Xieng Khouang Guides

Everything you Need to Know about Xieng Khouang

In the northeast of Laos, lying across a flat high plateau is the province of Xieng-Khouang, most commonly known for the intriguing ‘Plain of Jars’. From the early 19 th century until 1975, central Xieng-Khouang and the plain of jars was a recurring battle zone. It's estimated that more bombs where dropped on Laos between 1964 and 1973, than in the Second World War. As a result, visitors are advised to stick close to guided trails as unexploded ordinance still litter the plain.

The hundreds of giant stone jars, some as large as 3.25 metres high are strewn all over the plateau –carved out of solid hunks of rock from surrounding mountains, no one really knows why they are there. Theories range from the view that they were made to store wine for a huge party to celebrate the conquest of Pakhanh City (Xieng Khouang). Other archeologists believe they were made to store dead human bodies, as was the practice of ancient believers. No one really knows.

The hot springs at Meuang Kham district are worth visiting, and Tham Piu cave is a sobering historical site, used as a bomb shelter by the villages during the Vietnam War. The province has a total population of around 200,000. Because of the altitude (average 1200m) in Xieng Khouang, the climate is not too hot in the cool season and not too wet in the rainy season. Consisting of elevated green mountains and luxuriant valleys, the beautiful landscape is somewhat marred by the bomb craters. The war debris and unexploded bombs that are spread across the central and eastern areas of the province are the deadly legacy of the Vietnam War. 

Where to Stay in Xieng Khouang - Xieng Khouang Hotels

Xieng Khouang hotels and resorts at the best rates, from Three Stars resorts such as Phou Phadeng Auberge, to budget accommodation like Maly Hotel, you are sure to find the accommodation you are looking for.

Read More...

Xieng Khouang Attractions

Xieng Khouhang consists of six districts Muang Khoune, Muang Phonsavanh, Muang Nong Hai, Muang Kham, Muang Mork, and Muang Phou Koud. Situated in the southern most remote provinces of Laos, the area was part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, where troops, supplies and artillery where smuggled out of northern Vietnam and through the mountains on the eastern edge of the country, and into southern Vietnam. (Read More)

Xieng Khouang Activities

The harsh realities of war are not lost in Xieng Khouang, a recurring battle zone throughout the early 19th century up until 1975 much of the land is still littered with unexploded munitions, land mines and cluster bombs. For obvious reasons activities such as trekking and hiking should always be done with an experienced guide, who can lead you through areas of potential danger. (Read More)

Xieng Khouang Restaurant

Eating options are not particularly varied in Xieng Khouang; the vast majority of restaurants serve traditional Asian fare. The usual French influences can be found in the coffee, baguettes and pastries but the chic fusion menus of Luang Prabang and European cuisine found so readily in Vientiane are less likely to be savored here. All the same, the food in hotels such as the Malay is more than adequate and probably the best in town. (Read More)

Xieng Khouang Nightlife

Xieng Khouang does not offer much in the way of nightlife. Western-themed bars and discos are your best bet for nightlife here although there are a few Laos-style clubs that play a mixture of Thai, Vietnamese and Laos pop, these pick up more on the weekend and are generally quiet throughout the week.  Phonsavanh nightclub is considered to be the most popular because of its location in the centre of town. Chittawan is popular with the young Lao crowd who enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Phai Kham is a warm and intimate venue on the same street as Chittawan about 2 km west of the bus station.

Xieng Khouang Shopping

Next to the bus station in the centre of town is the Dry Goods Market selling various selections of silver, silk and handicrafts, much of which has been turned out by the Hmong tribe. Other interesting items include grass raincoats and bamboo-and-oil papered umbrellas. Noi Xok Khai sells the usual locally produced goods such as jewellery, textiles, woodcarvings and ornaments, to be found for a more than reasonable price at this charming little handicrafts shop, situated by the Maly Hotel. To get your hands on some exotic fruit and vegetables, behind the Post Office is the Fresh Market where Chinese pear and wild matsutake mushrooms are readily available.

Hotel Quick Finder

Country : Thailand Laos Myanmar Vietnam Cambodia
Location : Loading... All Destinations
Hotel : 2-3 Star 3-4 Star 4-5 Star All Hotels
Check In : 0102 0304 0506 0708 0910 1112 1314 1516 1718 1920 2122 2324 2526 2728 2930 31 JanuaryFebruary MarchApril MayJune JulyAugust SeptemberOctober NovemberDecember 2009 2010 for 0102 0304 0506 0708 0910 1112 1314 1516 1718 1920 2122 2324 2526 2728 2930 31 night(s)
Check Out : 0102 0304 0506 0708 0910 1112 1314 1516 1718 1920 2122 2324 2526 2728 2930 31 JanuaryFebruary MarchApril MayJune JulyAugust SeptemberOctober NovemberDecember 2008 2009
Rooms : 1 2 3 4 5 Adults : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Children : 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9