LAOS -NORTHERN HERITAGE XIENGKHOUNG

XIENGKHOUNG

CAPITAL: PHOUSAVAN

TOTAL AREA: 1588 SQUARE KILOMETRES

POPULATIONS: 269 887

Xieng Khouang is best known for the enigmatic Plain of Jars comprised of thousands of stone jars varying in height from one to over 3 meters , in clusters of up to 300 jars.One local legend states that the jars were originally constructed to distill an alcoholic brew to celebrate the vistorious military campaign of an ancient king however archaeological evidence suggests that the jars are funerary urns, carved by a bronze age people around 2500 years ago.

 The Plain of Jars was of strategic military importance in the Indochina conflicts of the 1960’s and 70’ssuffering very heavy aerial bombardment and intense ground battles, during which 85% of the villages in the province were bombed.

Though best known for the mysterious stones jars scattered throughout province, Xieng Khouang has a number of other attractions. Old Xieng Khouang Town, now known as Muong Khoun was the center oof a former Tai Phuan Kingdom and boasts many centuries old pagodas and Buddhist temples. Unfortunately, many were either destroyed or severely damaged from heavy bombing during the war.

Because of its elevation, cool climate and acidic soils Xieng Khouang has vast pine forests. For nature enthusiasts there are 14 provincial protected areas covering 70120 hectares. In Soui District’s Tham Pha there is an interesting collection of Buddha images along with an old war hospital hidden in the cave, complete with surgical equipment.

On the way to Tham Pha, stop for lunch at the peaceful natural reservoir at Nong Tang right beside the main road. If you are interested in weaving, a trip to Ban Xang can be arranged to see Tai dam weavers at work. Wonderful mineral rich natural hot springs and Tham Pew historic cave are in Muang Kham about 1 hour east of Phonsavanh, the provincial capital. 

A visit to the Hmong Village of Ban Thachok presents the opportunity to learn first-hand about Hmong culture and see the ingenious ways local people have found uses for war scrap such as cluster bomb casings.

In Xieng Khouang , the Tai Phuan people produce a special type of natural paper known as “ Jia porsalae: .This sturdy paper is coated with natural resins and made into traditional bamboo –framed umbrellas that are excellent for keeping both the rain and sun off your head. The Hmong embroidery, Phuan , Tai Dam and Tai Deng textiles are extraordinary.

The majority of Xieng Khouang’s population is Tai Phuan who practices. Theravada Buddhism therefore all the major Buddhist festivals are celebrated here. With a substantial population of Hmong, the Hmong New Year is also a festive occasion every year in December.

For trekkers and mountain enthusiasts the landscape of Xieng Khouang Province is simple heaven with its dramatic mountains, peaks and plateaus.