Plain of Jars

After stunning north Laos, thousands of turns, mountains, amazing views and great roads(well, not quality ones for sure) I started to go south. Skipped Vang Vieng(mekka for all backpackers) and Vientiane(capital), which didn't sound interesting as well. Too many tourist(after experience in Luang Pabang) and I was looking for something more quiet.

Plain of Jars was still quite on the route of many travelers, but was also on the way south. 

City where you want to stay is Phonsavan, I spent first few hours there on looking for a place to stay and tires(my rear tires was already quite flat and front was wearing out as well).

No big results, new spark plugs, new oil and few small adjustments. Then, chilling out in the evening with some new people.

The next morning I got up early, packed and left for the excursion.

There are 3 different sides which you can visit, each one separately ticketed. Site number 1 is most popular and easiest to access, then other 2 you need to drive a bit longer on the gravel road in order to get there.

At first I got lost, as the signs are very poor and base on the distances written on my GT-Rider map I turned too early. Thanks to that I got to a huge building site and widest paved roads in all Laos. 

There are build the 5 biggest golf course in all Asia(If I remember well), money comes mainly from Japan, but airport close by can't operate international flights, so I think there will be a problem to get there. It is really impressive. After seeing very poor sights in north Lao getting to place where so many trucks, equipment and people working for creating a golf course....... Everyone has it's own way of developing country......

The widest paved road in Laos.....

So, jars. That's why I came here. The origin have many explanations and actually still people argue what was the reason for placing them. Personally I am closest to believe that they were tombstones. After death, bodies where cremated and the ashes placed inside of jars. More honorable position in the society and more wealthy you were, bigger jar you could get. So, basically it was kind of grave yard for them. For me that sounds reasonable.  

The story behind that particular one is funny. As scientists started to investigate why one jar has been covered with a cap. Why only one? Does any other had a cap as well? Tourist really like that stories as well and if you talk with other fellow travelers, you will hear interesting theories :)

The truth is very simple. Locals few years back(when the sights weren't that popular), took this "cap"stone which was lying next to the jars and covered one of them, for tourist to feel more interested. Heard from a local guide which remember the place when the stone was lying on the ground.

Jars are carved from one big piece of stone and they had to brought from long distances as they haven't found any trace of that type of stones close by.

Jars.........

I think it look like a plain, doesn't it?

Hello traveler !

Road to one of the sights.....

To get there you need to cross a bridge

And walk through rice paddy. I love that green.......

Another important fact, that this area was heavily bombed by Americans during Vietnamese war and surprisingly those jars have survived. Impressive remembering that on Laos at this time 5 times more bombs where dropped then during all WWII. Wow !

All of the sights are placed on small hills. I think that is common for all cultures, where graveyards and culture of those who passed away was(and is) important.

Sorry for polish, but NASI TU BYLI !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, seeing polish advertisements in Laos was quite surprising :D

Laos, full of surprises :D

Reception desk decoration.............

Traveling....... do I need to explain?

Plain of Jars. If you like jars, go there. Apart of that not much to do and places gets really crowded when organized tours are arriving. Get up early, get your own mean of transport and enjoy the views without crowds.