Plain Of Jars: Unique Places Around The World

Plain Of Jars: Unique Places Around The World

Plain of Jars is a large archaeological landscape found in Laos.



The Plain of Jars site.

The Plain of Jars is perhaps one of the most prolific sites in Laos. From overall aesthetics to the essential details, the plain symbolizes an oasis of ancient artifacts amid threats of a diminishing history around the region. Apart from being an established sanctuary, the Plain of Jars contributes majorly towards the economy. Although this nature reserve stands out as a major positive contributor towards the livelihood, it most certainly faces significant threats which may require future consideration.

5. Description



The Plain of Jars is located far in the northern regions of Annamese Cordillera, which is one of the largest mountain range in Southeast Asia. The archaeological landscape consists of various stones shaped in the form of jars. These beautiful jars are carefully arranged in a cluster-like manner. The distribution of the jars spans both the valley as well as the foothills in the mid-plain of Laos. It was not until 1930 that Madeleine Colani, a famous French researcher established that the jars came as a result of ancient burial practices. Excavation projects since then have confirmed this.

4. Tourism

Like many prehistoric sites, the Plain of Jars attracts many tourists from around the globe every year. This translates to a significant economic value regarding foreign exchange and other aspects such as international relationships. The breathtaking landscape acts as a distinct region where tourists come to quench their thirst for new experiences. The government has equally invested in the region by ensuring a safe and a convenient passage to the tourist site. There is a bus and air travel to the regions surrounding the plains. Although tourism in the region is still being fostered due to the bombings which occurred between 1964 to 1973, there are profound measures which have been put to restore the pride of the Plain of Jars.

3. Uniqueness

Even though there is substantial evidence to ascertain the origin of the jars in the region, the jars continue to carry an air of mystery. There is no clear fact that shows the maker of the jars and their reason. The bizarre collection of scattered jars in the plain is one of the unique sites one’s eyes meet upon visiting the plain. The presence of five different types of stones within the wall structure of the jars is also a startling occurrence that further serves to explore the uniqueness of the jars.

2. Habitat

The jars are mostly located in a plain which mostly has grass and scattered trees growing around them. Although the most attractive features about the plain are the jars, wildlife is also an occasional occurrence as small animals can be seen on the plains.

1. Threats



Between the years of 1964 to 1973, the U.S. Air Force bombed the Plain of Jars heavily in an effort against the communist forces of Pathet Lao and North Vietnam. A staggering amount of these bombs never exploded, and remain an active deadly threat in the area. As such, sightseeing can only be done on paths which have been clearly indicated. A program titled "Safeguarding the Plain of Jars" is a joint effort between Laos and the United Nations, with the intention to make the Plain of Jars safe enough to be a UNESCO Heritage Site.

~News courtesy of World Atlas~

Laos, Cambodia eye extra flights to boost tourism

Laos, Cambodia eye extra flights to boost tourism

Laos and Cambodia on Monday signed a document agreeing on the need to increase flights between the two neighbours to meet the growing demand for air transport.

Head of the Air Transport Division, Department of Civil Aviation, Mr Viengsay Singkham told Vientiane Times yesterday the minute of a meeting between aviation officials from the two countries was signed in Cambodia following the meeting.

The document aims to amend the Aviation Cooperation Agreement between Laos and Cambodia to facilitate and encourage regional airlines to increase flights between both countries in a bid to promote tourism and economic development.

Officials from both sides will submit the outcomes of the meeting to their higher authorities and proceed with the next steps to amend the agreement.

Director for Air Transport at Cambodia's State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, Vann Chanty, told the Khmer Times that the move will push airlines in both countries to operate more flights between Cambodia and Laos due to increasing demand from tourists.

We need to update the agreement to comply with reality and the demands of the market, Mr Chanty was quoted as saying.

Currently, there are three airlines offering flights between Laos and Cambodia. They are Cambodia Angkor Air, Lao Airlines and Vietnam Airlines, and they operate about 21 flights a week.

Mr Chanty said the passenger load between the two countries increased by 5 percent last year to 178,000 and he believed the figure would hit 200,000 in the next two years.

Director-General of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, Keo Sivorn, told the Khmer Times the new agreement would make it easier for airlines to have direct flights between Cambodia and Laos and would open up new routes, such as from Phnom Penh and Preah Sihanouk to Vientiane or Luang Prabang.

Lao and Cambodian officials say that increasing transport connectivity will boost tourism growth in both countries as tourism businesses and tour operators are introducing joint package tours to encourage visitors arriving one country to travel onward to another country.

Earlier this month, both Cambodia and Laos, in a bid to promote bilateral tourism, announced they would create joint tour packages to facilitate travel to both countries.

Some 1.3 million international tourists visited Cambodia in the first two months of 2017, of which 65,675 were from Laos. This was a 64.5 percent increase compared to last year, according to the Khmer Times .

