Ban Hai: Jars on a forested hill

About two kilometres from Ban Hai village, fragments of the jars at the Ban Hai site lie on a forested hill. The site comprises four groups with a total of 21 conglomerate jars. This gives a stay here a specific archaeological focus. The broader destination of Xieng Khouang adds other jar sites, landscapes and cultural themes to this local connection.

The site near Ban Hai

Together, the four groups make up the site, with its 21 conglomerate jars. Fragments of the jars lie on the forested hill about 2 km from the village; the site is near Ban Hai. A road leading to Ban Phiangxai runs alongside the site. These details provide a clear geographical context for the site without equating the village with the hill. When choosing a holiday rental, it helps to distinguish between the local focus near Ban Hai and a broader stay in Xieng Khouang: the key question is whether you mainly want to explore the nearby jar site or include other regional themes as well.

Jar sites and history in Xieng Khouang

The Plain of Jars is in the broader destination of Xieng Khouang. It includes more than 2,100 tube-shaped megalithic stone jars that were used for burial practices during the Iron Age. The archaeological sites of the Plain of Jars date from 500 BC to AD 500. This scale places the site near Ban Hai in a wider regional context, without equating its four groups with the larger sites.

The individual Jar Sites differ in the number and arrangement of their jars. Jar Site 2, also called Ban Na Kho, is in Phaxay District and comprises 93 jars on two neighbouring hills. Jar Site 3 is also known as Hai Hin Lat Khai and Ban Xieng Di. The site consists of seven groups; the main group, with around 150 jars, is on a scenic hill. Jar Site 1 comprises 334 jars. Those interested in the scale and spatial layout of the sites will find a range of sizes and arrangements in these examples.

Xieng Khouang also has several places where its more recent history is visible. At Jar Site 1, trenches, foxholes, anti-aircraft positions and tank tracks from the Second Indochina War remain. At Site 21, a brick staircase leads to a bunker from this war, with a 100-metre-long tunnel and an observation tower. Thus, archaeological remains and traces of wartime history sit side by side within the broader destination.

Landscape, routes and regional contrasts

Xieng Khouang Province lies on the mountainous Tran-Ninh Plateau at an elevation of more than 1,000 metres; temperatures are mild for most of the year. The landscape of the Plain of Jars consists of grassy hills surrounded by steeper forested hills and higher mountains. Kha Waterfall offers a different landscape: it cascades for more than 100 metres through a limestone landscape. Its water level can vary seasonally.

The routes to the jar sites also vary. The path to Jar Site 3 crosses rice fields to the lower mountainside, where a marked trail begins leading to the site. A narrow path, cleared of unexploded ordnance, connects Jar Site 2 with Jar Site 3. Obtain local safety advice before walking this path.

Culture and crafts in the wider destination

In Khoun Town, visitors can explore surviving buildings from the former Phuan Kingdom on foot or by bicycle. Near Khoun Town, an easy trail leads to the seated Buddha at Vat Phiawat, built in 1564. In Ban Xang, visitors can watch Khmu and Tai Phuan crafts being made. These places complement the archaeological themes with architectural history, religious culture and crafts.

By the 13th century, the Tai Puan had established an independent principality at the Plain of Jars, prospering through long-distance trade in metals and forest products. The Tai Dam Culture Hall in Ban Xieng Kio offers another cultural insight. A post dated 30 August 2022 describes the Hall as welcoming visitors and says that a guided tour includes a traditional Tai Dam bedroom. Check current visiting arrangements before planning this activity.

The Northern Heritage Route includes the Ban Xang hot springs and the Tai Dam village of Ban Xieng Kio, connecting the provinces of Luang Prabang, Houaphanh, Xiangkhouang and Sayabouly. Offerings along the route may change. The Southern Jar Route includes three jar sites and Ban Napia, where spoons and other items are made from war scrap metal. The different themes can help you decide whether to focus on jar sites and crafts or on the broader landscape and cultural history.

When choosing your holiday rental, it therefore makes sense to start with your planned focus: Ban Hai offers the nearby site with its four groups; a broader stay in the overall destination of Xieng Khouang can also include jar sites, landscape and culture. Discover more destinations: Phonsavan, Ban Khon, Ban Chao Lao.

Back to the main travel overview: Xieng Khouang.