It is quite small province with the total area of 15,880 square kilometers and population of about 230,000 people. Mountains make up largely part of the total area, however, Xieng Khouang is still one of the main producing areas of Laos thanks to the fertile floodplain.

Dropping in the Plain of Jars

Whether you are interested in history and archeology or not, Plain of Jars, located in Phonsavan, is still the must-visit destination if you plan to travel to Laos. This is a group of fields including thousands of stone jars of various sizes. Who created these jars and how they are made has still remained mysterious theories. The locals believe that a race of giants made them to drink rice wine while the others argue the jars were used to store water for the dry season. However, some bones, teeth, and human skeletons were found in the jars, so it is now said the jars functioned as urns in burial rites.

Plain of Jars suffered from intense battles as well as US bombing. Indeed, the US Air Force dropped more bombs on Laos, primarily the Plain of Jars, than it dropped the whole of World War II (Wikipedia)
It is highly recommended to visit Thong Hai Hin, also called site 1, since it is one of the largest sites of the plain with more than 300 jars and has the only one decorated with human images.

Ban Phakeo or widely known as Plain of Jars site 52, which comprises for 392 jars, is a great place for trekking and adventure tours in Laos. During the tours to site 52, you will have a chance to admire stunning spectacles in Phonsavan including lesser-known waterfalls, primitive forests and idyllic H’mong villages, which can be only accessible by foot.

Wandering around Mulberries Organic Silk Farm

Laos is worldwide famous for their unique fabric products, so why don’t you take advantage of the tour to get a deeper insight into the process of making these products?

Remember to take a trip to Mulberries Organic Silk Farm in Xieng Khouang, one of the best things to do in Xieng Khouang, which will answer all your questions about yarn or fabric. Established in1991, the farm aims at reviving and encouraging Laos traditional yarn production by providing the training and support in silk worm rearing, art, and craft practices of weaving. Here, you will have chance to observe or even participate in one stage of the whole silk-making products.

Additionally, the mulberries shop sells many silk products coming in a variety of colors, sizes, and patterns. You can order patterns, fabrics, and colors to have suitable souvenirs for your friends and family members. If lucky, you may meet Miss Kommaly, who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize due to her tireless try to help the local women and ethnic minorities raise their income through weaving. She would tell you how she began this environmental-friendly cooperative 20 years ago.

Paying a visit to Muang Khoun

Muong Khoun, situated 30 kilometers away from Phonsavan, used to be the capital of Phuan Kingdom and the provincial capital under the French colonialism. To save time, it is advisable to combine the trip to the Plain of Jars with a quick visit to Muong Khoun. The town brings you a chance to see Buddha images and stupas to help you experience Lao culture in Xieng Khouang more. For example, many tourists rarely reach Muang Khoun without taking a visit to That Foun.

What makes this 30-metre stupa made of brick special is a hole right through it. Or another ruin of temple suggested for you is Wat Piawat, the highlight of the town. There is a large Buddha image sitting on the grounds, at the end of a column of brick pillars. Especially, there is a jar site near Ban Phai village comprising jars made from granite, not stone like the ones in the Plain of Jars.

Taking Stunning Photos at Tad Ka

Located 99 km from Phonsavan is Tad Ka, one of the most beautiful spot in Xieng Khouang. The waterfall with water tumbling out 100 meters over magnificent limestone karst is a favorite picnic place among Laotians on special occasions like Lao New Year. Traveling to Tad Ka, you can prepare a lunch to enjoy with your friends right next to the waterfall and dive in the surrounding natural landscapes. Also, a hike up the falls is possible and you can stay overnight at Nong Het guesthouse. Thus, Tad Ka is very worth your try, either as a trip included in your itinerary or as a drop in on the way to Vietnam. After all, do not forget taking memorable photos of this charming attraction!

According to asiatouradvisor.com