Meanwhile, Laos welcomed more than 4.23 million foreign visitors in 2016, of whom 16,536 were Cambodians.

~News courtesy of Vientiane Times~

Lao-Thai railway section I ready for service

Lao-Thai railway section I ready for service

The Lao-Thai Railway Construction Project Phase II (Section I) is now completed, while Section II will begin operations at the end of this year.

The project handover ceremony was held yesterday between the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) of Thailand.



The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr Lattanamany Khounnivong, Thai Ambassador to Laos, Mr NoppadonTheppitak, senior officials from the ministry and NEDA along with local authorities from relevant sectors.

This section was financially supported with over 656 million baht (about 155.2 billion kip) by NEDA, of which 30 percent is a grant and 70 percent a low interest loan, the Lao Railway Department Director General, Dr Sompong Pholsena reported at the ceremony.

The project began in September, 2013 with a 24 month construction period undertaken by TEAM Consulting Engineering and Management Co., Ltd, (TEAM) in association with LTEC and TEAM Lao Co., Ltd and contractor Sermsanguan Construction Co., Ltd.

The section comprises a siding track at Thanalaeng Station, 5,800 m of railway mainline expansion from Thanalaeng station to a container yard, along with upgrading of the signalling and telecommunications system from analogue to digital allowing computer controls, he explained.

Also completed was a 38,000 square metre container yard and more than 2,000 m of concrete access roads, an over 5,000 square metre warehouse, three floors of administration offices, weight entry gate and other facilities, such as electrical system, water supply, fire prevention system and waste management facility.

The project also completed construction of the railway department building and employee dormitories in September, 2015, Dr Sompong said.

The facilities are important for socio-economic development especially the container yard as a logistic centre in Vientiane and to ease rail transport between Laos-Thailand via Laemsabang seaport and overseas.

This will reduce transport costs, improve safety and environmental management while giving entrepreneurs more choices to export and import their products.

Meanwhile, NEDA President Mr Newin Sinsiri noted the agency had supported millions of baht in financial and technical assistance for Laos through different projects.

This is one of the projects to boost close cooperation between the two governments of Laos and Thailand, he said. It is also to promote trading and investment as well as tourism between two countries in order to link with Asia and the region, Mr Newin added.

Section II, which comprises a 7.5km railway expansion from Thanalaeng station to Vientiane station at Khamsavath village and other facilities will begin at the end of this year.

This section will cost 994.7 million baht (about 235.6 billion kip), of which 30 percent is a grant and 70 percent a low interest loan from NEDA.

~News courtesy of Vientiane Times~

7 Things Not to Miss in Vientiane, Laos

7 Things Not to Miss in Vientiane, Laos



Situated on the banks of the Mekong river, Vientiane the capital of Laos is often overlooked by visitors in favor of more popular destinations such as Luang Prabang for outdoor activities, Luang Namtha for trekking or Vang Vieng to go tubing. Many people dismiss it as being boring and simply use Vientiane as a gateway to Laos when crossing the Friendship bridge from Nong Khai in Thailand. But actually Vientiane is a fascinating and unique melting pot of traditional Laos culture mixed with remnants of its time spent under French colonial rule.

Roads modeled on Parisian Rues and Boulevards are lined with street sellers peddling filled baguettes, as monks pass by dressed in brightly colored orange robes on their way to temple. European looking buildings house restaurants offering traditional Laotian dishes and games of petanque played by men old enough to recall French rule take place in the shadow of tropical palm trees. Here are 7 things not to miss in Vientiane:

1. Climbing up Patuxai

Positioned at the end of Lang Xang Avenue which is reminiscent of the Champs Elysees Paris, stands Patuxai Victory Monument. It’s an impressive looking archway that was built to commemorate those soldiers killed during World War II and during the war of independence from France in 1949.



Although often referred to as Vientiane’s Arc de Triomph, the detail of its architecture is traditional Laos with many Buddhist figures and symbols on display. For a small fee, you can climb the spiral staircase up to the top of the monument for panoramic views of the formal gardens below and out across much of Vientiane.

2. Visiting Pha That Luang



From the top of Patuxai looking North East you can make out the bright, shining form of Pha That Luang in the distance. Covered in gold leaf and shaped like a pyramid, it’s widely regarded as the most important religious monument in Laos and is breathtaking in its beauty. Also referred to as the Great Golden Stupa, it has been rebuilt various times in its history having been plundered for its gold and destroyed by wars on many separate occasions.

3. Down by the River at Night

Just before dark, the area by the Mekong River turns into a bustling hub of activity. There are mass outdoor aerobics classes that take place at 6PM which you can join for under a dollar. Games of foot-volleyball take place in the sandy banks down below, and a vast night market springs up where you’ll find cheap clothes and souvenirs as well as food and drinks stalls. Many locals head down this way just to drink a beer and watch the sunset over the river which in itself is a truly unmissable experience when in Vientiane.

