Funding is currently being sought for this major three-year project, which is expected to start in the financial year 2006-7. Strategically sited and rich in natural resources, the Vientiane Plain is a true cradle of Lao civilisation, constituting an important granary and fishing zone for many different races, religions and city states since the earliest times. Both local and international researchers agree on the importance of the region in the development of successive civilisations, from the earliest Lawa and Khmu settlers, through the eras of the Mon and Khmer hegemony to the 14th century when the area became part of the Lane Xang Kingdom. The research will focus on four main areas: Vientiane Capital City, Viengkham (Phainam) Ancient City, the National Biodiversity Conservation Area of Phoukaokhuay Mountain Range, and the western side of Vientiane Plain, including the villages of Ban Ilay, Ban Nakha, Ban Namhoum, Ban Namxuang and the region surrounding Phouphanang Mountain.