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To this day, the origins of the ancient Plain of Jars on the Xiangkhouang highland remain a mystery. All that is known is that these massive stone jars, varying in shape and size, have stood for thousands of years. They serve as secret keys to a lost civilization that likely held a rich and unique culture far beyond modern understanding.
The ancient Plain of Jars is located on the Xiangkhouang highland (Source: Elite)
From above, this ancient field in northern Laos looks like a vast checkerboard, with the stone jars arranged in random order - some standing erect, others partially submerged in the dirt. The tallest jar can reach up to three meters and weigh about 14 tons. On May 14, 2019, the Plain of Jars was officially named Laos' third UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The only jar that still has a lid (Source: VietnamPlus)
Nowadays, The Plain of Jars remains an enigma to both Lao and foreign archaeologists. It's still unclear how these 2,000-year-old jars were constructed when they were made, and what they were used for. Furthermore, why does this site only exist in Xieng Khouang, Laos, and not elsewhere?
These ancient artifacts continue to draw a large number of visitors, archaeologists, and explorers who want to check in and discover the secrets of this intriguing place.
According to studies, the Plain of Jars dates back to the Iron Age (about 500 BCE - 500 CE), implying that these mystery stone jars have been around for more than 2,000 years.
The history of Plain of Jars attracts many scientists to discover (Source: Laostravel)
In the 1930s, a French archaeologist named Madeleine Colani of the École Française d'Extrême-Orient (French School of the Far East) uncovered human remains, ceramics, iron tools, beads, and bronze items among the jars. These results point to the possibility that the history of Plain of Jars was previously an ancient burial ground or ceremonial center.
The damage by war, making harder to find the history of the Plain of Jars (Source: Atlas)
During the 1964-1973 conflict, the United States Air Force dropped millions of tons of bombs on the Plain of Jars, making it a perilous zone for archaeologists and people alike. Because of the long struggle, the place was largely forgotten for decades.
Visitors began returning to Laos only after the country opened its doors to tourism in 1989. However, preserving the history of the Plain of Jars into the well-known archaeological monument that it is today needed significant effort from local authorities. They spent years cleaning unexploded ordnance (UXO) and restoring the site's quiet and intact beauty, making it safe for visitors and researchers once more.
Read more: Xieng Khouang Tour 3 Days: Discover the Plain of Jars
Based on the size of the stone jars and the human remains discovered nearby, some archaeologists believe the Plain of Jars was a prehistoric burial site for an ancient civilization that thrived along a forgotten trade route connecting the Mekong River basin to Vietnam's Gulf of Tonkin.
Archaeologists come to study the ancient jars (Source: World Archaeology)
In the 1930s, a French specialist believed that the stone jars were used in archaic funeral ceremonies. This notion was eventually supported by archaeological investigations carried out over several years by Lao and Japanese scholars, who discovered human skeletons, burial goods, and ceramics around the jars.
However, the exact purpose of these antique jars remains unknown. Much of the huge Plain of Jars remains off-limits to the public, leaving many questions unresolved.
This concept is based on Lao culture, where rice wine is an important part of traditional ceremonies, festivals, and community gatherings.
Some Lao folklore suggests that the stone jars were built to brew strong rice liquor, which legendary giants used to celebrate their victories over enemies. Another version of the story states that the jars were created to store alcohol for a giant with an insatiable thirst who resided in the highlands near Phonsavan.
There is a legend that the stone jars belonged to giants who once lived here (Source: Laos)
This idea emphasizes the long-standing cultural association between jars and alcohol manufacture. In Southeast Asia, numerous societies have traditionally fermented rice wine in ceramic jars or stone vats. If the Plain of Jars was previously inhabited, the ancient people may have used the jars for fermentation.
Another idea holds that the stone jars were intended to collect and retain rainwater, providing an essential water source for nomadic travelers.
Rainwater accumulated inside the jar (Source: Laotian Time)
This view is bolstered by the fact that Xieng Khouang Province has long dry seasons, making water availability a serious issue. The enormous, deep jars resemble traditional fermentation vats, and some may store over 1,200 liters, which is plenty for liquid fermentation and preservation.
Situated on a barren plateau, the Plain of Jars would have been a strategic location for storing rainwater. If the jars were truly used in this way, they could have served as a vital water source for nomads, traders, and soldiers passing through the area.
The best time to visit
The best time to visit the Plain of Jars is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. This time period provides excellent weather, clear skies, and easy access to the locations. During the rainy season (May–October), some locations may become muddy and difficult to navigate.
How to get there
To reach Phonsavan, take a bus from big cities like Vientiane, Luang Prabang, or Vang Vieng. If you are traveling from Vientiane, you can take either a VIP or a local bus, which takes approximately 10-12 hours. The bus journey from Vang Vieng takes 7-8 hours, whereas buses departing from Luang Prabang via Routes 13 and 7 take approximately 8 hours.
Xieng Khouang Airport is close to the center of Phonsavan (Source: Audley)
Another way is Xieng Khouang Airport, a small airport just outside Phonsavan that offers nonstop flights to two main Laotian destinations: Vientiane and Luang Prabang. These flights are provided by two primary carriers: Laos Airlines and Laos Skyway.
Tour Options
Currently, only three sites on the Plain of Jars are accessible to visitors: Ban Sua, Lat Sen, and Ban Ang. Other areas remain off-limits due to fewer jars and ongoing efforts to eliminate unexploded ordnance (UXO) remnants from previous battles.
The exact origins and purpose of the mysterious stone jars found throughout Xieng Khouang are still one of the greatest mysteries. However, that mystery is precisely what distinguishes the Plain of Jars as a one-of-a-kind and captivating location in northern Laos. It deserves to be on your trip as you explore the Land of a Million Elephants.
Read more: Laos Tours 10 days
