Background

Xiangkhoang Plateau: Land of Ancient Mysteries and Natural Beauty

Explore the Xiangkhoang Plateau in Laos: Discover ancient mysteries amidst stunning landscapes and rich history. A unique journey awaits!

5

The Xiangkhoang Plateau in Laos is a captivating region known for its stunning landscapes, including rolling hills, karst formations, and verdant valleys. It's most famous for the Plain of Jars, an archaeological landscape dotted with thousands of mysterious stone jars dating back to the Iron Age.

A brief summary to Xiangkhoang Plateau

  • LA

Local tips

  • Stick to marked paths at the Plain of Jars sites due to the risk of unexploded ordnance.
  • Consider visiting during the dry season (November to April) for more pleasant weather.
  • Hire a local guide for a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the region.
  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting villages and temples.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Tuk-tuk

    From Phonsavan, the most common way to reach the Plain of Jars is by tuk-tuk. Negotiate a price with a driver in town for a round trip to one or more of the jar sites. A trip to Site 1, the most popular and largest site, typically costs between 100,000 to 150,000 LAK, depending on your bargaining skills and the number of passengers. The journey takes approximately 30-45 minutes each way.

  • Motorbike

    Alternatively, you can rent a motorbike in Phonsavan and explore the Plain of Jars at your own pace. Rental costs range from 50,000 to 100,000 LAK per day, depending on the type of bike and rental shop. Be aware that roads can be rough in places, so exercise caution. Fuel costs are minimal, typically around 20,000 LAK for a day trip.

Unlock the Best of Xiangkhoang Plateau

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Xiangkhoang Plateau

The Xiangkhoang Plateau, also known as the Xiang Khwang Plateau or Plateau du Tran-Ninh, is a distinctive upland in northeastern Laos, characterized by its unique geological structure and historical significance. The name 'Xiangkhoang' translates to 'Horizontal City'. The plateau's landscape is a tapestry of green mountains, rugged karst formations, and verdant valleys, enriched by rivers, caves, and waterfalls. The plateau is most renowned for the Plain of Jars, a megalithic archaeological site featuring thousands of stone jars scattered across the landscape. These jars, varying in size and carved from sandstone, granite, limestone, and breccia, are arranged in clusters and are believed to date back to the Iron Age (500 BC to 200 AD). While their exact purpose remains a mystery, the leading theory suggests they were used for ancient burial practices. The Plain of Jars has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019. Historically, the Xiangkhoang Plateau served as an important trade route and a center for local religious customs. However, it also endured significant conflict, particularly during the Second Indochina War, resulting in heavy aerial bombardment. Today, the area is sadly known as one of the most heavily contaminated regions in the world due to unexploded ordnance (UXO). Despite this, significant efforts have been made to clear the area and make it safe for visitors, with several jar sites open to the public. Visitors to the Xiangkhoang Plateau can explore the Plain of Jars, marvel at the natural beauty of the landscape, and learn about the region's complex history. Other attractions include the ancient Muang Khoun Citadel and the war-scarred Wat Phia Wat Temple. The town of Phonsavan serves as the main gateway to the plateau and offers various accommodation and transportation options.

Popular Experiences near Xiangkhoang Plateau

Popular Hotels near Xiangkhoang Plateau

Select Currency