing during the Vietnam War. You can still see crumbling columns at Wat Phiawat and That Foun stupa rising above town—our guide shared stories about how people hid here during air raids. It’s sobering but important history that sticks with you.

The last stop was Site 1: over three hundred jars scattered across gentle hills, some weighing more than six tons each. By then, clouds had rolled in and there was a faint smell of wet earth in the air—a reminder that weather changes fast up here. After wandering among these ancient relics, our driver dropped us back at our hotel just before dusk.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Plain of Jars and Local Village

• Visit Ban Naphia spoon making village
• Walk to Plain of Jars site 3
• Visit Plain of Jars site 2 at Ban Nakho
• Explore Muang Khun former capital and Wat Phiawat
• Visit final Plain of Jars site with 334 jars

Top questions

How much walking is involved? Is it suitable for older travelers?

There are short walks at each site (especially across rice fields to Site 3), but nothing too strenuous. Most travelers find it manageable—the pace is relaxed and there are plenty of breaks.

Can I buy spoons or crafts in Ban Naphia?

Yes! The families in Ban Naphia sell handmade aluminum spoons and small crafts directly from their homes or stalls—you can watch them work and pick up souvenirs if you like.

Is lunch included? What kind of food should I expect?

Lunch is included at a local eatery—usually simple Lao dishes like noodle soup or fried rice. Vegetarian options can be arranged if you let us know ahead of time.

Will we learn about the war history in Xieng Khouang?

Definitely—the guide shares personal stories and facts about Muang Khun’s wartime past while visiting Wat Phiawat and That Foun stupa.

What’s included

Your day includes private transport with hotel pickup/drop-off, all entrance fees, lunch at a local spot, plus an English-speaking guide who knows every shortcut and story along the way.