Photos: The Mysterious Plain of Jars in Laos
The Plain of Jars is one of Laos’ greatest mysteries. No one really knows why they were created or even when. Despite years of study by archaeologists, they refuse to give up their secrets.
Popular wisdom has it that the jars are at least 2,000 years old, but since they’re carved from inert rock they cannot be accurately carbon-dated. Most jars have unique shapes, depending on the shape of the boulder they were carved from, and many weigh several tons. Most seem to believe they once housed buried remains, but some legends claim they were used to make lao lao, the local rice whiskey.
It’s possible to visit the jars as a day trip from Luang Prabang, but it’s a long day. I traveled, instead, to Phonsavan where I could stay a couple of nights and see them at my leisure. A tour of the three main sites costs $20 US and also includes a rather silly stop at a ‘whiskey village’ to see how lao lao is made. The village was more of a ‘whiskey hut’, with a single old man lifting lids from fermenting barrels and force-feeding everyone a shot of lao lao.
To reach the third jar site, we had to cross through a large rice field — a beautiful landscape made more dramatic by the addition of light rain.
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Maybe they’re fire pits, used in the same way as inner cities where people crowd around garbage cans with trash on fire?
Could be! I didn’t see any evidence of fire, though. I don’t buy the whiskey explanation — these required a lot of work to carve and transport. I think they had to serve some ceremonial purpose…
Many visitors there, seems to be a place on a lot of lists but relatively few go there. It’s certainly on mine.
It’s a little out of the way, for sure. And, there’s not much else to do in Phansovan. But, I’m glad I went — always wanted to see it…
I agree they could have been used for ceremonial purposes, Maybe boys had to hang out in these things filled with whiskey to pass over to man hood … just a theory.
heh, you mean “pass out” to manhood, right? ;)
Wow, I am really scratching my head on this one. I had never heard of these but they look interesting. I wonder what they were used for.
Ahh… Phonsavan. My worst Laos accommodation experience. No one on our group could figure out what the jars were for and the guide sure as hell didn’t know… They’re just interesting. Also liked the airforce base in the distance with ancient aircraft.
Have to agree with previous commenters that not many people end up going here. Hardly anyone compared to Luang Prabang.
Heh, we had a bad guide. His explanation consisted of “The jars at this site are smaller than the jars at the last site.”
we had a theory that they were used for water storage,because when we were there it was so hot,dry and dusty. i think the third one you visited was the best ,smaller and quieter,we rode to all three on dirt bikes,great pics wes
Very nice.. And seems so peaceful now..
So cool! I had never heard of these before.
Nice shots as usual Jonny – I loved Laos so much so that I have to go back, there were a few spots in SE Asia that did that to me and I will have to go back there regularly for the rest of my traveling days. I didn’t make it to the Plain of jars the last time but this time I full intend to take a motorcycle from Paxse all the way north … Did it before from Vang Vieng to Luang Probang and whoa what a journey!
Thanks, Aaron. I, too, am looking forward to getting in some two-wheeled time here. The scenery is just *stunning*. Looking into riding the Southern Swing for a week or so…
Nice pictures as always ! If you have the chance, go to Sam Neua and Vieng Xai. We had a wonderful stay other there ! It’s a long drive from Phonsavan but it’s definitely worth it – Vieng Xai is lovely and villages around beautiful ! Too bad we had to leave these places…We have to go back to France now-earlier than scheduled… Have a safe trip! Carolle
Ooh, thanks for the tips, Carolle. Sorry to hear you n Pierre are returning early and I hope everything is well. There’s always next time, right? If nothing else, you have to return to SE Asia just so you can photograph Sapa ;)
they are obviously giant shitters