Xieng Khouang Overview
Located: Northeastern Laos (Northern Heritage) Total area: 15,880 square kilometers Population: 230,000 08 Districts: Phonsavanh, Phaxay, Phoukoot, Kham, Nong Het, Khoun, Thathom&Mokmai Capital of the province: Phonsavanh
XiengKhouang is home to the Plain of Jars, the prehistoric stone megaliths which attract thousands of tourists to the province each year. The Lao government is currently finalising an application for the World Heritage Committee to consider listing the Plain of Jars as a World Heritage Monument. The area is of significant archaeological importance on account also of the standing stones in nearby Houaphanh Province. The total number of hotels, guest houses, resorts, restaurants and entertainment establishments in the province grew from 98 in 2009 to 140 in 2010.
Phonsavanh, the new provincial capital, is located in Paek district and caters to increasing numbers of national and international tourists, eager to experience XiengKhouang’s natural, historical and archaeological attractions. The new airport in Phonsavanh is served by regular flights from Vientiane by Lao Airlines.
XiengKhouang enjoys a remarkable geographical location, surrounded by mountain ranges, with Phou Bia (2.700 m) the highest peak in Lao PDR. The province sits at the crossroads of traffic from central Vietnam and northeast Thailand. Historically, these two powerful neighbours-Siam and Vietnam have vied for control of its soil.
The province shares borders with Houaphanh, LuangPrabang, Vientiane and Bolikhamxay provinces, as well as an international border with Vietnam’s NgheAn Province. XiengKhouang has a long and rich history and is home to numerous ethnic groups, including Thai Phuan, Hmong, Khmu and Tai Dam.
XiengKhouang is home to the Plain of Jars, the prehistoric stone megaliths which attract thousands of tourists to the province each year. The Lao government is currently finalising an application for the World Heritage Committee to consider listing the Plain of Jars as a World Heritage Monument. The area is of significant archaeological importance on account also of the standing stones in nearby Houaphanh Province.
Until briefly after World War II, the French used XiengKhouang Town, present-day MuangKhoun town, as their provincial capital. A few ruinous colonial public buildings remain to this day, such as the governor’s residence, church and French school.
