Xieng Khouang: The Mystical Highlands of Laos

• Helloສະບາຍດີ
  [sa-bai-dee]
• Goodbyeລາກ່າກອອ
  [la-kha-kho]
• Yesຮີ້
  [hii]
• Noບໍ່
  [bo]
• Please/You're welcomeກະລະກະ
  [ka-lak]
• Thank youຂອບແຂ
  [kop-khè]
• Excuse me/Sorryການກີ
  [kan-ki]
• How are you?ດີແດີຢາກ?
  [di-daai-baak?]
• Fine. And you?ດີແດີເພືອນ. ແລະທັງ?
  [di-daai-puen. leu-tang?]
• Do you speak English?ທ່ອນໄປແລະວິຝິກ?
  [tong-pai-leu-wi-fig?]
• I don't understandຂ້າພະຫາຍ
  [khà pha-hai]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseກະລະກະເບີ້ກວີ. ກະລະກະ
  [ka-lak-bo-kuu-wi. ka-lak]
• I don't eat meatຂ້າພະຫາຍອາຫານຫີໍ່
  [khà pha-hai-a-han-pi]
• Cheers!ແກ້ວ!
  [kaeo]
• I would like to pay, pleaseຂ້າພະຫາຍເຕີດ. ກະລະກະ
  [khà pha-hai-ted. ka-lak]

• Help!ແຊວ!
  [saeu]
• Go away!ໄກກ້າ!
  [kaa-kha]
• Call the Police!ໂທກີບີມີກະດີ!
  [tho-ki-bi-mi-ka-di]
• Call a doctor!ໂທກີບີມີນັດຊຽງ!
  [tho-ki-bi-mi-nat-siang]
• I'm lostຂ້າພະຫາຍມີມີວຽງ
  [khà pha-hai-mi-mi-wiang]
• I'm illຂ້າພະຫາຍແວງ
  [khà pha-hai-weng]

• I'd like to buy...ຂ້າພະຫາຍຊືດ...
  [khà pha-hai-sued...]
• I'm just lookingຂ້າພະຫາຍວີມີມີວຽງ
  [khà pha-hai-wi-mi-mi-wiang]
• How much is it?ຈົດຈຳເດິກອອ?
  [chom-che-meu-kho?]
• That's too expensiveຢູ່ຈັນເດິກຮີ້
  [yu-chan-deu-hii]
• Can you lower the price?ທ່ອນຕິກອອຕິກອອ?
  [tong-ti-kho-ti-kho?]

• What time is it?ເວລາໝູນກອຍອອ?
  [welaa-mun-kho-kho?]
• It's one o'clockໝູນກອຍອອທີ
  [mun-kho-kho-ti]
• Half past (10)ກອຍອອທີຍ
  [kho-kho-ti-yi]
• Morningເມງ
  [mong]
• Afternoonແລງ
  [laeng]
• Eveningໃຈ
  [jai]
• Yesterdayມື່ມມື່ມ
  [muem-muem]
• Todayມື່ມຟິກ
  [muem-fig]
• Tomorrowມື່ມອື່ມ
  [muem-uem]
• 1ໜານ
  [nan]
• 2ສອງ
  [song]
• 3ສາມ
  [sam]
• 4ສີ່
  [si]
• 5ຫ້າ
  [ha]
• 6ຫົກ
  [hok]
• 7ໂກ
  [kho]
• 8ຫໍ່
  [po]
• 9ເກົ້າ
  [keua]
• 10ສິບ
  [sip]

• Where's a/the...?ຢູ່ບ້ານ...?
  [yu-ban...?]
• What's the address?ທ່ອນຝີ່ຫາຍອອ?
  [tong-phi-hai-kho?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?ທ່ອນເບີ້ດວວີ. ທ່ອນ
  [tong-bo-wi-wi. tong]
• When's the next (bus)?ຢູ່ມື່ມຜົນກອຍອອ?
  [yu-muem-fon-kho-kho?]
• A ticket (to ....)ກີກີກະດີ (...)
  [ki-ki-ka-di (...)]

The Plain of Jars in Xieng Khouang is one of Southeast Asia's most enigmatic archaeological sites. Dating back to the Iron Age (500 BCE to 500 CE), the site features thousands of stone jars scattered across the plateau. The purpose of these jars remains a mystery, with theories ranging from burial practices to storage for food and water. The jars are made from sandstone, granite, and limestone, and vary in size, some weighing up to several tons.

During the 14th century, Xieng Khouang became part of the Kingdom of Lan Xang, one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms in Southeast Asia. The region's rich cultural tapestry was woven with influences from the Khmer, Tai, and indigenous Mon-Khmer peoples. Lan Xang's prosperity led to the construction of Buddhist temples and the spread of Theravada Buddhism, a legacy that remains significant in the area today.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Xieng Khouang fell under French colonial rule as part of French Indochina. The French influence is still visible in the architecture of the old administrative buildings in the provincial capital, Phonsavan. The colonial period also saw the introduction of new agricultural practices and the establishment of a rudimentary infrastructure network.

One of the most turbulent periods in Xieng Khouang's history was during the Vietnam War, known locally as the 'Secret War.' From 1964 to 1973, the region was heavily bombed by the United States in an effort to disrupt North Vietnamese supply lines along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Xieng Khouang remains one of the most heavily bombed areas in the world per capita, leaving a legacy of unexploded ordnance (UXO) that continues to affect the local population.

After the end of the Secret War, Xieng Khouang began the slow process of recovery. Efforts to clear UXO have been ongoing, and the local economy has gradually improved. In 2019, the Plain of Jars was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its archaeological significance and helping to boost tourism in the region. This recognition has also brought increased international attention and aid for preservation and development projects.

Xieng Khouang is home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups, including the Hmong, Tai Dam, and Lao Loum, each contributing to the region's rich cultural mosaic. Traditional festivals such as Boun Phao (Rocket Festival) and Hmong New Year are celebrated with vibrant parades, music, and dance, offering visitors a glimpse into the local traditions and communal spirit that define the area's cultural identity.

Xieng Khouang is located in northeastern Laos. The nearest airport is Phonsavan Airport (XKH), which has domestic flights primarily from Vientiane, the capital of Laos. From Vientiane, the flight takes about an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Vientiane or Luang Prabang; however, be prepared for a long journey through mountainous terrain, which can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours depending on road conditions.

Within Xieng Khouang, transportation options include tuk-tuks, motorbike rentals, and taxis. Tuk-tuks are a popular and cost-effective way to get around the town, while renting a motorbike gives you the freedom to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace. Taxis can be arranged through hotels or local travel agencies. For those interested in guided tours, several operators offer day trips to major attractions like the Plain of Jars.

The official currency in Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger restaurants, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Phonsavan, the main town in Xieng Khouang, but it's wise to withdraw enough cash in Vientiane or Luang Prabang before traveling to ensure you have sufficient funds.

Xieng Khouang is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel location, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Be cautious of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in remote areas and always stick to marked paths.

In case of emergency, dial 1191 for police assistance and 1195 for medical emergencies. The local hospital in Phonsavan can handle basic medical needs, but for serious conditions, it may be necessary to travel to Vientiane. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. Pharmacies in Phonsavan offer over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and cover your shoulders when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a slight bow and a 'Sabaidee' (hello). Avoid touching people's heads or pointing your feet at others. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Xieng Khouang like a local, visit the Phonsavan Morning Market where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Lao goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Plain of Jars, one of Laos’ most intriguing archaeological sites. For a unique experience, visit the Mulberries Organic Silk Farm to learn about traditional Lao silk production.