11 Things to do in Phonsavan & Xieng Khouang Province, Laos

Xiengkhouang is a province best known for the mysterious Plain of Jars site near Phonsavan, the provincial capital.

Besides this historical site, there are beautiful waterfalls and trekking opportunities nearby, and the chance to learn about how the war affected the people at the UXO Centre.

Here are the 11 things to do in Phonsavan and the greater Xieng Khouang region.

Backstreet Academy Review: Alms Giving in Luang Prabang

“So, how does it feel to be giving alms for the first time?”

I asked Her*, a Laotian born and bred in Luang Prabang, Laos.

I was surprised when he told me he hasn’t done it before because alms giving – or tak bat as it is called here – is a Buddhist tradition. Her belongs to the Hmong ethnicity in Laos and the Hmong people believe in animism (belief in the spirit world).

I offered him my basket; Her scooped the rice while I placed the crackers into the bowls of the monks and novices walking past us barefooted.