Thought to date back some 2,000 years, the archaeological finds at the Plain of Jars are stunning and mysterious. Hundreds of stone jars of varying sizes, the largest a bit over 2.7m (9 ft.) high, cover a plateau stretching across 24km (15 miles). Jars have been found in 15 different sites in the area so far. Visit these sites with a guide, if only to allay any fears over land mines (all areas within the sites are safe, though) and to get some perspective on local history. Be sure to get the obligatory "This is me in a jar!" shot before officials make restrictions on touching or climbing on them. You can cover the main sites in a day, but you might want to take a few days and explore the surrounding Hmong villages. Na Sala, a busy Hmong village, is a good destination. Be sure to go with a guide who can translate and make introductions.
