Day trip to the Plain of Jars and Muangkhoun: Visit the stunning Xiengkhoua Plateau and Plain of Jars Sites 1, 2, and 3, an area of significant archaeological importance. The prehistoric material found at the Plain of Jars is still under study and apparently spans a considerable period of time, with some dating from as early as 2000 BC. The bulk of the archaeological material, however, as well as the jars themselves, appeared much later, dating to the early Iron Age between 500 BC and 500-800 AD.

The original capital city, Muong Khoun, was almost totally obliterated by US bombing and consequently, the capital was moved to nearby Phonsavanh. Of several Muong Khoun Buddhist temples built between the 16th and 19th century, only ruins remain. Vat Pia Vat, however, survived the bombing and can be visited.