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Plain of Jars Visitor Center: Gateway to an Ancient Mystery

Uncover the secrets of the Plain of Jars, an ancient and mysterious landscape in Laos, at the gateway visitor center in Phonsavan.

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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. It offers insights into the history, significance, and ongoing preservation efforts of the area's ancient megalithic jars.

A brief summary to Plain Of Jars Visitor Center

  • C5G5+6FP, Phonsavan, LA

Local tips

  • Visit the Xieng Khouang Provincial Museum in Phonsavan to supplement your understanding of the Plain of Jars with broader historical and cultural context.
  • Consider hiring a local guide for a more in-depth tour of the jar sites, as they can provide valuable insights and stories.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain, especially when exploring the jar sites.
  • Stay on marked paths at the jar sites due to the risk of unexploded ordnance.
  • Check the opening hours of the Visitor Center and jar sites in advance, as they may vary.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From most guesthouses or hotels in Phonsavan, the Plain of Jars Visitor Center can be reached by walking. Head northeast from the town center, following Route 7. The walk is approximately 5-7km and will take about 1-1.5 hours. Look for signs pointing towards the Plain of Jars. There are no sidewalks for a portion of the walk, so exercise caution. Tuk-tuks are readily available if the walk is too far. A tuk-tuk should cost around 50,000 kip.

  • Tuk-tuk

    Tuk-tuks are a readily available mode of transport in Phonsavan. Negotiate a fare with the driver before starting your journey. A typical one-way trip from the town center to the Plain of Jars Visitor Center should cost around 50,000 kip. The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

  • Car

    If traveling by car, drive northeast from Phonsavan town center on Route 7. The Visitor Center is located approximately 6 km from the town center. Look for signs pointing towards the Plain of Jars. Parking is available at the Visitor Center for a fee of 5,000 kip.

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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 provides context for the Plain of Jars, where thousands of stone jars are scattered across the Xieng Khouang Plateau. These jars, dating back to the Iron Age (500 BC to 500 AD), are believed to have been used for burial practices. The visitor center features exhibits detailing the history, purpose, and cultural significance of the jars. It also addresses the region's more recent history, including the impact of the Second Indochina War and the ongoing efforts to clear unexploded ordnance. You can learn about the work of organizations like MAG (Mines Advisory Group) in making the area safe for visitors. After exploring the visitor center, venture out to the jar sites themselves. Site 1, the closest and most accessible, features the largest jar, trenches from the war, and a cave believed to have been a crematorium. Other sites offer varying landscapes and numbers of jars, each contributing to the area's mystique. The Plain of Jars is more than just an archaeological site; it's a landscape steeped in history, mystery, and the resilience of the Lao people.

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