Savannakhet Destination

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Savannakhet Attractions

What to See in Savannakhet

Savannakhet is easy to explore on foot but tuk-tuks are also available around the city, taking you quickly to attractive sites. Savannakhet's Vietnamese temples and Catholic churches located around the city are worth visiting. Some more fascinating sites to check out include: The That Ing Hang Stupa, the ruins of Khmer at Heuan Hinh (Stone House), Wat Xayaphoum, and the Dinosaur Museum. All are highly recommended and not-to-be-missed sites.

Visitors are recommended to drop by the Savannakhet Tourist Office. In addition to picking up a free map of the city and getting help from the efficient English-speaking staff, the Tourist Office also offers a wide variety of local walking tours and eco-tours. The office is located on Khantabuli Road, just before the Post Office.

That Ing Hang Stupa

That Ing Hang Stupa is considered as one of the most impressive and sacred Buddhist sites in Southern Laos and Northern Thailand. The temple was built in the mid 16th century during the reign of King Sikotabong and houses a notable collection of Buddha images. The stupa is also the site of a large festival and a religious ceremony held during full moon each year in February. It is located 15 kilometres from the north of Kaysone Phomvihane (former known as Khanthabouli), along the Seno road. To get there, take a tuk-tuk taxi for the round-trip

Wat Xayaphoum

This temple sits on the banks of the Mekong River in Ban Xayaphoum Village. Wat Xayaphoum is perhaps the most beautiful temple in Kaysone Phomvihane. The temple was built in 1542 and is considered one of the oldest in Savannakhet. It is an important centre for local Buddhism. At Wat Xayaphoum, visitors will find a Buddhhist workshop where local villagers craft new Buddha images by hand. Wat Xayaphoum hosts major festival and ceremonies such as Pimai Laos and an annual Boat Racing Festival, held during October each year.

Heuan Hinh (Stone House)

A 1,000-year old outpost of the Khmer civilization, Heuan Hinh, is one of the most interesting Khmer ruins in Savannakhet. Unfortunately, like many other other historical sites, most of the original carvings have been lost and the structure is in poor condition. Heuan Hinh is a shrine built by the ancient Khmer to the glory of their Empire. Located in Ban Dong, Dokmay Songkhone district, some 65 kilometres south of Savannakhet.

Dinosaur Museum

A decent museum where one can discover more about the Savannakhet prehistoric period. It is the latest addition to tourist sites here and is situated south of the stadium on Khantabouli Road. The hall displays a massive collection of fossils excavated from 1930 to the present. Four different dinosaurs and early mammalian remains from 200 million years ago are on display; even some fragments of a meteorite that fell to earth over 100 million years ago are kept here. Don't worry if all the labels are in Laos and French; local staff next to the admission box will be pleased to translate for English-speaking visitors.

That Phone Stupa

Another sacred stupa in Savannakhet, That Phone was constructed over a long period between 557 and 700. The stupa's annual celebration festival is held during the full moon period in February, celebrating the day when the temple served as a shrine for offerings made to Shiva and other Hindu Gods. Other Attractions Other interesting attractions that are located on the main street in Kaysone Phomvihan which can be easily reached on foot or by a tuk-tuk taxi ride include: the Hor Tai Pitok Ancient Library; a wooden house containing a number of stunning palm scripts; the Lam Seun 719 Battlefield and the area's Catholic Churches with their French colonial design.

Alternatively, nature lovers can visit Tad Salaen Waterfall and Don Daeng Turtle Lake. This is around a 15-kilometre drive from the city. All are worth visiting..

Although tourist attractions in Savannakhet are not as widespread as in Luang Prabang, Vientiane, or Pakse, the charm of most attractions is that they are surrounded by local villages, French Colonial architecture and the incredible scenery that stretches along the Mekong River and this makes the city such a unique destination.

Savannakhet Activities

What to Do in Savannakhet

Although Savannakhet has a handful of tourist attractions, its main strength actually lies in eco-tourism, especially trekking through its provincial protected area, Dong Natad. A journey through remote villages is an unforgettable experience. Aside from observing wild animals in the forest, visitors will learn about herbs and forest flora that villagers use for various purposes.

An exciting adventure on dirt paths along the Laos and Vietnam borders, the Ho Chi Min Trail tour is also worth checking out. Nothing beats Laos massage after a tiring day and simply people watching and observing the easy going local lifestyle more than makes up for the area's lacks of sites to visit.

