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Plain of Jars Site 2: A Field of Ancient Mysteries

Explore the enigmatic Plain of Jars Site 2 in Laos, where ancient stone jars dot a landscape steeped in mystery and history.

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Plain of Jars Site 2, also known as Hai Hin Phu Salato, is one of the most visited sites in the Plain of Jars, near Phonsavan, Laos. This historical landmark features clusters of mysterious stone jars scattered across the landscape, believed to be from the Iron Age. The purpose of the jars remains a mystery, with theories ranging from burial urns to rice wine storage.

A brief summary to Plain of Jars Site 2

  • 8593+JJQ, Nak Ho, LA

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the terrain can be uneven and requires some trekking.
  • Bring water to stay hydrated, especially during the dry season.
  • Stay on marked paths to avoid unexploded ordnance (UXO).
  • Visit during the dry season (November to April) for pleasant weather and accessible surroundings.
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Getting There

  • Motorbike

    From Phonsavan, head south on Route 7 towards Nak Ho. Continue for approximately 17 km until you see the sign for 'Plain of Jars Site 2' on your left. The ride takes about 20-30 minutes. Motorbike rentals in Phonsavan typically cost around 100,000 LAK per day.

  • Tuk-tuk

    Hire a tuk-tuk from Phonsavan to Plain of Jars Site 2. Negotiate the price beforehand, as there are no fixed rates. A round trip should cost approximately 200,000-300,000 LAK. The journey takes around 30-45 minutes each way.

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Discover more about Plain of Jars Site 2

Plain of Jars Site 2, or Hai Hin Phu Salato, presents a captivating glimpse into Laos' enigmatic past. Located approximately 20 km southwest of Phonsavan, this site features 92 stone jars spread across two adjacent hills. These megalithic jars, dating back to the Iron Age (500 BC to 200 AD), have spurred much speculation about their original purpose. Most visitors begin their exploration by climbing over a stile to reach the cluster on the left. Stone steps lead up through a wooded area to the hilltop where the jars are closely packed together. Many jars have been cracked or toppled due to the extensive American bombing campaign during the 1960s and 1970s, serving as a stark reminder of both an ancient civilization and the destructive power of modern warfare. The prevailing theory suggests that these jars were used in ancient burial rituals. The second, smaller cluster of jars sits atop another hill, largely clear of trees. These jars are wider and more spread out than those in the first cluster. The significance of this difference remains unknown, but it's speculated that the two clusters may have been used for different stages of the burial process. The only decorative element found at the site is a design on a broken stone disc, possibly depicting a frog, which may have been a jar lid or a grave marker. Beyond the jars, Site 2 offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, with steep ridges, fertile plains, and distant hills.

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