The Plain of Jars in Laos 2025

There are many places on Earth with a mysterious history where we can only try to guess or make assumptions about the truth. Laos also has such place, which is called the Plain of Jars.

The city of Phonsavan is located in the Xieng Khouang Plateau bordering with Luang Prabang Province. The overall landscape is mountainous, but the center of the area is flat, and this is where all mystery is hidden. Giant jars vary in size from tiny​ to about 3.25 meters high. They are made of sandstone and granite. No one can say the exact origin and purpose of these monuments. As the surrounding land is very fertile. They might have been used as storage for rice wine, but there is also a suggestion that remnants of the dead were kept inside.

No matter which version you believe in, walking among the jars certainly brings some mystical feelings. But be careful, the Xieng Khouang Province was bombarded heavily during the Vietnam War, and some bombs remain unexploded and dangerous. As a result, visitors must follow only predefined routes to be safe.

The Plain of Jars can be visited during the whole year, but as this area is a bit cooler than the rest of the country, the most comfortable time for travelling here would be the dry and warm season from February through April.