Overview
Located in the Xiangkhouang Plateau, Xiangkhouang is a province in the northeast of Laos, most commonly known for the intriguing "Plain of Jars".
Overview of Xiangkhouang
Xiang Khouang is bordered by Nghe An Province of Vietnam to the east and Vientiane province to the southwest. In the war against French colonialism and American imperialism, Xieng Khouang was a strategically important location. It was also the place where most bombs of the American Empire were hit.
The best time to visit Xiangkhouang is in April. Xiangkhoaung is famous for the Plain of Jars. The strange thing is that the jar is scattered throughout Xiangkhouang but nowadays, visitors are only allowed to visit 3 main sites around Phonsavan. About 50 km north of Meuang Kham district, there are two hot springs: Ban Noi and Ban Nhay with the temperature of up to 600 degrees Celsius. The Tham Piu Cave used as a bomb shelter by the villages during the Vietnam War, is a sobering historical site that you should not miss. The Phu Bia at the altitude of 2820 meters above the sea level is the highest peak in Laos. A different point of Xiangkhouang is the Wat Phiawt temple. It was built in 1564 but was almost entirely destroyed by the war. Xiangkhouang also attracts tourists by the pristine landscape and fresh nature.
Xiangkhouang
History of Xiangkhouang
Xiangkhouang is located on the highlands of Xiangkhouang, formerly the capital of Muang Phuan.
From the beginning of the 19th century to 1975, the center of Xiangkhouang and the plain area are the intense battle. It is estimated that during the time of 1964 to 1973 the number of bombs dropped in Laos are much more than in World War 2, and Xiangkhouang was considered the most terrible bombing area in the world.
Therefore, visitors to Xiangkhouang should keep abreast of guided trails because there are still many boom bullets scattered in the plain.
Due to the altitude (average 1,200m) so in Xieng Khouang the climate is not too hot in the dry season and not too wet in the rainy season. The plateau is surrounded by green mountains and valleys.
Xiangkhouang province covers an area of nearly 16,000 km2 and is mainly hilly and mountainous with a population of more than 244,000 in 2015. Part of the Mekong River also flows through Xiangkhouang, so it creates the largest flat area in Laos.
Tourist attractions in Xiangkhouang
Jars field
At Xiangkhouang there are hundreds of giant stone slabs with 3.25-meter-high slabs spread all over the plateau and stand separately from the surrounding mountains, no one really knows why they are there. And people call this the Jars Field - a famous sightseeing spot when traveling to Laos.
300 stone jars were found at locations throughout Xiangkhouang province. Many archaeological studies indicate that it belongs to a bronze and iron era, dating to 2500 years.
Xiangkhouang
Muang Khoun district
Muang Khoun district is a district of Xiangkhouang province - the seat of an ancient kingdom from the 14th century, this is the homeland of the H’Mong people. Although destroyed in the Indochina War, there are still some ruins you can visit such as the brick gate dome, the remains of the French colony, large Buddha statues and the wall of Wat Piawat that was built in 1564.
Muang Khoun has 2 hot springs, heat up to 60 degrees C. Visitors can experience hot mineral bath services to relax.
Tham Piev - the largest and most beautiful cave in the region is also an ideal place for visitors to Muang Khoun, which is quite high compared to the sea surface. Tham Piev Cave is a stately historical site - formerly used as a bomb shelter by village people.
Xiangkhouang also has the highest mountain in Laos - Phou Bia with a height of 2700 meters - 400 km from Vientiane capital to the northeast.
Visit the plain area, visitors should also visit the secret tunnel area built under the hill of Phu Kheng Jar field. After climbing 1000 stairs, the tunnel gate will open, visitors will see broken pieces of jars or bomb holes on the road.
The tunnel is 70 meters long and 1.6 meters high. There are still concrete blocks and resting camps along the road.
Xiangkhouang
Fonun That Tower
The final destination in Xiangkhouang we introduce to you is the Fonun That Tower. This attraction is also located in Muang Khoun district, impressed with visitors thanks to the charming natural scenery.
That Foun is 30 meters high and was formed in 1576. This is the burial place of the Buddha's carried from India. Every year, on the occasion of the Buddhist ceremony, the people come here to pray.
Xiangkhouang is a peaceful and dreamy place with a mild climate all year round, it is truly a great resting place for your holiday.
