The Plain of Jars is a megalithic archaeological landscape in Laos. Scattered in the landscape of the Xieng Khouang plateau, Xieng Khouang, Laos, are thousands of megalithic jars. These stone jars appear in clusters, ranging from a single or a few to several hundred jars at lower foothills surrounding the central plain and upland valleys. Several theories propose that the jars were used as funerary urns, while local legend suggests they were drinking vessels for the giants who used to inhabit the area. We’re sure there’s a sensible, perhaps even logical, explanation to the Plain of Jars… we just don’t want to know what it is.
Plain of Jars history
The history of the stone jars is shrouded in mystery. The jars are believed to be about 2,000 years old. They come in varying sizes up to three meters high, weighing up to several tons. Most of them were sculpted from sandstone rock.
Very little is known about the people who created the jars. Although their purpose is not known with certainty, archeologists believe they were used as urns in burial rituals. All jars are now empty. During archeological research in the 1930’s glass beads as well as burnt bones and teeth were found inside.
- The mystery of the stone jars in Eastern Laos
Around the jars archeologists found grave goods and bones. The jars were probably originally sealed off with lids. Today only a single jar contains one. A few stone lids have been found between the jars, others might have been made of wood or other perishable material that has long gone. Stone discs between the jars mark the location of a grave.
Purpose of the jars
- Noone knows the exact purpose of these jars
Several theories and legends exist about the purpose of the jars. Local legend tells that they were made by a race of giants to use as cups to drink rice wine. Another story tells the jars were used to store water for the dry season, or a King had the jars made to store rice wine after a military victory. As remains of human skeletons were found inside the jars it is now believed they were used as urns in burial rites.
Remnants of the secret war
Signs of the “secret war” are clearly visible at several of the sites, in the form of bomb craters and damaged jars. During the Vietnam war enormous quantities of bombs were dropped on Laos, many of which failed to explode. Although clearing works of unexplored bombs have been carried out at the most visited sites, it is strongly recommended to stay within the marked paths.
Site 1 Thong Hai Hin
Thong Hai Hin, which translates to “Stone Jar Plain” is one of the largest sites with over 300 jars. The site, also known as Site 1 is located about 15 kilometers South West of Phonsavan. The large area surrounded by a fence is adjacent to a Laos army military base.
- Plaine of jars site number 1
Signs at the site inform the the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) has performed clearing works of unexploded bombs. White and red markers mark the areas where clearing works have been carried out. It is recommended to stay within the areas marked by white markers where intensive clearing has been done as opposed to the areas marked with red markers where only visual clearing has been carried out.
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