Our World Journey

Laos

This blog decribes our 20 days or so of travel through Laos (21 December 2006 - 30 December 2006 & 9 January 2007 - 18 January 2007. We cut into Vietnam and Malaysia time to spend more time in this peaceful country. We got into their elusive history by visiting many historical sites as well as the more ancient and mysterious sites like the famous Plain of Jars. Janine learnt how to weave, we went caving and kayaking and exploring and spent some amazing chill time around their 4000 islands.

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Plain of Jars

There are about 20 sites around Phonsavanh where one can find meadows littered with ancient stone jars of unknown origin and purpose which are thought to be about 2000-3000 years old. There are legends and theories surrounding these jars, but the most likely is that they were used as sarcophagi (burial containers) or as some form of storage.

We visited one of the 5 sites considered worthwhile visiting (which have also conveniently been cleared of visible bombies) which is also the biggest site. We arrived as the afternoon was slowly turning into sunset so the plain was quite romantic. Some of the jars are enormous where you can quite easily fit a person or three in. Others are smaller and very small ones apparently exist but have been carried off by collectors. We explored along the bomb-free trail and enjoyed the mysterious scenery. By the time the sun was getting low we were back at our guest house for another evening around the bomb-shell fireplace.

Culture shock: People don't hassle you for your business. Amazing.

posted by Johan & Janine at 6:27 AM   

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Laos Posts

  • Catch the ball and get married
  • Laos: The Secret War
  • Vang Vieng and TV bars
  • Vientiane - most relaxed capital ever!