The name Xieng Khouang meaning “Skyline city” is a province of Laos, in the Xieng Khouang Plateau, the northeastern part of the country. Formerly the capital of Muang Phuan, the province’s current province is Phonsavan.
(Source: internet)
6 districts of Xieng Khouang
Xieng Khuang has 6 districts. They are Muang Phou Koud, Muang Nong Hai, Muang Kham, Muang Mork, Muang Khoune and Muang Phonsavan.
History
Although no one knows the origin of the Plain of Jars, the history of Xieng Khouang is recorded in relation to the Phuan people. An ancient civilization, its prehistory refers to the mysterious rocks of the Plain of Jars (with prehistoric material recorded around 2000 BC, the Iron Age of 500 BCE and the period 500-800 AD predominates in archeology) which characterizes the cemeteries of ritual activities with a broad history spanning religious influences from Angkor to Hindu and Buddhist.
Geographical location
Xieng Khouang covers an area of 15,880 square kilometers and is largely mountainous. The province borders Houaphan to the northeast, Vietnam to the east, Bolikhamsai to the southeast, and Vientiane to the southwest. The capital is Phonsavan town. Xiang Khuang and Vientiane are parts of the Nam Ngum Basin. Outside of the Mekong, the largest flat land area in the country is located in the Xieng Khouang plateau of the province. The area is characterized by moderate hills and meadows. The highest mountain in the country, Phou Bia, rises to the south of the plateau, while the Chum Plateau is in the center of the plateau.
The province is 400 km northeast of Vientiane. Phou Bia mountain altitude 2700 m is the highest peak in the province at the same time the highest in Laos. The province’s altitude is about 1.000 meters above sea level with Kham district located in a downstream basin about 600 feet above sea level.
Conservation area
Xieng Khouang Nam Et-Phou Louey conservation area (National Biodiversity Authority). This area has high biodiversity levels, and some endangered species include tigers, leopards, Asian golden cats…
Tourist attractions
The most famous and popular attraction is the Plain of jars which consists of large stone jars with a height of 1m-3m. They are found throughout the province at a number of locations throughout the province with approximately 300 units in each location.
(Source: internet)
Muang Khoun is a kingdom of ancient 14th century Kingdom. Phonsavan is bordered to the south. It was destroyed during the Indochina War, which still preserves the ruins of a stone wall with arched brick gates, relics of French colonial rule, large statues of Buddha, pillars and short wall parts.
A secret tunnel was built under the hill of the Phu Kheng Field during the Indochina War (1964-1973). The tunnel is approached by climbing up about 1.000 steps. Along this route you can find many pieces of jars or more broken jars at the bomb craters. The scenery of the Phou Koud valley at the end of the route is beautiful, and the entrance to the tunnel is obscured.
Nightlife in Xieng Khouang
Nightlife in Xiang Khuang is not really boisterous and booming. It is quite boring for people to enjoy the dynamic nightlife. However, you can see some clubs and discos not really bountiful.
Shopping in Xieng Khouang
You can go shopping in the Dry Goods Market which is near the bus station in the town center. In this market, you can buy some featured items of Laos, such as: silk, handicraft and silver.
Explore more attractions: That Chomphet stupa; MAG Visitor Center; Nam Kat waterfall; Xieng Khouang Plateau; UXO Information Center; Plain of Jars
