Laos: Plain of Jars to Kong Lor Cave — 5 Days
Luang Prabang to Vientiane through limestone caves, wartime history, and hill-tribe villages
This five-day route traces a path through Laos's mountainous interior, moving from the archaeological site of the Plain of Jars through wartime history and Hmong settlements to the Kong Lor Cave system. The journey passes through Route 13's highlands, stopping at Muang Sui—where a CIA-backed runway and wartime shelters still stand—before reaching the Plain of Jars' three accessible sites. From there the route descends south through Khmu villages to the 7.5-kilometer underground river passage of Kong Lor, where a longboat carries you through limestone passages lined with stalactites and stalagmites. The final leg delivers you to Vientiane by afternoon.
Highlights
- Visit three demined sites within the Plain of Jars archaeological complex near Phonsavan
- Visit the former CIA airbase at Muang Sui, including wartime caves used as shelters and hospitals
- Board a local longboat through Kong Lor Cave, following the Hin Bun River for 7.5 kilometers through the mountain
- Walk through Hmong and Khmu villages along Route 13 and near Lak Sao market
- View the bomb exhibit in Phonsavan documenting ordnance from the Indochina War
- Trek to Nam Sanam waterfall near Kong Lor (seasonal, rainy season only)
Day by day
1Luang Prabang to Phonsavan: Route 13 Through the HighlandsLuang Prabang to Phonsavan · Hmong villages · Muang Sui
The journey begins with a drive south from Luang Prabang along Route 13, climbing into Xieng Khouang Province's highland terrain. Along the way, the route passes through several Hmong villages, offering stops to walk through settlements and see daily life in the mountains. The road leads to Muang Sui, a small town with significant historical weight. During the Indochina War, Muang Sui served as the final position held by the Nationalist Lao Army and CIA-backed forces before evacuation; it was designated Lima Site L-108, and the old runway and abandoned military buildings remain visible. While here, you'll visit Buddhist temples in the area and visit caves that functioned as hospitals and shelters during the war years. Overnight accommodation in Phonsavan.
2Phonsavan: Plain of Jars and Wartime ExhibitPhonsavan · Plain of Jars · Phonsavan's local market · exhibit displaying the range of ordnance
A morning visit to Phonsavan's local market precedes a visit to an exhibit displaying the range of ordnance—bombs, shells, and fragments—used during the Indochina War on the region. From there, the route moves to the Plain of Jars, where you'll visit three demined archaeological sites (Sites 1, 2, and 3). These sites remain the only sections designated safe for visitors; other areas of the Plain are closed due to unexploded ordnance still present in the soil. Overnight in Phonsavan.
3Phonsavan to Ban Hahin: Khmu Villages and Lak Sao MarketPhonsavan to Ban Hahin · Ban Hahin · Khmu villages · Lak Sao market
A southward drive takes you toward the limestone country surrounding Kong Lor. En route, the itinerary includes stops at Khmu villages and the Lak Sao market, a busy trading hub. The final destination is Ban Hahin, positioned near Kong Lor Cave and ringed by limestone peaks. Overnight near Kong Lor.
4Kong Lor Cave: Underground River JourneyKong Lor Cave · Ban Hahin · Nam Sanam waterfall
An early start leads to Kong Lor Cave, where the Hin Bun River cuts a 7.5-kilometer passage through the mountain. You'll board a local longboat and travel upriver through the cave, using headlamps and torches to observe stalactites and stalagmites lining the passage. The route passes through the Hin Boun National Protected Area, and a picnic lunch is taken within the cave or its surroundings. Afterward, time remains to visit the town of Ban Hahin, rest, or—if traveling during the rainy season—trek to the nearby Nam Sanam waterfall.
5Kong Lor to VientianeKong Lor · Kong Lor to Vientiane · Vientiane
The final leg departs Kong Lor in the morning and drives toward Vientiane, arriving in the afternoon. Hotel drop-off concludes the guided portion of the itinerary.
Where you go
- 1Muang Sui
- 2Phonsavan
- 3Plain of Jars
- 4Phonsavan's local market
- 5Ban Hahin
- 6Lak Sao market
- 7Kong Lor Cave
- 8Ban Hahin
- 9Kong Lor
- 10Vientiane
Included
- All sightseeing as described in program above
- Transportation in private AC vehicles
- Accommodation in hotels (twin shared)
- English-speaking guide
- Admission fees to sights described above
- Meals: B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner
- Lao PDR governmental tax and service charge
- Luggage handling
Not included
- International air tickets to/from Laos
- Visa fee (US $40/pax)
- Travel insurance of any kind
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips, drinks, personal expenses and other expenses not described in the program above
- Single room surcharge on request