| Province | on the Xiangkhoang Plateau; capital Phonsavan |
|---|---|
| Name | ‘Horizontal City’ in Lao |
| Population | 244,684 at the 2015 census |
| UNESCO | Plain of Jars designated a World Heritage Site in 2019 |
| History | formerly the independent principality of Muang Phuan |
Xieng Khouang is most famous for the intriguing “Plain of Jars”. Stepping in this place, tourists may feel like stepping into a little boy getting lost in the world of giants. You will continue asking questions such as “How long have these jars presented here? Who made it? What did they use for?” You will be crazily excited about discovering hundreds of giant stone jars, some as large as 3.25 meters high are strewn all over the plateau –carved out of solid hunks of rock from surrounding mountains. Just coming there and watching, you may find the answer for yourself.
Besides “Plain of Jars”, Xieng Khouang has a variety of attractive destinations. One of them is Mulberries Organic Silk Farm where visitors can view all the silk making process. Mulberries gift shop features beautiful plain silk scarves in a variety of rich colors, patterned throws and cushion covers and fabrics by the meter. Another place is Muang Khoun – the 14th century ancient Phuan Kingdom capital. It is accessed southeast of Phonsavanh. Destroyed in the Indochina War, ruins of a stone wall with brick archways, relics of France’s colonial rule, a large size Buddha, pillars and short wall sections of Wat Piawat temple (built in 1564) are visible. And many other worth-visiting places such as Muang Sui, Tham Pa, That Foun, War Memorials surely makes visitors want to come there once.
Coming to Xieng Khouang is absolutely an interesting and joyful journey for tourists. When life gets boring with repetitive rhythm everyday, a journey to Xieng Khouang is like a way to get back the interest of exploring and experiencing the mysterious part of the world.
The plateau province
English Wikipedia describes Xiangkhouang as a province of Laos on the Xiangkhoang Plateau, formerly the independent principality of Muang Phuan, with Phonsavan as its capital. It had 244,684 people at the 2015 census, and the Plain of Jars was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. The province is described as the most heavily bombed place on Earth, so unexploded ordnance remains a risk: stay on marked paths. See also our Plain of Jars page. We have not verified the older text on prices, opening hours, transport or tours, so check them before you go.
Sources (read in English, English Wikipedia): Xiangkhouang Province. Last checked November 2026.
Xieng Khouang: FAQ
What does Xiangkhouang mean?
Horizontal City.
What is the capital?
Phonsavan.
When was the Plain of Jars listed by UNESCO?
In 2019.
Is unexploded ordnance a risk?
Yes, stay on marked paths and follow your guide.
How many days do you need?
Two days.