Plain of JarsPlain of Jars at a Glance
About Plain of Jars
The Plain of Jars is a megalithic archaeological landscape on the Xiangkhouang Plateau in northeastern Laos characterised by large, carved stone jars scattered across multiple sites and clusters. The jars date to the Iron Age, broadly placed by archaeologists between about 500 BCE and 500 CE, and are interpreted as connected with funerary practices.
Hundreds of jars occur across dozens of clusters on the plateau; principal, accessible clusters are commonly referred to as Sites 1, 2 and 3 near the town of Phonsavan. The landscape includes jars of varying sizes, stone discs, burial pits, and mortuary remains documented by archaeological investigations.
The area suffered heavy bombardment and conflict during the 20th century, and many parts of the plateau were contaminated by unexploded ordnance; clearance operations have made some sites safe for visitors while others remain closed. Several of the jar clusters were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of their archaeological significance.
The Plain of Jars is located on the Xiangkhouang Plateau around Phonsavan in northeastern Laos; the main visitor clusters lie within driving distance of the town and are accessed by local roads.
- Unexploded ordnance risk: Many areas of the Plain of Jars remain contaminated by unexploded ordnance from 20th-century conflict; clearance has been ongoing and some sites remain restricted.
- UNESCO inscription: A UNESCO World Heritage listing recognises the cultural importance of the jar sites and several clusters are open to visitors from Phonsavan with guided access.
What to See#
- Site 1: Site 1 is the most visited cluster and contains several large stone jars and standing megaliths located close to accessible trails and the periphery of Phonsavan.
- Site 2: Site 2 is a principal cluster with multiple large jars and associated burial deposits studied by archaeologists; it is one of the larger concentration areas on the plateau.
- Site 3: Site 3 is a hilltop cluster that includes numerous jars and disturbed contexts; together with Sites 1 and 2 it forms part of the core mapped landscape of megalithic features on the Xiangkhouang Plateau.
Best Time to Visit Plain of Jars
The cool, dry season from November to February is the safest and most comfortable time to visit given road conditions and UXO-clearance schedules.
Weather & Climate near Plain of Jars
Plain of Jars's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with warm summers (peaking in June) and mild winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 10°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1697 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 10° - 24° | 17° | 5 mm | partly cloudy | 69% | 1.5 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.0h |
| February | Excellent | 11° - 26° | 18° | 23 mm | partly cloudy | 64% | 1.9 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.4h |
| March | Excellent | 15° - 28° | 21° | 35 mm | partly cloudy | 62% | 2.2 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Very Good | 18° - 29° | 23° | 105 mm | partly cloudy | 65% | 1.8 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.5h |
| May | Good | 19° - 28° | 24° | 217 mm | overcast | 74% | 1.8 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.9h |
| June | Good | 20° - 28° | 24° | 248 mm | overcast | 80% | 1.8 m/s | 2.0 very high | 13.2h |
| July | Good | 20° - 27° | 23° | 338 mm | overcast | 83% | 1.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.1h |
| August | Good | 20° - 27° | 24° | 433 mm | overcast | 85% | 1.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.7h |
| September | Good | 19° - 27° | 23° | 202 mm | overcast | 83% | 1.4 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.1h |
| October | Very Good | 17° - 26° | 21° | 65 mm | overcast | 79% | 1.4 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.6h |
| November | Excellent | 13° - 25° | 19° | 21 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 1.6 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.1h |
| December | Excellent | 10° - 23° | 17° | 5 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 1.6 m/s | 1.2 high | 10.9h |
How to Get to Plain of Jars
Phonsavan is the regional hub; daily buses and shared taxis run to Phonsavan from Vientiane and Luang Prabang (long journeys). From Phonsavan organized tours and local transport take visitors to Sites 1, 2 and 3 on cleared routes; independent wandering is discouraged due to UXO.
Tips for Visiting Plain of Jars
- Use registered guides and stay on cleared paths - many areas still contain unexploded ordnance and UXO clearance is ongoing.
- Visit Sites 1, 2 and 3; Site 1 near Phonsavan is the most accessible and has an on-site museum explaining the finds and history.