Our first full day in Phonosavan is uneventful. We wander around, relax and do a whole lot of nothing…
It’s wonderful!
Our second full day is the reason we made the trip here – it’s the day we explore the Plain of Jars!
The Plain of Jars is like the Southeast Asian version of Stonehenge. It’s a series of 58 individual sites, containing a collection of 50 or more carved stone jars, varying in size from 3-feet-high and 3-feet in diameter to over 6-feet-tall and 6-feet in diameter. And no one knows when the jars were made, who made them or why!
There are a couple of theories floating around - that they were used for making Lao Lao, that they were used as cremation urns and that they were used to collect water. And after visiting the sites, I haven’t a clue… not that I’m a scientist or archeologist or historian.
They have been deemed World UNESCO Heritage sites, but up until recently not much research has been completed because of the lack of access. Until about two years ago, they still contained numerous UXOs, so before UNESCO would promote them, they needed to be cleaned up. The three main sites are generally cleaned up now, although you do need to stay on a marked path.
The first site we visited is probably the most impressive of all the three because of the number of jars in the area. However, the other two are spectacular in their own right because of their locations – they’re both located on hill tops, overlooking vast fields which you have to walk through to get to them.
It was absolutely fascinating!
We wrap up our day with a stop at the remains of Russian tank left over from the war. It was just lying there at the side of the road in a farmer’s front yard.
We’re fortunate enough to meet a British doctor on our tour – Dr. Abby – and she’s kind enough to take a look at my leg. Because of the heat, dust and dirt, my wound’s starting to look a little infected, so she recommends a course of treatment to supplement our treatment to date.
NOTE: My wound is okay – it’s just healing slowly. No need to get worried – we’re just taking precautionary measures.
So, with sightseeing and an impromptu doctor’s appointment complete, Eric and I grab dinner of delicious Indian food and call it a night.
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