How thrilled I was that I decided to make a detour to the Mysterious Plain of Jars in Phonsavan, Laos! I wanted to witness this mystery with my own eyes: hundreds of enormous jars scattered across a field. It’s still unclear what these 2,000-year-old jars were used for.
Where is Phonsavan? Location of the Plain of Jars
The Mysterious Plain of Jars is located near the town of Phonsavan in the highlands of Laos. Phonsavan is the capital of Xieng Khuang Province and has approximately 37,500 inhabitants. The town was founded after the Laotian Civil War in 1975 to replace the old town of Muang Khoun, which was completely destroyed.
Distance to other Laotian cities:
- From Luang Prabang: 8 hours by bus
- From Vientiane: 6 hours by bus
- Phonsavan Airport for faster access
History: Civil War and its Consequences in Phonsavan
The town of Phonsavan and its surroundings are marked to this day by the Laotian Civil War. This area has a tragic history as one of the most heavily bombed regions in the world. Many battles took place in the area, and it’s still littered with unexploded ordnance.
Plain of Jars: The Mysterious Archaeological Site
The Plain of Jars remains one of Laos’ greatest mysteries. This archaeological site consists of several fields with hundreds of gigantic stone jars. Some jars are estimated to be 2,000 years old, but their original function remains unclear.
Theories about their use: Were they storage containers for food or drink, burial urns for the elite, or part of religious ceremonies? We simply don’t know.
Tour of the Plain of Jars: Site 1, 2, and 3
Popular Plain of Jars Tours from Phonsavan
Various day tours are offered that visit different Plain of Jars locations. The most popular tour visits Site 1 and Site 3.
Site 3 – The Intimate Experience: Here you get perfect photo opportunities, with about 150 jars scattered across a small area. You’ll also enjoy a beautiful walk through rice fields. Generally, it’s much less crowded than Site 1.
Just the walk to Site 3 was an experience in itself. The wide plateau, surrounded by imposing mountain ridges and shrouded in low-hanging mist, radiates an ancient mystique that gives you goosebumps.
And then… wow! Suddenly you’re standing in the middle of a mystery thousands of years old. The Laotian landscape is scattered with enormous stone jars – as if a giant left his kitchenware behind. Everywhere you look, you discover more… and more… You just can’t comprehend what you’re seeing!
Can you imagine walking among these enormous jars? They’re truly massive!
Laos: The Most Bombed Country in the World
During the Second Indochina War, Laos was heavily bombed. Between 1964 and 1973, no less than 2 million tons of cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by order of President Nixon. When I visited Phonsavan, I had actually never heard about this dramatic history. Look at these tragic statistics. Isn’t it strange that we hardly ever hear about this?
Tragic statistics:
- Phonsavan is the most heavily affected area of Laos
- Approximately 60 people still die annually from exploding bombs
- Warning signs from MAG (Mines Advisory Group) are everywhere
Bomb craters from the 1964-1973 war
Tip: Be very alert and stay on marked paths at all times! Phonsavan – Plain of Jars – is the world’s most dangerous archaeological site due to the many unexploded ordnance still present.
During this trip, I was repeatedly reminded about the signs and the fact that it still wasn’t safe to walk anywhere here. On those signs, I saw the abbreviation: MAG, Mines Advisory Group.
Laotian workers during their lunch break
Site 1 – The Largest Collection:
- Best accessibility for all ages
- Hundreds of jars scattered across an extensive field
- Location of the largest jar found
- New visitor center with information
Looking in one of the mysterious jars is not easy! Do you see how big it is?
The Mysterious Plain of Jars in Phonsavan
What an amazing area! And how strange that so little is still known about their origin? It’s still not visited very much, and I think that’s really a shame for your journey through Laos.
Some jars originally had lids – a fascinating clue about their use. The heavy stone lids, often decorated with reliefs, suggest that valuable items were indeed stored in them. But what exactly?
Archaeologists have various theories:
- Food storage: Rice, grain, or other non-perishable supplies for the community
- Valuable goods: Gold, silver, or other precious trade items
- Ritual objects: Ceremonial items for religious practices
- Burial urns: Some jars contained human remains – were they graves for the elite?
- Rainwater collection: The largest jars could hold thousands of liters of water
Wat Phia Wat: Visit the Ruined Muang Khoun
During your Plain of Jars tour, you’ll also visit the ruined Muang Khoun, the original capital of the province. Here you’ll find Wat Phia Wat, a former temple where people still come daily to worship the large Buddha statue.
Safety at the Plain of Jars: Important Warnings
⚠️ IMPORTANT SAFETY TIP: The Plain of Jars is the world’s most dangerous archaeological site due to unexploded ordnance.
Safety rules:
- Always stay on marked paths
- Never leave designated areas
- Follow your guide’s instructions
- Watch for MAG warning signs
Practical Travel Information Phonsavan 2025
Booking Plain of Jars Tours
Tips for booking your Plain of Jars tour:
- Average tour price: $15-25 per person for Sites 1 & 3
- Don’t book immediately with bus/airport arrival guides
- Have guides come to your hotel in the evening for price negotiation
- Try to find other travelers to share costs
Best Time to Visit the Plain of Jars
Climate in Phonsavan:
- Altitude: cooler temperatures than the rest of Laos
- Mornings can be chilly
- Best period: October – March (dry season)
- Avoid rainy season: May – September
Phonsavan Food & Drink
In Phonsavan, you can enjoy delicious food at Nisha Restaurant and drink the best coffee at Honey Cafe & Slow Bar. Look for your perfect spot on Phonsavan’s main street, where several restaurants are located.
Phonsavan Accommodation
I stayed at the Nice Guest House on the main road. I stayed there for 2 nights and didn’t use the shower because it was really too small 🙂 You might know the feeling… where you’re basically sitting on the toilet while showering. But the bed was comfortable, and that’s obviously the most important thing!
Looking for a hotel in Phonsavan? Check out the Hillside Residence. It has already received several good reviews in 2025. Or the Sipanya Guesthouse, which also looks very nice in a beautiful location just outside the center.
I’m really glad I went there, even though it was an 8-hour bus ride from Luang Prabang.
Conclusion: Why Visit the Plain of Jars?
The Mysterious Plain of Jars in Phonsavan is absolutely one of the must-see attractions in Laos. Despite the 8-hour bus journey from Luang Prabang, this UNESCO-worthy mystery is worth every minute. The combination of archaeological mystery, beautiful landscapes, and important war history makes this a unique travel experience.
Are you planning to visit the Plain of Jars? Pin this complete travel guide!
Last update: 2025 | This travel guide contains current information about the Plain of Jars in Phonsavan, Laos
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