Make Spoons Not War - 1 day

9.00 – 11.00 The Lightbulb that sparked Development

Transport from Phonsavan to Ban Namkha (35 km / 45 mins). Explore the renewable energy systems used in the village and learn about Hmong culture with your local village guide. The Swiss NGO Helvetas has supported the Hmong village of Namkha with new energy solutions that not only provides energy but also they explore ways of how to use the new social chances opened by energy access.

SPECIAL Learn about Hmong culture first-hand from the local people

11:00 – 14.00 Trek to War Spoon Village Napia

Easy to moderate trek to Ban Napia with village guide [6km, 1:30 hours]. This is fairly easy trekking but it is more than just taking a walk so you need to be in a reasonable physical condition and have good shoes. After the trek have a “village lunch” in Ban Napia. Learn about traditional Phuan house building at the homestay house. Stroll down the village and watch the War Spoon demonstration. Since the late 1980's the people of this village produce spoons made of aluminium UXO scrap from the Indochina War. The scrap is checked to make sure it is harmless before being used. They will demonstrate the spoon production process and also give insights on the Phuan culture. You can purchase war spoons or bracelets, hand woven Lao textiles and taste the homemade Lao Lao whiskey.

SPECIAL Learn about the creativity of the villagers who found a way to make something useful from the destructive UXOs left behind from the American bombing - something which is now used to generate much needed additional incomes

14.00 – 17.00 The Secret War is no longer a Secret. The Plain of Jars still is.

Continue by car to Jar Site 1 to enjoy the sunset (18km). This is the most popular site and it counts 331 jars, including the largest single jar - said to have been the victory cup of the King Khun Jeuam. Jar site 1 was of military strategic importance during the Second Indochina War. Trenches and foxholes, anti-aircraft positions and a tank scrap can be found on the two raised areas and on top of the cave. Several bomb craters and damaged or displaced jars are a testimony to heavy fighting in this area making it an apt symbol for the ancient and modern history of Xiengkhouang in one place. Entrance fee goes to the management of the site. Return to Phonsavan [8km].

SPECIAL Jar Site 1 is the most visited and investigated of the Jar sites. An important part of the story can be found  here - yet still little is known about the ancient civilisation that created these sites throughout the region.  While there are 3 Jar sites cleared of UXO and open to the public, there are more than 60 other sites like these throughout the province!

For cancellations 31 days or more before check-in, a full refund shall be issued.

For cancellations 30 days or less before check-in, no refund can be issued.