The mysterious Plain of Jars in the Xiang Khouang province is an
unusual sight, and a must-visit tourist attraction for travellers
to Luang Prabang. Hundreds of huge solid stone jars lie scattered
about the landscape, some weighing up to six tonnes and measuring
about 6 feet (2m) in length. They are believed to be over 2,000
years of age, although their origin or function is unknown.
Numerous theories and legends have been fashioned - one such legend
states that they were made to ferment rice wine to celebrate a
victorious battle against a wicked chieftain in the 6th Century;
while other theories claim they were used as sarcophagi, or
funerary urns. They are divided into five major groups, with Thong
Hai, or Site 1, the largest and most easily accessible site. The
jars lie amid thousands of unexploded mines left behind by the war,
and as a result only Sites 1, 2 and 3 are open to visitors; the
rest are considered too dangerous, and visitors should heed warning
signs and keep to well-worn paths. Many guesthouses in the town of
Phonsavan offer tours to the sites. While you're in Phonsavan be
sure to visit the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) shop to learn about
the clearing of unexploded bombs in the area and throughout
Laos.
10, 000 Kip for each site, paid at the entrance to the
separate sites.
Lao is the official language, but some English and French
are spoken.
The Lao Kip (LAK) is the legal currency unit, currently
available in denominations of 1, 000, 5, 000, 10, 000, 20, 000 and
50, 000 kip. US Dollars, Euros and Thai Baht are also accepted in
many places and are more convenient to carry than large stacks of
the local currency. Banks, hotels, and jewellery shops all offer
currency exchange services. For everyday expenses, carry a mix of
US dollars and kip. For larger items, or when the exchange rate
works in your favour, use US dollars. For local transport, street
food stalls and minor purchases, it is best to use kip. When in
rural areas, ensure you carry a supply of small notes as change can
be hard to come by. Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard
are accepted at most international hotels, many shops and
restaurants, and a few tourist-orientated establishments in Luang
Prabang and Vientiane - but in other parts of the country assume
that only cash is accepted. Travellers cheques can be cashed at
most banks in Vientiane and other major towns. Banks are open
Monday to Friday from 8am to 12pm, and then again from 2pm to 3pm.
In Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse and other major towns, ATMs are
available from which money can be withdrawn. Note that ATMs
distribute only Lao kip, with a maximum of around 1, 000, 000 kip per
transaction.
Sites are open from dawn until dusk.