7 Best Things to Do in Savannakhet

That Phonh Stupa is a reliquary tower in Phonethat Village, about 45 km northeast of Savannakhet. It was constructed over a long period between AD 557 and 700 and is believed to have sacred links with That Phanom in Thailand.

The temple served as a shrine for offerings made to Shiva and other Hindu Gods. There’s an annual festival in honour of That Phonh Stupa, which takes place during the full moon period in February.

Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum has extensive exhibits on Savannakhet’s prehistoric period. Despite its compact size, the hall displays a collection of fossils excavated between 1930 and the present day.

Skeletal remains of 4 dinosaurs and early mammalian remains from 200 million years ago are on display at the museum. You can even see fragments of a meteorite that fell to earth over 100 million years ago. Descriptions are in Laos and French, but the museum has guided tours for English-speaking visitors. 

Vat Sayaphum sits on the banks of the Mekong River in Ban Xayaphoum Village. One of the most beautiful temples in Kaysone Phomvihane, it dates back to 1542 and acts as a school for Buddhist novices and monks.

Visit the sim (sanctuary) to see well-preserved red and gilded wood shutters feature floral carvings. You can also find an onsite workshop where local artisans craft sculptures of Buddha by hand. Vat Sayaphum also hosts major Buddhist festivals and ceremonies, including Pi Mai Laos (New Year) in April and the Boat Racing Festival in October.

That Ing Hang Stupa is an important place of worship not only for Laotian Buddhists but also for Thai Buddhists who live in northern Thailand. The 16th-century tower is about 9 metres tall and is believed to house Buddha’s bone.

If you’re planning to visit That Ing Hang Stupa, wear clothes that cover your shoulders, chest and knees. Women may be required to wear a traditional sinh (Lao-style sarong) before entering the temple grounds. There are stalls selling lotus flowers and coconuts for those looking to give offerings at That Ing Hang Stupa.