Plain of Jars

In the province of Xieng Khuang, in northern Laos, are several meadow-like areas littered with large stone jars. As I wandered through this area I was reminded of the climate at Dinosaur National Park in southern Alberta.

There are several theories about the function of the jars but there is no evidence to confirm these theories. Perhaps for rice storage? Perhaps as wine fermenters? They are thought to be as old as 2000 years but there is also no reliable way to date them.

During the Indo-China war from 1964 to 1973 this area was severely devasted by war and there continues to be many unexploded ordances surrounding the Plain of Jars.

This sign reminds visitors of the many bomb craters that were also created during the war.