4. Witness Laos National Museum

Housed in an imposing colonial building, the interior of the Laos National Museum is slightly less impressive as it has definitely seen better days. That said, it’s a really interesting visit and certainly a unique blueprint for a national museum. Starting with prehistoric history and the relatively recent discovery of dinosaur bones in Laos, separate rooms run through the early history of the country before moving on to the various wars that have blighted its development in recent times. There are exhibitions of pottery, firearms and musical instruments and with Laos being one of the few countries in the world to remain under communist rule, it’s all narrated from a particularly partisan viewpoint which adds to the interest.

5. The Cope Visitor Center

Laos was severely affected by the Vietnam War and it’s estimated that there are up to 80 million un-exploded bombs that still remain strewn across the Laotian countryside today. As a result, around 50 people are injured or maimed by these bombs every year.



Cope is an incredible organization that provides help to those affected by these bombs, as well as by diseases such as Polio and Leprosy, by making prosthetic limbs and providing rehabilitation services. They have a brilliant visitor center in Vientiane which showcases their work and provides an insight in to the problems faced by thousands of people throughout the country. 6. Meditating with Monks

Wat Sok Pa Luang is a large temple located slightly outside of the center of Vientiane which offers the opportunity to try meditation with the young monks based here. It takes place every Saturday at 3 p.m. and is usually attended by about 10 monks and up to 20 visitors.



Many young monks use this as an opportunity to brush up on their English-speaking skills, and prior to the meditation is an hour of conversation with the monks where you’re able to learn more about their religion and culture. The meditation also lasts an hour and you’re instructed in sitting meditation and walking meditation techniques before an open Q&A where you can ask any remaining questions you may have.

7. Traditional Herbal Sauna and Massage

Just next door to Wat Sok Pa Luang is a traditional herbal sauna and massage center. It used to be located within the temple grounds but has now moved to the small woods that surround the Wat and offers a wood fired sauna as well as traditional massage available by the hour.

It’s a bit of a local secret with many Vientiane residents attending on a weekly basis so it can get quite crowded at peak times but it’s a friendly atmosphere and there’s an outdoor common space where you can chat and drink tea with new friends. If you’re able to set aside some time to spend in Vientiane, then it’s well worth staying for longer than the day that most visitors choose to spend. Elements of its culture are not found anywhere else in Laos, so before heading off to more rural areas in the Center and the North, make sure you explore the unique charms of the capital.

~Info courtesy of Travel Pulse~

New Laos-Cambodia border crossing opens

New Laos-Cambodia border crossing opens



Champasak province in Laos, in the lower Mekong basin shares, a common border with Cambodia. (Photo: KT/Sonny Inbaraj Krishnan)

A new crossing on the Cambodia-Laos border, the Trapeang Kreal international border gate, opened officially on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Hun Sen and Laso Premier Thongloun Sisoulith were to preside over the ceremony, Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry said.

The crossing connects Cambodia’s Stung Treng province with Laos’ Champasak province, according to a report by the Khmer Times.

Thonglien Sibounthien, managing director of Viengchampa Tour in the Laos city of Luang Phrabang, said on Monday the opening of the border gate will not only facilitate tourism but also boost trade between the countries.

“Opening the border is really good and that is very important for both of us. It means better income,” he said.

However, the poor state of the roads was still a concern and visas were expensive, aspects which each country has to improve.

The opening of the gate follows the state visit by the new Laos prime minister to Cambodia in June.

At the time Mr Sibounthien urged Cambodia to increase trade and investment in its northern neighbour because commerce between the two countries was small and there was ample room for expansion.

The president and group CEO of Acleda Bank, In Channy, also welcomed the opening of the gate. The Cambodian bank has invested in Laos since 2008,

He said it would play a big role in promoting investment, trade and investment with Laos.

Visitors from Laos to Cambodia fell in the first 11 months of last year.

Numbers dropped more than 10% to 314,415 from 349,759 in the same period a year earlier, but Laos was still number five on the list of international visitors to Cambodia, the Tourism Ministry said.

~News courtesy of Bangkok Post~

Laos to host int'l music fest to boost tourism

Laos to host international music fest to boost tourism

An international music fest is scheduled to be held in Vang Vieng town, a famous tourist destination in Laos' central Vientiane Province on Dec. 16-17.

The Vang Vieng Music Fest aims to promote tourism and attract more tourists to the town, said Anouluck Pathammavong, a representative of organizers on Tuesday during a press conference.

Well-known bands and vocalists from Laos and other countries have been invited to the stage, including those from the United States, the Philippines, Italy and the United Kingdom, he said.

The festival was held for the first time in 2015, drawing the attendance of about 40,000 people from Laos and foreign countries.

Vang Vieng is a karst-strewn tourist hotspot and home to famed mountain biking trails, river kayaking and tubing, hot air ballooning, spelunking and more.

~News courtesy of Sina.com~

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