Asia is home to countless mysterious and unique destinations that captivate travellers seeking adventure and history beyond the usual tourist spots. From ancient temples hidden deep in the jungles of Ipoh to otherworldly landscapes shaped by time in places like Bali, the continent offers experiences that spark curiosity and wonder. And one of Asia’s top hidden gems is the Plain of Jars in Laos. Interestingly, the ancient archaeological site is filled with thousands of massive stone jars but nobody knows where they came from. This sense of mystery has led to speculation over the years with some even suggesting aliens are responsible for its origin. Wonderfully, this iconic destination is just hours from Singapore. Let’s unravel the mystery behind the Plain of Jars.
What makes the Plain of Jars one of Asia’s greatest archaeological mysteries?
The extraordinary Plain of Jars boasts thousands of huge stone jars scattered across the countryside on the Xieng Khouang Plateau. In fact, many weigh up to 14 tons and stand up to three metres tall. These jars, carved mostly from sandstone, granite, and limestone, form clusters ranging from a handful to hundreds in number—spread over an area of around 16 square kilometres.
The site was first extensively studied in the 1930s and was linked to ancient burial practices dating back to between 500 BCE and 500 CE—during Southeast Asia’s Iron Age. Plus, excavations have revealed human remains, cremated bones, and burial artifacts both inside and around the jars. This is why these jars resemble those from famous spots like Stonehenge in England and India’s Assam. Overall, this supports the theory that the site served as a burial location.
However, despite significant research mysterious remain on how the enormous jars were built. Therefore, the Plain of Jars holds rich folklore and legend, including tales of an ancient race of giants who created the jars in battles, as well as the possibility of alien involvement. Despite these theories, scientists claim there is no evidence that ancient aliens created these massive stone structures. Plus, most archaeologists consider them to be myths.
Today, the dramatic site offers a compelling glimpse into ancient civilizations in Southeast Asia. In fact, the Plain of Jars was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2011. Tours are available from Phonsavan and include entrance to the Plain of Jars Museum. The museum offers insight and explains theories behind the mysterious landscape. Certainly, the Stonehenge of Asia is a standout destination for global tourists to uncover stories from the past.
How to get there
Travellers from Singapore can catch a direct flight from Changi Airport to Wattay International Airport in Vientiane. The flight takes around 2 hours and 55 minutes. From there, the quickest way to reach Phonsavan—the closest town to the Plain of Jars—is a 35-minute domestic flight, followed by a 45-minute drive to the site. Overall, total travel time varies between 4 to 8 hours depending on flight connections and transfers.
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