Xieng Khouang
Tourist Destination in Laos
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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.
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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.
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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.While the vast majority of people reading this will be aware of the Vietnam War fought between 1963 to 1974, fewer know that a large part of the war was fought in Laos, giving the country the dubious title of being ‘the most bombed country in the world’.
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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. The Mineral Springs in Baw Nyai are an innovational government ran project that combine the hot springs experience with a weekend trip, in which guests can stay at the Hot Springs Resort. Hopefully, this is the start of many activities and tours to reach the area.
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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. Some restaurants feature a few European dishes, but we advise that you stick to what the chef knows and really get stuck in to some traditional Laotian cooking while the options for anything else are pretty scarce.
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Nightlife in Xieng Khouang
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.
Shopping in Xieng Khouang
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.
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