Phonsavanh

Plain of Jars is where the ancestral Laotians lived and how they were buried.

Speculation on what they are but the most likely theory suggest the jars are 2000-year-old funeral urns.

Tools, bronze ornaments, ceramics and other objects have been found in the jars, indicating that a civilized society was responsible for them.

A vast area extending around Phonsavanh from the south-west to the north-east. Mysterious and ancient, over 300 huge stone jars apparently carved out of solid rock are scattered around the plateau.

In total there are 136 archaeological sites in this area, containing thousands of jars, discs and deliberately placed stones.

The locals use bomb casings and other remnants for many different purposes, such as: fences and parts of their housing, tools, vegetable planters, decorations and barbecue fireplaces.

The scenery is very different to any you’ll see in the rest of Laos with rolling hills covered with green grass and sparse forests of pine trees.