Plain Of Jars, Laos

The Plain of Jars (Lao: ທົ່ງໄຫຫິນ [tʰōŋ hǎj hǐn]) is a megalithic archaeological landscape in Laos. It consists of thousands of stone jars scattered around the upland valleys and the lower foothills of the central plain of the Xiangkhoang Plateau (north of Laos). The jars are mostly arranged in clusters ranging in number from one to several hundred.

French researcher Madeleine Colani concluded in 1930 that the jars were associated with prehistoric burial practices. Excavation by Lao and Japanese archaeologists in the intervening years has supported this interpretation with the discovery of human remains, burial goods and ceramics around the jars. The Plain of Jars is dated to the Iron Age (500 BC to AD 500) and is one of the most important prehistoric sites in Southeast Asia.

Today I was reminded of my trip to SE Asia which happened exactly three years ago - man how time flies. I haven't managed to see this place on the rather tight schedule; hmm to be honest I haven't even heard of this place before getting to Laos. This place looks pretty awesome so I've sent a card :)

Karst Hill Landscape Of Vang Vieng, Laos

This is the first postcard I've sent from Laos...we have just left the paradise called Si Phan Don (4000 islands) and had to stop in Pakse town on our way to Vang Vieng. We were having coffee in a very laid back 'restaurant' in a private house, there were postcards but no stamps, so the (most probably) lady owner said just leave it with me i'll go to the post office for you. And she did! I wasn't sure about it until I received this card, paid a bit extra for the service but was worth it :))

Vang Vieng (Lao: ວັງວຽງ) is a tourist-oriented town in Laos in Vientiane Province about four hours bus ride north of the capital. The town lies on the Nam Song River. The most notable feature of the area is the karst hill landscape surrounding the town.

The place is very tourist-oriented and is teeming with backpackers (many of them keen to do inner tubing pissed as hell) really not my cup of tea, but the landscape is truly amazing and I was willing to go just to finally try riding in a balloon - pricewise and placewise it seemed like a now-or-never moment. I do have a fear of heights and I'll probably never do it again, but I do not regret it! Here a pic:

UNESCO - Town Of Luang Prabang, Laos

Even though I was going to Laos myself (and thought mine will be the 1st card I receive from there) I did arrange a swap 'just in case' and received this card showing one of many wats in the beautiful Luang Prabang, danke Patrik! Its funny cos we just missed each other by days :)

Luang Prabang is an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its unique, remarkably well-preserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the blending of these two distinct cultural traditions.

The many pagodas or "Vat" in Luang Prabang, which are among the most sophisticated Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, are richly decorated (sculptures, engravings, paintings, gilding and furniture pieces). Wat Xieng Thong, which dates from the 16th century, comprises an ensemble of the most complex structures of all the pagodas of the town. It is remarkable both from the archaeological point of view, and from the Lao iconographic and aesthetic viewpoint.