Xiengkhouang preserves a fine collection of archeological riches, including the famous plain of jars, about 12 kilometers out side Phonesavan, are several hundred enormous jars of unknown origin. The biggest one reaches a height of 3.25 metres, they weigh between 600 kg and 6 tonnes each and appear to have been made from solid stones. The stone jars, which are estimated to be 2,500 to 3,000 years old. There are various theories about their function-during the 6th century king Khun Chuang constructed in order to store wine fermentation, for the celebration of his conquest of Xieng Khouang, but there is no conclusive evidence. Some researchers have suggested that the jars were crafted as sarcophagi. One theory holds that the jars were made from a kind of cement and fired in a kiln made frome a limestone cave which you can visit. They are remnants of the stone age existing in the Lao PDR. The surrounding mountains of Xiengkhouang are home to several tribes of indigenous people with their colorful traditional dress and simple way of life.
Xieng Khouang’s diverse population includes Lao, Vietnamese, and ethnic minorities such as the Hmong and the Phuan. Visitors to the province will also enjoy one of the mildest climates in all of Laos-here, it is cool even during the hot season.
Phonsavan is Xieng Khouang’s new capital city, built in the wake of the Indochina War. The city has grown rapidly in recent years, and now boasts a population of about 60,000. It is a bustling city with two markets, many small shops and provincial government buildings. The dry goods market offers beautiful textiles and other goods crafted by members of Xiengkhouang’s sizeable Hmong community.
Certainly the highlight of any visit to Xieng Khouang is the mysterious Plain of Jars. Scattered about the large, green, meadow-like fields near Phonsavan are large stone jars. The jars are said to date back 2000 years, and can weigh as much as six tons and reach a height of more than 3 meters.
Hmong Village: On the way to Muang Khoune, you will pass by H’mong village where you can observe the simple daily life so much in touch with nature and its elements. You are taken back in time as every where you look there is traditional activity: weaving, basket making, wood carving and the never ending chores of farming. On Sunday, you will have an opportunity to stop the Sunday market where souvenirs and some hand made products are sold lower than in Vientiane.
There is a natural hot water spring hot away from the town. Its source, 80 cm. Underground, frowns, into a stream. The peasants in the area enjoy the warm water and some say it has magical properties and cures skin diseases.
Thum Piew Thum Piew was very famous cave in Lao PDR that could save a number of people from the war in 1950’s. The large cave was used as a bomb shelter by people from the nearby hamlets until 1969 when about 400 villagers were killed by a single rocket fired into the cave. Hmong and Thai Dam villages and picturesque forests and streams surround Thum Piew.
Meuang Khoune All that remains of the old Town, which was destroyed in 1962, is the 14th century THAT of the WAT CHOM pagoda and in the foreground, the bronze Buddha taking the earth as wittiness. In the monsoon season, vegetation invades the site. Getting and away there By air Lao Aviation provides regular service between Phonsavan and Vientiane, a trip of about 40 minutes and between Phonsavan and Luangprabang, a trip a bout 35 minutes. By road There is on regular road access to Xieng Khouang province and also no boat service to Xiengkhouang province.
| Plain of Jar  |
