The Plain of Jars

 00:00:00 | 4.11.2012

The Plain of Jars is in Central Laos. The Plain of Jars combines ancient and contemporary history with insights into Phuan, Hmong, Khmu and Tai Dam culture. Nature encounters are easily accessible off the beaten track.

Unlike Ancient Greece or the First Emperor of China that date from around the same time very little is known about the civilization that created The Plain of Jars. More recently the area suffered badly due to heavy bombardment by the Americans during the Vietnam War. The locals have found imaginative ways to rebuild their lives and surroundings, sometimes using the remnants as part of their daily life; bomb fragments became spoons, and a distinct Xiengkhouang style of architecture created incorporating shells as building material & décor for houses.

There are hundreds of jars across the various sites. Some were damaged in the Indochina War and some during the invasion of Chinese bandits; unfortunately more recently they are showing wear and tear caused by repeated climbing by tourists. Some of the sites have impressive bomb craters and jars split by the force of the bombing.

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Jar Site 1 is one of the most impressive and the easiest to get to. Entrance fee to each of the jar site is 10,000 Kip. Take a (motor bike) tour to Jar Site 2 and 3. However, there are few signs, so don't be afraid to ask local people for the way or look for the blue and white painted sign to go to Site 2 or a spray painted sign on an electric post to find Site 3. There is a nice easy hike between the two sites, suitable for families. The path was cleared of unexploded ordnance in 2007, however visitors are strongly advised to follow the red and white markers.
Other visitable sites include Jar Site 16, 23 and 52.


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