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.