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Plain of Jars Visitor Center: Gateway to an Ancient Mystery

Uncover the mysteries of the Plain of Jars, an ancient UNESCO World Heritage site in Laos, at the informative visitor center.

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The Plain of Jars Visitor Center in Phonsavan serves as the starting point for exploring the enigmatic Plain of Jars, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The center provides historical context and cultural significance to the thousands of ancient stone jars scattered across the Xieng Khouang plain, believed to be linked to Iron Age burial practices.

A brief summary to Plain Of Jars Visitor Center

  • C5G5+6FP, Phonsavan, LA

Local tips

  • Purchase a ticket to access the Plain of Jars sites; the ticket booth is located at the visitor center.
  • Check with local authorities or the visitor center about which sites are safe to visit due to the presence of unexploded ordnance.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain when exploring the jar sites.
  • Hire a local guide for a more in-depth understanding of the history and significance of the Plain of Jars.
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Getting There

  • Tuk-tuk

    From Phonsavan city center, tuk-tuks are readily available for hire. Negotiate a fare to the Plain of Jars Visitor Center, approximately 6 km northeast of the town center. A typical one-way tuk-tuk ride should cost between 30,000 to 50,000 Lao Kip, depending on your negotiation skills.

  • Taxi

    Taxis can be arranged through your hotel or guesthouse in Phonsavan. A taxi to the Plain of Jars Visitor Center will be more expensive than a tuk-tuk, but offers a more comfortable and direct ride. Expect to pay around 60,000 to 80,000 Lao Kip for a one-way trip.

  • Motorbike/Scooter

    If you're comfortable driving a motorbike, you can rent one in Phonsavan for approximately 50,000 to 100,000 Lao Kip per day. Follow the main road northeast from Phonsavan, and look for signs pointing towards the Plain of Jars. The visitor center is located about 10-15 minutes from the town center.

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Discover more about Plain Of Jars Visitor Center

The Plain of Jars Visitor Center is your introduction to one of Southeast Asia's most intriguing archaeological sites. Located near Phonsavan, the center offers valuable insights into the history and mystery surrounding the Plain of Jars, a collection of megalithic stone jars dating back to the Iron Age (500 BCE to 500 CE). Inside the visitor center, you'll find informative displays, artifacts, and exhibits detailing the archaeological findings and the cultural importance of the Plain of Jars. Learn about the various theories surrounding the jars' purpose, from ancient burial rituals to storage containers for rice wine or rainwater. Discover how these massive stone structures, some weighing several tons, were likely quarried and transported to their current locations. The Plain of Jars is a testament to Laos' rich cultural heritage, with the visitor center acting as a gateway to understanding this ancient civilization. The center also provides information about the impact of the Second Indochina War on the area, with reminders of the conflict still visible in the form of bomb craters and remnants. After exploring the visitor center, venture out to the Plain of Jars themselves, where you can witness these mysterious relics firsthand. Several sites are open to tourists, with Site 1 being the most accessible and frequently visited. As you wander among the jars, consider the many unanswered questions about their origins and purpose, and appreciate the enduring legacy of this unique archaeological landscape.

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