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Plain of Jars Visitor Center: Gateway to an Ancient Mystery

Uncover the secrets of Laos' Plain of Jars at the Visitor Center: History, mysteries, and ancient wonders await 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. The center offers historical context and information about the Iron Age megalithic landscape, believed to be linked to ancient burial practices, and the area's role during the Second Indochina War.

A brief summary to Plain Of Jars Visitor Center

  • C5G5+6FP, Phonsavan, LA

Local tips

  • Visit the Visitor Center before exploring the jar sites to gain valuable context and understand the history and significance of the Plain of Jars.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the jar sites involves walking on uneven terrain.
  • Stay on marked paths due to the risk of unexploded ordnance in the surrounding areas.
  • Consider hiring a local guide for a more in-depth understanding of the sites and their history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From most accommodations in Phonsavan, the Visitor Center is easily accessible by foot. Head towards the center of town, and follow the signs for the Plain of Jars (Site 1). The Visitor Center is located at the entrance to Site 1. Walking from the Phoukham Garden Bus Station takes approximately 15-20 minutes. There are no entrance fees for the visitor center, but there is an entrance fee of 35,000 kip to access Plain of Jars Site 1.

  • Tuk-tuk

    Tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Phonsavan and are a convenient way to reach the Visitor Center. A short tuk-tuk ride from the town center will cost approximately 20,000-50,000 kip. Agree on the price with the driver before starting your journey. The entrance fee to Plain of Jars Site 1 is 35,000 kip.

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Discover more about Plain Of Jars Visitor Center

The Plain of Jars Visitor Center is your gateway to unraveling the mysteries of the Plain of Jars, an archaeological landscape scattered across the Xieng Khouang Plateau in Laos. This unique site features thousands of massive stone jars, their origins and purpose still debated by archaeologists. The visitor center provides essential context before venturing out to explore the jar sites. Inside, exhibits detail the history of the Plain of Jars, dating back to the Iron Age (500 BC to 500 AD), and its significance as a crossroads for ancient Southeast Asian cultures. Learn about the various theories surrounding the jars' function, from storing rice wine to serving as burial urns. The center also addresses the more recent history of the area, including the impact of the Second Indochina War and ongoing efforts to clear unexploded ordnance. Beyond the exhibits, the Visitor Center acts as a starting point to visit the main jar sites. Site 1, the closest and most accessible, features the largest concentration of jars, bomb craters from the Second Indochina War, and a cave believed to be an ancient crematorium. Sites 2 and 3, further afield, offer equally impressive displays of these megalithic wonders. A visit to the Plain of Jars Visitor Center is an essential first step for understanding and appreciating this extraordinary cultural landscape.

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