Xieng Khouang Province

Xieng Khouang province is situated in the north of Laos, a province of green montains and karst limestone.  Much of the province was heavily bombed during the Vietnam war and old war scrap is used in building houses throughout the province. 

The capital of Xieng Khouang is Phonsavan. Situated at an altitude of 1,200m is an excellent climate.  Decmber and January can be chilly so bring a light jacket or fleece for cool evenings and mornings.

Xieng Khouang - Out and About

Plain of Jars

The Plain of jars is the biggest attraction of the province.   Situated near Phonsavan are several grassy areas on which stand stone jars, about 1 to 2.5m high.  The jars are about 2,000 years old but nobody knows the true story about them or how they came to be there.  Local legend says that they were made to ferment rice wine after a victory against a wicked chieftan in the 6th century.

Kham Hot Springs

In Kham district, 52km north of Phonsavan there are two hot springs;   Bo Noi (Little Spring) and Bo Yai (Big Spring).  At Bo Yai there is a bungalow resort for bathing in the springs where the water can reach 60 degrees celcius.