This northeastern province of Laos was one of the country’s most heavily bombed during the Vietnam War and consequently has much unexploded ordinance to be aware of.
Xiangkhoang’s greatest attraction is the Plain of Jars, a vast site encompassing thousands of enormous, 2,000-year-old stone jars whose original purpose is still disputed. Visitors can explore three of the sites, which sit high in the Xiangkhoang Plateau, with the others yet to be cleared of bombs. Phonsavan features two interesting war memorials, one dedicated to Vietnamese soldiers while the other honors Lao soldiers.
Tourist infrastructure in the province is basic at best, with guest houses on hand to accommodate visitors to the Plain of Jars, Xiangkhoang’s primary draw.