Beautiful Places in Xieng Khouang
5 Must-see Places in Xieng Khouang, Laos.
1. Plain of Jars
Hundreds of stone jars are found here in various sizes from very small to 3.5m high, 1m wide and a few tons. Moreover, there are a large number of human bones, stone lids and discs. The mysterious urns is estimated about 2,000 years old. That their origin and purposes remain a secret makes tourists more curious about stone vessels. According to the locals, ancient jars used to store rice, water for the dry seasons and Lao whiskey for giant people living in the mountain. On the other hand, many other people believe that they are used in burial rituals because of appearance of skeletons inside and traditional Southeast Asian funeral ways for royal members.
2. Mulberries Organic Silk Farm
The farm created in 1993 aims to maintain and encourage the Lao traditional silk fibre production for centuries as well as enhance income for families in the surrounding areas. Another essential duty of this non-profit organization is to protect environment and natural resources for the next generations by growing their own chemical-free mulberry trees. If travellers are interested in making silk products, they can observe the whole process and try to participate in one stage in the houses right here. The most outstanding product in mulberries gift shops is scarves with a wealth of colours and patterns.
3. Muang Khoun
Known as Old Xieng Khouang, the town was the provincial capital in French colonialism, the Royal Capital and the centre of Phuan Kingdom. A few buildings still exist in the town such as French school, governor’s residence and Wat Phia Wat. At the wat, a sitting Buddha is surrounded by brick columns reaching skywards. Ban Phai Village nearby also consists of jars built from granite instead of stone as in Plain of Jars. When standing in a suspension bridge at the village, visitors can see beautiful lush fields and creeks. It is easy to meet villagers doing basketry and weaving. Additionally, That Foun and That Chom Phet are impressive stupas attracting tourists. Ashes of Buddha brought from Indian are displayed in That Foun. The Chom Phet was constructed to suggest Buddha values.
4. Tham Pa
Tham Pa is a large network of cavern having a variety of small Buddha statues from the Haw invasion a few centuries ago. The awesome caves are located deep into the hill side and connected by the passageways with weakly electrical light of the locals. Nong Tang lake is situated nearby. This big spectacular natural lake flanked by high limestone cliffs. This is a favorite destination for the locals to catch a fish or having a picnic.
5. Ban Mixay Village
Making mulberry paper umbrellas “Khan Nyu” is an old tradition of Laos being revived in the village of Ban Mixay. Originally, “Khan Nyu” umbrellas were made only by monks and novices in Buddha temples to be a small gift for visitors. Then, sale of these typical umbrellas in lots of colours and sizes become more popular to increase income. The umbrellas here are processed naturally. The locals grow mulberry trees for producing the paper. The glue is made from the fruit of the wild persimmon tree. The natural dyes are used like sesame oil for white colour, roots of “mak bao” trees for red one.
