Xieng Khuang province
Xieng Khuang and the provincial capital Phonsavan are best known for what happened in the past. The entire province was absolutely hammered by the Americans during the Indochinese conflict and even today men, women and children continue to be maimed and/or die due to UXOs. Despite the fact that a bomb hasn't been dropped here in almost two decades, this province still remains an area where bushwhacking and wandering off the paths is particularly ill-advised.
The other reason the province is known is for the large limestone jars that have been found all over the place. Believed to be ancient coffins, these are where better known name for the area comes from -- the plain of jars -- slightly more tourist friendly than plain of unexploded bomblets (and easier to say too).
Many choose to fly here, but the land route is now regarded as mostly safe, and the provincial capital of Phonsavan is almost booming.
If you have the time, a trip to Phonsavan is well worth the effort.
