Plain of Jars: The Enigmatic Landscape of Ancient Laos

The History of Plain of Jars

The Plain of Jars is an archaeological site in the Xieng Khouang Plateau, in the northeastern part of Laos. It is one of the most fascinating and mysterious historical sites in Southeast Asia due to its array of large stone jars scattered across the landscape.

The site gets its name from these enigmatic jars, which date back to the Iron Age (500 BC to 500 AD). They are believed to have been used in prehistoric burial practices, with excavations revealing human remains, burial goods, and ceramics in and around the jars.

The origins and exact purpose of these stone jars, some weighing as much as 14 tons and measuring up to 3 meters high, are still largely unknown, making the site a subject of ongoing archaeological research. However, local legends suggest that they were used by a race of giants to brew rice wine for a grand feast.

Adding a tragic layer to its history, the Plain of Jars was heavily bombed during the Second Indochina War, also known as the Secret War, in the 1960s and 1970s, leaving the area peppered with unexploded ordnance (UXO). It was only after extensive clearance efforts by international organizations that parts of the site were opened to the public.

Why Visit Plain of Jars

The Plain of Jars is a site of immense archaeological, historical, and cultural significance. It’s a destination that appeals to history buffs, archaeology enthusiasts, and those intrigued by ancient civilizations and their practices.

The site provides visitors with an insight into the rituals and customs of an ancient society whose identity remains unknown. The imposing jars scattered across the landscape offer a humbling sense of mystery and intrigue, leading one to ponder about the people who built them and the society they lived in.

Moreover, the site holds a certain poignant beauty, with its vast plains, rolling hills, and distant mountains forming a picturesque backdrop to the scattered jars.

Location and Route

The Plain of Jars is located near the town of Phonsavan, in the Xieng Khouang province. It’s around 250 kilometers northeast of Vientiane, the capital of Laos.

There are several ways to get to the site from Vientiane. You can take a domestic flight to Phonsavan, then hire a taxi or tuk-tuk to the site. Alternatively, you can take a bus or minivan directly from Vientiane to Phonsavan, which is an 8-10 hour journey.

There are several “sites” within the Plain of Jars, numbered from Site 1 to Site 3 and beyond, each with its own cluster of jars. The three main sites (Site 1, Site 2, and Site 3) are the most accessible and visited.

When to Visit

The Plain of Jars can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to March, when the weather is cooler and the roads are less muddy, making travel easier.

Visiting early in the day is recommended to avoid the heat of the afternoon sun. The site typically opens around 8:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM.

What to See

Upon arriving at the Plain of Jars, you will encounter hundreds of massive stone jars spread across several sites. These jars, made from a type of hardened sandstone, limestone, or granite, vary in size and shape, with some still featuring stone lids.

Site 1 is the largest and most visited, with over 300 jars. Here, you will also find a cave believed to have been used for cremations, adding more to the burial ritual theory.

Site 2 and Site 3 offer a more peaceful exploration, being less crowded. They are located on hilltops, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

While visiting, be mindful to stick to the marked paths, as the area still has unexploded ordnance despite clearance efforts.

Overall, the Plain of Jars offers an experience unlike any other, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the enigma of an ancient civilization while taking in the natural beauty of the Laotian landscape. The site’s significant historical and cultural value, coupled with its serene environment, makes it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Laos.