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lain of Jars, North Central Laos

 

June 7-8, 2001






Site 2, Plain of Jars, Northern Laos, June 8, 2001

In the center of northern Laos is the Plain of Jars. First excavated by archeologists in 1930, it is still uncertain how old the jars are; they may be 1500 to 2500 years old. And it is uncertain what function they served.

For us it was almost a magical mystery tour to see them. By the direct road from the old capital, Luang Prabang, the trip is only 150 km or so. But we didn't go that way because there are no buses and taxis and private cars won't go that way. The excuse is that the middle section is dangerous — rebels against the government operate there -- and that the road is in such terrible shape that a simple car, even a four wheel vehicle cannot make it. We didn't go by airplane because that would be — well, if not cheating by our self-set rules, not in the spirit of things. So we took a three day trip there through remote country on half-paved roads, spent a day and half there, and then took two days to get back.. 

It was well worth it. The trip took us through exciting tribal countryside that was beautiful. The jars themselves have an air of romance and mystery. And the countryside about is beautiful.

 

Updated November 10, 2001