Xieng Khouang, Archaeological Terroir: What You Need to Know for the Trip?

Xieng Khouang, a province of Laos, has gained renown for hosting a significant archaeological site in Southeast Asia. Within this region lies a captivating historical treasure that lures curious individuals from around the globe: the enigmatic Plain of Jars. Yet, Xieng Khouang offers more than just this intriguing mystery; it stands as an essential addition to your list of destinations when exploring Laos. Allow this article to serve as your guide to this must-see location.

Written by Nhu PHAM (local expert)Updated on 27-05-2024

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1. Where Is Xieng Khouang Located?

Xieng Khouang located 380 km northeast of the capital Vientiane, it takes about 6 hours to get from Vientiane to Xieng Khouang area by car. This region extends to an altitude of more than 1,200 meters, enjoying mild temperatures for most of the year.

Xieng Khouang, once scarred by war, has been transformed into a peaceful district. Since the Plain of Jars was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area has seen a steady increase in tourist influx. Visitors include Vietnamese veterans revisiting the battlefields, as well as Western tourists eager to learn about the culture, military history and unravel the mystery of the Plain of Jars.

2. The Best Time to Visit Xieng Khouang

The ideal time to visit Xieng Khouang is from November to February, which is the cool season in Laos. During this period, temperatures drop, especially in the highlands of the Plain of Jars. It is recommended to bring warm clothes for mornings and evenings, often soft and cool.

Avoid traveling to Xieng Khouang between June and October, the rainy season, with maximum rainfall in July and August.

3. What to Do and See in Xieng Khouang?

Plain of Jars

The Plain of Jars is a major archaeological site in Laos, with more than 2100 megalithic vessels scattered over 1000 km2. Fashioned mainly from sandstone, some from granite or limestone, these jars are imposing structures dating back to the Iron Age, between 500 BC and 800 CE. Their meaning remains a mystery.

Three sites have been cleared of mines and opened to tourists: the first, the largest, has 334 jars, the second has 93 with carved stone discs, and the third has 150.

According to some theories, these jars may have contained wine to celebrate King Khun Cheung's victory or were used to store water in times of drought. A hypothesis put forward by French archaeologist Madeleine Colani suggests that each jar served as a coffin containing the remains of the deceased. In 1930, she discovered bones, teeth, brass bracelets, glass beads, and onyx around these jars, bolstering this theory.

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Muang Khoun

The location of the former provincial capital was once chosen by 23 chiefs of the local tribes, thus becoming one of the most mythical lands of Laos. Massive invasions and bombings during the Second Indochina War destroyed many of its historical and cultural relics.

Here you can visit a ruined temple built in 744, Wat Phia. Its large Buddha, seated on a platform, remained intact despite natural erosion and bombing. Walking along the Nam Ngap River, one km to the north, you will come to the three 16th century stupas That Chompeth, That Dam and That Foun.

The latter, dating back to 1576, is the most spectacular and has become a major pilgrimage site; it covers the funerary ashes of a Buddha, brought from India. In the nearby village of Ban Phai, there are jars that have the distinction of having been fashioned from granite.

Tad Kha and Tad Lang Waterfalls

After a wonderful day, full of discoveries, a refreshing dip in the natural waterfalls is a great way to relax. In Xieng Khouang, visitors particularly appreciate the 100-meter-high Tad Kha Temple. It is nestled in a grandiose ambience of limestone cliffs, in the Nong Het district. There is also Tad Lang, 130 m high, located near Site 3 of the Plain of Jars.

Tham Piu and Tham Pha Caves

Another relic of the painful times of war still marks the Laotians. This is the Tham Piu cave, where 374 villagers died due to a rocket attack by a US fighter jet. It has become a place of remembrance for the victims of the conflict.

Another well-known cave in this splendid setting is Tham Pha. This holy place is located near Nong Tang Lake and is adorned with a good number of Buddhas.

Hmong New Year

The ethnic group celebrates the changes of year over several days, between late November and early December. This festival, held when the harvest is over, marks the beginning of the well-deserved rest after a season of hard work. It is important to know that the Hmong live at an altitude of more than 1000m, in general, and grow rice or maize on steep terrain.

The Hmong come from the different villages to adorn themselves with shimmering costumes and beautiful jewels. They joyfully enliven the festivities with their dances, songs, tales, traditional music, as well as oxen fights. Some of these, as well as pigs or chickens, are also killed as sacrifices to wish a happy new year.

A long-awaited traditional game is to bring together young singles in the middle of a motley crowd. Two by two, they throw a ball at each other, for several hours, which favors meetings followed by promises of marriage. It's a great party not to be missed!

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Organic Silk Farm

The Mulberries Organic Silk Farm was established in 1993 with the aim of promoting silk production. The yarns produced by his team are of high quality, made from 100% organic mulberry leaves, on which the worms feed. The plants are grown on land fertilized with animal manure, in effect.

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The filaments are wound, processed and spun, then colored with raw materials also produced on site for dyeing. The villagers then weave at home, and sell the fruit of their labor through this non-profit cooperative. It is intended to enable them to improve their quality of life.

Travelers can walk through the mulberry fields and observe the process of sericulture. They learn the methods of making with natural dyes, by meeting farmers and craftsmen. They also have the opportunity to buy the products of this fair trade company to support the local economy.

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4. Suggested Tour to Fully Discover Xieng Khouang and Its Neighbors

Xieng Khouang is easy to visit and doesn't take much time, so it's often combined with other nearby destinations. Nearby are Luang Prabang, the ancient Laotian capital with an ancient and sacred vibe, as well as Vang Vieng, known for its Nam Song Riverside activities such as tubing, kayaking, ziplining, and even hot air balloon tours. Suggested visit to start in Vientiane:

Day 1: Vientiane - Xieng Khouang - Plain of Jars

• Flights to Xieng Khouang
• Visit the Plain of Jars, a remarkable archaeological site with its stone jars
• Discover the ancient capital of Muang Khoun and the surrounding villages
• Overnight in Xieng khouang.

Day 2: Xieng khouang - Luangprabang

• Visit to Phonsavan Central Market
• Travel to Luang Prabang, passing by historical sites and ethnic villages
• Stops to see Buddha images, visit villages of Hmong minorities and hill tribes
• Arrive in Luang Prabang, visit Wat Visoun, Wat Aham, Wat Mai, explore Street Night Bazaar
• Overnight in Luang Prabang.

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Day 3: Luangprabang – Pak Ou Cave

• Boat trip on the Mekong River to visit Pak Ou Cave
• Stop at Ban Muang Keo to taste and buy traditional rice whiskey
• Return to Luang Prabang, climb Mount Phousi to watch the sunset
• Exploring the Street Night Bazaar
• Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 4: Luangprabang – Kuangsi Waterfall

• Visit to the National Museum and the former Royal Palace
• Excursion to Kuang Si Waterfall, with stops in Hmong and Khmu villages
• Picnic by the waterfall
• Return to Luang Prabang.

5. Practical Information for a Successful Trip

• Best time to visit: the dry season, from November to March, with no rain and more pleasant temperatures.
• Cash: In some rural areas, cash payments are preferable, so make sure you have cash with you.
• Bring clothes suitable for temples and sacred places, usually modest and covering clothing.

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