Savannakhet Laos – Best Tourist Attractions and Activities

Quiet and oozing old-world colonial charm, Savannakhet may look sleepy but still enchanting. There are not many things happening around but several temples, a Buddha statues workshop and a dinosaur museum together with an afternoon walk around the historical centre of town will keep you occupied fir a day or too.

1. The colonial town

The historic part of Savannakhet stretches several blocks around Talat Yen Plaza right in the city centre. Despite being a great example of French colonial architecture, it will not take you long before you notice that many of the buildings have never been restored or maintained and nowadays they appear in a horrible condition. The ones that went through renovations instead will give you a clear idea of what a great touristic potential this town has.

2. Dinosaur museum

Even if you’re not passionate about natural history, make sure you pay a visit to this small museum. You will not see any full giant dinosaur’s skeleton, but you’ll get the chance to actually touch and get as close as you want to some of the 200 million year old bones that have been discovered in the province. Few of them are on displays while others are kept in drawers and the staff will be more than happy to show them to you. The information boards are in Thai and French, but some of the staff speak enough English to translate. Fragments of a meteorite which hit our planet some 100 million years ago are shown as well. The museum is open every day (8.00am-11.30am 1.30pm-4.00pm) and it’s located on Chaimeuang Road, few hundred meters north of the historic town.

3. Wat Xayaphoum

Immediately south of the museum close to the river bank, Wat Xayaphoum is the most important temple in Savannakhet. Built in the 16th century, it will probably look not too impressive compared to other temples you might have visited in your trip, but the presence of a workshop where new Buddha statues are crafted from the scratch makes it an interesting destination for foreign tourists. The monks are quite talkative and ready to give you explanations about the whole process. The temple is also the centre of all the festivals and celebrations. Make sure you don’t miss it if you’re there during Lao New Year.

4. That Ing Hang Stupa

One of the most revered religious sites in the south of the country, this 16th century stupa is a pilgrimage site for both Lao and Thai people, especially during the annual festival that is held in November. It is supposed to enshrine holy relics of Lord Buddha, who is believed to have travelled in this area during his life. The stupa is 9 meters high, built in a simple style and adorned with wonderful carvings and images. Women are usually required to wear a Sin, a traditional Lao sarong, which can be purchased at various shops near the entrance. That Ing Hang can be visited every day from 8.00am till 4.00pm and the entrance fee of LAK5,000 is required. It is located 15 km north of town. A tuk-tuk will ask you roughly LAK70,000 for a round trip.

5. Dong Natad Forest

Located 20 km northeast of town and part of a protected area, the forest is home to two traditional villages where people live following their old traditional way of life and in harmony with nature. Even if it’s possible to visit by yourself, the best way to get the most out of it is to join one of the trekking eco-tours organized by many travel agencies in town. A tour can last from a couple of hours in the afternoon to three full days with accommodation in homestay in the villages.

6. Thai Visa

This is the main reason for the majority of western tourists to visit Savannakhet. The Thai consulate is located on the main road, one km north of the bus station and it’s open from Monday to Friday. The whole visa process is quite simple. Drop your passport and your visa application in the morning (9.00am-11.00am) and collect everything the following business day in the afternoon (2.00pm-4.00pm). Remember to bring 2 passport pictures with you if you’re applying for a tourist visa.