We travel through the most bombed province during Laos’ secret war as we head to the gateway to the Plain of Jars. From Luang Prabang, we set off on a six-hour drive. En route, we stop at Phoukhoun to soak up misty mountain vistas and visit the lively market where Hmong, Khmu and Lao Loum ethnic groups trade farming produce. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Xieng Khouang, one of the most bombed regions in northern Laos during what is now called the ‘secret war’. This saw the USA bomb the country between 1964 and 1973 as part of an attempt to overthrow the communist Pathet Lao, allies with North Vietnam during the Vietnam War. We transfer to Phonsavan, the provincial capital and entrance to the UNESCO-crowned Plain of Jars. We check-in to the hotel with time to refresh before dinner. Soak up Laos’ rich culture and history during an epic road trip.

Overnight in Phonsavan.

We marvel at the magnificent Plain of Jars on a day of fascinating exploration. After breakfast we head to the colourful morning market before driving to the famed archeological site that features mysterious giant stone jars scattered across hundreds of hills around Phonsavan. The ancient stones’ origin remains a mystery but archaeologists estimate they date back to 500 BC and were used for burial rituals. We stop at Site 2, an area consisting of 93 jars spread across two adjacent hills. We continue to Site 3 made up of eight groups of jars. The main group boasts 150 jars perched atop a scenic hill with a spectacular view of the surrounding plains and rice paddies. After lunch, we head to Ban Naphia, dubbed the ‘war spoon village’ because spoons and bracelets are famously created from bombshells left over from the ‘secret war’. We then return to Phonsavan, passing numerous large Hmong settlements. We also stop at Site 1 featuring over 300 jars. Dinner is at the hotel. We can stand in awe of a mysterious site that has baffled archaeologists for centuries today.

Overnight in Phonsavan.

We bask in the breath-taking natural beauty of Vang Vieng’s dreamlike landscapes on today’s discovery. After breakfast we hit the road and take a scenic six-hour drive to this charming town. We stop en route to enjoy lunch, arriving in the late afternoon. We check-in to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to settle into our tranquil surroundings. Vang Vieng is home to a striking landscape of majestic limestone mountain peaks, scenic cliffs and a patchwork of rice paddies, plus the Nam Song River winding through the town. It is also known as the ‘Giulin of Laos’ due to the dramatic karsts pierced by an intriguing network of caves – a reference to the destination in China. Our exploration includes Tham Xang Cave that boasts a huge stalactite in the shape of an elephant. Prepare to be amazed by these truly impressive scenes in this amazing location. Dinner on your own account.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

We explore historic caves that served as a shelter during the civil war before driving to the charming capital. After breakfast, we board a traditional boat and cruise down the Nam Song River past impressive karsts that rise on either side. On land, we climb 147 steps to Tham Chang Cave and enjoy a dramatic valley vista. Considered by many to be Vang Vieng’s most important cave, Tham Chang provided sanctuary to locals seeking refuge from artillery during the war. After a lunch at our leisure, we return to Vang Vieng and then set off on a 150 km drive to Vientiane. The compact capital city sits on the Mekong River and it is peppered with colonial French architecture. If we have time before our departure flight, we visit iconic Patuxai, an impressive arch that draws influence from Paris’s Arc de Triomphe. This structure was built in the 1960s in tribute to those who lost their lives serving their country. We conclude this four-day adventure in the charismatic capital.