The Plain of Jars (Site 1)

The "Plain of Jars" was high on my "bucket list" of things to see in Laos, having read of it some years previously. This is known as "site 1". I understand there are about 85 similar sites in the east of Laos with large (up to 3M high) hollowed stone urns such as these - but because of unexploded munitions, only three sites are open to the public. Even at these, visitors are warned to stay within the marked (cleared) areas.

The hollowed stone "jars" date from Iron Age times (500BC-500AD). The original purpose is unknown, though it is generally believed they were burial urns. I rather like the local Lao belief that they were used by an invading army to brew beer - those must have been some parties!

More images in the notes. Explored.