Xieng Khouang Province

Xieng Khouang province is located in north-eastern of Laos and has a total area of approximately 15,880 square kilometers.

The total population is about 230,000 people and Phonsavan is its new capital city.

The province has seven following districts:

• 1. Pek District
• 2. Kham District
• 3. Nonghed District
• 4. Khoune District
• 5. Morkmay District
• 6. Phoukood District
• 7. Phaxay District

Xieng Khouang is also home of many ethnic group such as, Tai Dam, Tai Puan, Khmu, and Hmong. These people are living side by side peacefully and practice their own tradition and culture

The main attraction in Xieng Khouang is the Plain of Jars. Located about 10 kilometres southeast of Phonsavan, hundreds of enormous clay jars, each about 1 to 2.5 metres high, with a diameter of about 1 meter scattered over the plain. Many jars have been destroyed or damaged by American planes.

During Vietnam war between 1960's and early 1970's Xieng Khouang suffered heavy aerial bombardment and intense ground battles due to its strategic importance. This conflict has left a deadly legacy of unexploded ordnance (UXO) which is still being cleared until now. Click here to read story written by Russell Ciochon and Jamie James "Survivor of decades of war, the Plain of Jars retains its allure"

And also click here to learn more about legacies of war in Laos.

Watch video below and out find out how heavy Laos was bombed

The old capital city, Muong Khoun, was almost totally wiped out by US bombing and consequently, it was moved to nearby Phonsavan town. Of several Muong Khoun Buddhist temples built between the 16th and 19th century, only the ruins remain intact. Pia wat temple, however, survived the bombing and can be visited by tourist. Today harvest bomb in this area and along Ho Chi Minh trail is still continuing around Xieng Khouang province.

Getting there and Away

By Air
Laos Airlines flies to/from Vientiane daily (except Tuesday&Thursday).
Ticket one way/return US$53/101.

To/from Luang Prabang; Wednesday, Friday & Saturday).
Ticket one way/return US$40/77.

By Bus

New bus station is about 4km west of Phonsavan and most long-distance buses depart between 7.30am and 8.30am.

To Sam Neua
Along Rte 7 and Rte 6 daily buses run twice per day, fare US$7.00 about 8-10 hours travel.

VIP buses leave at 8.30am
Fare US$9.50 about 10 hours travel

To Vang Vieng
Daily buses to Vang Vieng
Ordinary buses leave between 7.15am
Fare US$7.50 about 6 hours travel

VIP buses leave at 7.30am
Fare US$10.00 about 6hours travel

To Vinh (Vietnam)
Buses run to Vinh are on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Fare US$11.00 about 11 hours travel and leave at 6.30am.

For buses running inside Xieng Khouang province please prefer to the bus station's time table.

Related Articles:

• Unexploded Ordnance in Laos - UXO LAO

Return from Xieng Khouang Province to Provinces In Laos