Phonsavan & Plain of Jars

The Mystery of the Stone Jars

The Plain of Jars (ທົ່ງໄຫຫິນ, "Thong Hai Hin", English Plain of Jars) is one of the greatest archaeological mysteries of Southeast Asia — and since 2019 a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Scattered over a vast plateau near the town of Phonsavan are hundreds of massive stone jars — some up to 3 m high, 6 tons heavy, and estimated to be 2,000 years old.

What are the jars?

No one knows for sure. The most common theories:

• Funerary urns: The most likely explanation — the jars served as sarcophagi or for cremation. Bones and grave goods have been found in some.
• Rice wine fermentation: A legend says the king of the region had the jars made for a huge rice wine festival.
• Rainwater storage: A practical explanation for a region with a pronounced dry season.

The Jar Sites

There are over 90 sites with jars, but only a few are accessible to tourists (UXO clearance required!):

• Site 1 (Thong Hai Hin): The largest and most accessible site, 8 km from Phonsavan. Over 300 jars on a hill. The largest jar is 2.5 m high and weighs 6 tons. 15,000 LAK entry.
• Site 2 (Hai Hin Lat Khai): Smaller, more atmospheric site with jars under trees. Less visited. 25 km from Phonsavan. 10,000 LAK.
• Site 3 (Hai Hin Lat Pakou): Picturesquely located on a hill, overlooking the rice fields. There are also jars with carved reliefs here (rare!). 10,000 LAK.

Secret War & UXO

The province of Xieng Khouang was one of the most heavily bombed regions in the world. The USA dropped millions of bombs here during the Secret War — the plateau was a transit area of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The MAG (Mines Advisory Group) Information Centre in Phonsavan documents the clearance work and the ongoing danger from unexploded ordnance (UXO). Free entry.