Weekend in Muang Phonsavan

A lively covered market selling local produce, textiles, and cheap street food. No entry fee, but you'll want small change for snacks.

Tip: Try the grilled sticky rice parcels with egg (khao jee) from the food stalls near the meat section—about 5,000 kip each. Best before 10am when it's cooler and less crowded.

A small, sobering museum run by the Mines Advisory Group, explaining the UXO problem in Laos with clear displays and survivor stories. Free to enter.

Tip: The short documentary (15 mins) is worth watching. Donations fund clearance work; they accept cash or card. Allow 30-45 minutes total.

A simple hilltop lookout with a rusty bell tower, offering panoramic views over Phonsavan and the surrounding green hills. Free to access via a short dirt path.

Tip: Come at sunset—the light on the corrugated roofs is striking. Wear sturdy shoes; the path is uneven and can be slippery. No facilities at the top, so bring water.

A small museum documenting Lao revolutionary history with photos, weapons, and dioramas. Entry 10,000 kip (about £0.40). Quiet but informative.

Tip: The displays are mostly in Lao, but the English caption sheet at the front desk helps. The rooftop offers a decent view of the main roundabout. Allow 20 minutes.

The largest and most accessible of the ancient jar sites, with hundreds of stone jars scattered across a grassy hillside. Entry fee is 15,000 kip (about £0.60).

Tip: Go early (8am opening) to avoid tour buses and have the place nearly to yourself. The uphill walk from the car park is gentle but can be muddy after rain.