March 3-4, 2010 – Day 433-434 – Phonsavan, Laos

First day we arrived and it was freezing!! Of course we were still in shorts since Vientiane was so warm. We rested a bit the first day and checked around to see how exactly we wanted to go about seeing the Plain of Jars.

Jars... on a plain

Second day, we solved our query by renting a motorbike and taking ourselves on a tour. There are 3 sites of jars, site 1 being just about 10km or so outside town. Sites 2 & 3 are just a bit farther down the road, maybe another 5km.

They are pretty large

The roads to the sites are very well marked with large billboards in English so you really can not miss the turns. From the signs expect to drive another 3-5km to the actual entrance to the sites. Parking is plentiful and for us it was free although we have heard the they sometimes charge a small fee to park.

More jars

Entrance costs 10,000 Kip/pp and you can easily and safely guide yourself along the well-worn paths through the fields. Be sure to stay only on the paths and do not venture into any areas marked as unsafe (where there are possibly still unexploded ordinances in the ground) because getting blown to bits on your vacation would be a real downer.

Lindsey isn't scared

In town tour prices we checked at several offices ranged from 160,000 to 220,000 Kip per person with a minivan and guide (unnecessary because there is limited information and the paths are clearly marked as to safe/unsafe areas). The motorbike we rented was 80,000 Kip total and that even included the gas.

Us on our moped

Another 20,000 Kip total for admission at Site 1 and our day at the Plain of Jars cost a total, for both of us, 100,000 Kip! Quite a savings from 50,000 Kip if you drive yourself (not to mention how much more fun it is!) compared to a minimum of 160,000 Kip with a tour operator. Sure, we decided only to go to Site 1 but honestly that was definitely enough jars for us. For us it was worth it and we spent the rest of the afternoon driving out around the countryside by ourselves having a great time and just enjoying the views.

Lao country side