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Plain of Jars Site 2: A Hillside of Ancient Mysteries

Explore the enigmatic Plain of Jars Site 2, where ancient stone vessels dot the landscape, inviting reflection on Laos' Iron Age mysteries.

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Plain of Jars Site 2, also known as Hai Hin Phu Salato, offers a captivating glimpse into the Iron Age history of Laos. This site features two clusters of mysterious stone jars spread across adjacent hills, set against a backdrop of rolling hills and farmland, inviting visitors to ponder their enigmatic past.

A brief summary to Plain of Jars Site 2

  • 8593+JJQ, Nak Ho, LA

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain involves some walking and climbing over a stile to enter the site.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are only basic cold drinks available at the ticket booth.
  • Stay on marked paths due to the risk of unexploded ordnance in the surrounding areas.
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Getting There

  • Motorbike

    From Phonsavan city center, rent a motorbike and head south on Route 7 towards Nakho. Continue for approximately 20 km until you see the sign for 'Plain of Jars Site 2' on your left. The ride takes about 30 minutes. Motorbike rentals typically cost around 100,000 LAK per day. Parking at the site is free.

  • Tuk-tuk

    Hire a tuk-tuk from Phonsavan. Negotiate the price beforehand, a round trip to Site 2 should cost approximately 200,000-300,000 LAK, including waiting time. The journey takes around 30-45 minutes each way. The entrance fee to the site is 30,000 LAK per person.

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Discover more about Plain of Jars Site 2

Nestled approximately 20 kilometers southwest of Phonsavan, Plain of Jars Site 2, or Hai Hin Phu Salato, presents a compelling assembly of megalithic stone jars dating back to the Iron Age (500 BCE to 500 CE). The site consists of two groups of jars situated on two hills separated by a shallow gully. To the left, a cluster of jars resides in a lightly wooded area, creating an atmospheric setting where the sunlight filters through the trees. Many of these jars have been cracked or toppled due to the extensive American bombing during the 1960s and 1970s, serving as a stark reminder of both an ancient civilization and the destructive power of modern warfare. The jars are closely packed together, adding to the site's mystique. On the right, another set of jars occupies a grassy knoll, offering panoramic views of the surrounding layered hills, rice paddies, and grazing livestock. These jars are generally wider and more spread out than those in the wooded area, though the significance of this difference remains unknown. The jars themselves are undecorated, adding to the difficulty in determining their original purpose and the identity of their creators. A broken stone disc with a possible frog design has been found at the site, sparking speculation about its role as a jar lid or grave marker. Archaeologists believe that the jars were used in burial rituals, with the two clusters possibly representing different stages of the funerary process. The Plain of Jars is considered one of the most important prehistoric sites in Southeast Asia, and Site 2 provides a serene and thought-provoking experience for those seeking to connect with the region's rich and mysterious past.

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