Eco-Tourism Treks at Dong Natad

Dong Natad National Provincial Protected Area (NBCA), the most famous eco-tourism location in Laos, has a number of forests which are perfect for an adventure trek. Day trips are available while overnight stays offer yet more in term of homestays, local costumes, and vigorous hiking. However, it is recommended to book through organised tours with help from local English-speaking guides. Highlights of the National Protected Area are Dong Natad, Don Phuo Vieng, and Phu Xang Hae.

Dong Natad Trek

A major protected area trek at Dong Natad. Trek into the forest close to Savannakhet Town. Just 15 kilometres from the centre of the town and 11 kilometres past the Mekong Bridge to the north, across from the salt mines. One can observe birds, small wild animals like gigantic spiders and red ants that can eat out poison if placed on a snakebite.

Visit the nearby salt mines where one can learn about salt processing before being sold to the factory. There is also a sacred lake, and the beauty of That Ing Hang Stupa is surely a treat after a long trek. Dong Natad forest is certainly the best option for a one- or a two-day trek.

Don Phu Vieng Trek

A bit further into the NBCA's area, at Dong Sakee Forest, visitors will also learn about an ‘oil-tree' which, when cut, produces a liquid that is flammable and used by the local villagers at night. In addition, discover the ‘Pepsi-tree', which dispenses bubbly water - like Pepsi. Of course, visitors are welcome to taste it! A highlight at Don Phu Vieng is the chance to see rare Douc Langurs and hornbills.

Visitors also get the chance to learn about the use of natural products such as edible leaves, herbs and bush fruits along the trekking trail. Don Phu Vieng trek usually lasts three to four days and visitors stay at surrounding villages, where dinner is prepared with the traditional Bai Cii ceremony.

Phu Xang Hae Trek

At Phu Xang Hae, a remote mountainous area, visitors can observer local lifestyle, the silk-making process, the agriculture practices of the Phu Thai group, and stay at their villages. After a long trip from Savannakhet, you will delighted by an evening of cultural exchange as well as a welcoming ceremony before experiencing the Phu Thai food for dinner.

Encounter wild animals at Nang Lun forest, explore the sacred Hin Lam Phan rock formation; some of them even look like a big mushrooms. Visit the 'Elephant-Scratching Cave', Tham Xang See, where elephants shelter during the wet season. In addition to homestays with the Phu Thai villagers, trekkers will camp for the night in the beauty of the mountains during the journey.

Ho Chi Minh Trail

Approximately 180 kilometres to the east of Savannakhet, this trail is a leftover from the Indochina War. The Ho Chi Min trail is a complex logistical system that runs parallel to the Laos-Vietnam border and comprises truck routes, a bicycle and footpath as well as a river transportation system.

According to the U.S. National Security Agency, the Ho Chi Min Trail is considered as one of the great achievements of military engineering in the 20th century. The trail is possible to negociate with a knowledgeable guide and wandering off by yourself is not recommended!

Tennis Club in Savannakhet

At first glance, the tennis clubhouse on Khantabuli Road may look like it is in dire need of repair. In fact, the three courts there are actually in good condition but players will need to bring their own racquets.

Other Activities in Savannakhet

Alternatively, the reasonably priced Lao Massage at Dok Champa on Ratsavong Suek Road, makes an excellent choice after a long and tiring day. There are also several local shops hiring out bikes and bicycles for those who wish to explore a bit more of the city. Several cafés are located on the main streets in Kaysone Phomvihane and it's a perfect place to sip a cup of Laos coffee while observing Savannakhet's slow-paced lifestyle.

Savannakhet Restaurants

Where and What to Eat in Savannakhet

Savannakhet is like most tranquil cities in Laos and small restaurants run by locals are easy to find. Street food can meet the needs of those who wish to try the original taste of traditional Laos dishes. French cuisine can be easily found, and the most obvious French influence - baguette sandwiches are sold on most streets while Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese dishes are easy enough to find.

A little bit farther north of the Kaysone Phomvihane area there are also a number of restaurants operated by guesthouses and hotels. Vegetarians can be sure of finding a good selection in major dining venues.

There are a number of restaurants run by locals serving decent Laos food and some basic Western dishes for budget travelers along Ratsayoungseuk Street. The riverside area offers more restaurants with impressive sunsets, a good place to dine and drink for the evening. A bit further south from the Immigration Office, there are several ‘somtam' vendors serving different kinds of spicy somtam (green papaya salad) and grilled chicken with sticky rice - a favorite with locals and expats alike.