We arrived
at Phonsavanh around 6am, when we step out from the bus, the cool temperature
welcome us. They were no tout around. We were obviously the only tourist that
step out from the bus. The bus station is 5km out of the city. We took a taxi
to a hotel, a hotel which I picked from the internet. We checked the room and
price and it was ok. Our room was huge with an attached bathroom. As it was
still early, we took a nap.
The city was small with a huge main street,
almost every shop or hotels have some kind of bomb shell on display, like a victory
medal. It was shocking for me! Slowly I discover the history about this place.
My god! 2 million tons of bombs were dropped in Laos during The Secret War
(1953 – 1975). I can’t even imagine how much is that. Out of these 2 million
tons, 270 millions were bombies, and out of that approximately 80 million were
left unexploded leaving the country massively contaminated, as dangerous now as
when they fell 30 years ago. Over 50,000
people have been killed or injured as a result of UXO (Unexploded Ordnance)
accidents in the period 1964-2008. Over 20,000 people have been killed or
injured as a result of UXO accidents post war period, 1974-2008. So it was not
a Victory Medal, it was to commemorate what happened during the Secret War and
how they are still suffering till to date.
We moved on to the Hmong village, this small village is unique because they turn war craps into everyday used. We saw the giant bomb shell used as a vegetable planters, fences and pillar to support the house.
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| Phonsavanh town |
Around
8:30am we were prepared to leave. We plan to visit the Plain of Jars site today
and then leave to Luang Prabang tomorrow morning. The tour agent at the hotel
offer us a package, as the price was reasonable after some negotiation, we took
it. Our day trip package includes visiting the 3 Plain of Jars sites, Hmong
village and the crater site, all entrance fees and guide included.
The city was small with a huge main street,
almost every shop or hotels have some kind of bomb shell on display, like a victory
medal. It was shocking for me! Slowly I discover the history about this place.
My god! 2 million tons of bombs were dropped in Laos during The Secret War
(1953 – 1975). I can’t even imagine how much is that. Out of these 2 million
tons, 270 millions were bombies, and out of that approximately 80 million were
left unexploded leaving the country massively contaminated, as dangerous now as
when they fell 30 years ago. Over 50,000
people have been killed or injured as a result of UXO (Unexploded Ordnance)
accidents in the period 1964-2008. Over 20,000 people have been killed or
injured as a result of UXO accidents post war period, 1974-2008. So it was not
a Victory Medal, it was to commemorate what happened during the Secret War and
how they are still suffering till to date.
Watch this
documentary to find out more about the Secret War. http://vimeo.com/25923268
Locals
nowadays make used of the war scrap from the bomb shells and tanks to make
spoons, fences, tools, pump, BBQ fireplace and support for the house. MAG
(Mines Advisory Group) has been working with the locals to remove landmines and
unexploded ordnance from the contaminated area. They also create awareness by
teaching the local how to identify the UXO items, how to report a dangerous
item, what to do in an emergency, how to keep others safe etc. We stopped by
the office in town to find out more about their work in this area and made some
donations.
 |
| Plain of Jars Site 2 |
Our first
visit is to the Plain of Jars site 2, hidden on top of a hill under a big tree.
There were about 80 jars scattered around. They come in all shapes and sizes,
carved out from sandstone. All of them have a lip rim, which presumed to be
covered by a lid. We found some lying on the ground. The view from the Jar site
2 was awesome, we were surrounded by paddy fields, forest and mountain. Our
guide gave us an explanation why these jars are here. The archeologist believed
that these are Iron Aged burial sites. However the local legends said that
there was once a race of giants who inhabited the area. Some said the jars are
used to brew and store huge amounts of lao lao rice wine. Some said it was for
storage of rainwater. I believed more that this is a burial site. We visited
the rest of the 2 sites, I especially like the walk to Site 3, where we pass
thru the paddy fields and cows to get to the hill. Site 1 is the biggest having
the most amount of jars and the biggest jar.
 |
| Plain of Jars Site 3 |
 |
| Hmong Village |
We moved on to the Hmong village, this small village is unique because they turn war craps into everyday used. We saw the giant bomb shell used as a vegetable planters, fences and pillar to support the house.
Our last
visit is to the crater site, where we saw many huge craters just few meter
apart from each other. We had a long day and for me an emotional day knowing
what had happen to the Laotian.
 |
| Ban Khai Crater site |
We leave to
Luang Prabang on a minivan the next morning at 8am. There was no choice of night bus.
Accomodation
Dokkhoune Hotel - 120,000kip (Tripple) with attached bathroom, fan and WIFI
Recreation
Day trip to 3 Plain of Jars sites, Hmong Village and Crater site (Private van)
- Include all entrance fees and guide - US$40 each
Transportation
Taxi from Bus Terminal to town - 20,000kip each
Minivan to Luang Prabang - 120,000 each
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