LA
Plain of Jars
Fields of mysterious Iron Age stone jars on a highland plateau scarred by war
Fields of mysterious Iron Age stone jars on a highland plateau scarred by war
The largest and most visited site, close to Phonsavan, has hundreds of jars, including one of the biggest. Bomb craters are still visible.
Stay between the white-and-red markers that show cleared ground.
Photo: Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0
On two wooded hilltops, these jars are surrounded by trees and views over the countryside. It is quieter than Site 1.
Photo: Stefan Fussan, CC BY-SA 4.0
The provincial town is the base for visiting the jars. Visitor centres, including one run by the demining group MAG, explain the bombing and clearance work.
Photo: Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0
Rolling hills, rice fields and Hmong villages surround the sites. Site 3 is set among rice paddies.
Photo: Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0
Phonsavan has simple restaurants serving noodle soups, larb and local dishes, plus a few traveller cafés.
The highland nights are cool; bring a warm layer from November to February.
Xieng Khouang Airport near Phonsavan has flights from Vientiane. Buses run from Vientiane and Luang Prabang on winding mountain roads that take most of a day.
Hire a driver, join a tour or rent a scooter to reach the sites; they are spread over several kilometres. Many nationalities can get a Lao visa on arrival or an e-visa; check current rules and fees before you travel.
Laos uses the kip (LAK), which has lost much of its value in recent years, so prices change often; some hotels and tours quote in US dollars or Thai baht. Carry cash, as cards are not widely accepted outside larger hotels.
Prices are approximate; the kip fluctuates, so check current rates.
Jars and war history.
Visit Sites 1, 2 and 3 with a driver or guide.
Visit the MAG visitor centre in Phonsavan, then explore the countryside and local markets.
Never leave marked paths or touch metal objects.
Nights can be cold in winter.
Mountain roads are slow and winding; allow a full day by bus.
Some governments advise reconsidering travel to neighbouring Xaisomboun province; check current advice.
Quick answers for planning time in Plain of Jars.
Most are thought to date from the Iron Age, roughly 500 BC to AD 500.
The main sites have been cleared of UXO; stay on marked paths.
Fly from Vientiane to Xieng Khouang, or take a long bus ride from Vientiane or Luang Prabang.
Yes, 15 sites were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2019.
October to March, when it is dry.
Lao script is hard to read; a translation app with camera mode helps.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Laos travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.