The country’s most famous archaeological site, the so-called ‘Plain of Jars’, comprises around 100 different locations, dispersed over the Xieng Khouang Plateau, a wide area of grassy uplands and low hills, to the east of Phonsavan. Literally thousands of the famous carved stone jars have been discovered, grouped into clusters of up to 400 pieces, ranging in size from 18” to 9 ft (50cm to 3m). These enigmatic objects are thought to have served as funerary urns. Viewed in the hour before sunset, when the surrounding grasslands glow orange, the jars form a mesmerizing spectacle.