Xieng Khouang plateau is the collection of nearly 100 jars, which is the home of “Plain of Jars”. Located 400 kilometers northeast of Vientiane Capital, Xieng Khouang Province has a population of 251, 334 spread over an approximate area of 15,000 square kilometers. It is one of the 17 provinces of Lao PDR, located in the north-central area of the country, on the mountainous Tran-ninh plateau. Xieng Khouang includes eight districts: Paek, Phaxay, Phoukoot, Kham, Nong Hét, Khoun, Thathom and Mokmai.
Xieng Khouang Plateau has been formerly known as Tran Ninh Plateau. Its name (Xiangkhoang) derived from the “Horizontal City” meaning. However, the city includes many famous waterfalls, hills, rivers, caves and valleys. Xiengkhoang Plateu is most popular for the “Plain of Jars”. On the calm highlands with cool temperatures year round, Xieng Khoang attracts tourists to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
(Source: the internet)
Xieng Khouang Plateau is situated at the northern end of the Annamese Cordillera – is the biggest mountain in the Southeast Asia. Between 19th century and 1975, Xieng Khouang was the battle site. During the second Indochina War, Xiangkhoang Plateau was one of the most heavily bombed by the US. Therefore, it can be said that Xieng khouang Plateau is the historical witness of Lao’s war.
Xiang khouang Plateau is surrounded by the Ngum and the Ngiap rivers to the South and the Khan River to the north. All these rivers are the branches of the Mekong river. Here, you can easily see familiar images of the countryside, such as buffalos, cows, or hills, mountains … All contribute to the image of a simple and rustic plain.
However, until now, Xieng khouang Plateau has faced up with the environmental danger as well as regional threat. This Plateau is now having underground sandstone and limestone. The vast number of bombs are now remaining underground, which are really dangerous for people. The Lao government is trying to stimulate the local authority in controlling and protecting the jar sites.
Explore more attractions: Mystery Xieng Khouang; That Chomphet stupa; MAG Visitor Center; Nam Kat waterfall; UXO Information Center; Plain of Jars
