Clustered with French colonial buildings, Savannakhet is an attractive riverfront city along Laos’ border with Thailand. It is believed to have been founded in the 17th century by families from Phonsim and flourished as a trade and transportation hub under French rule. Savannakhet lies directly across the Mekong River from the Thai city of Mukdahan, with the Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge connecting the two.
Things to do in Savannakhét
On the riverfront is Wat Xayaphoum, a 16th-century temple that also serves as a school for novice monks. Admire its traditional roof and visit the adjacent monastery before strolling south to the Savannakhet Museum. On display are traditional crafts and archaeological findings, alongside relics from the Laotian Civil War.
Don’t miss the Dinosaur Museum, which showcases dinosaur fossils excavated nearby. In addition to the skeletal remains of iguanodons and sauropods, there are bones from a Tyrannosaurus rex on display. Learn about the Cretaceous-era fossils discovered by French geologist Josué Hoffet in the 1930s, including the legendary remains of a Tangvayosaurus hoffeti.
A short drive north-east of Savannakhet is That Ing Hang, which has been an important place of worship for Lao Buddhists since the 16th century. Nine metres tall, this elaborately carved stupa is said to be built on the site where Buddha rested while sick, with part of his spine contained within. Coincide your visit with the lively That Ing Hang Festival, which marks the full moon of the first lunar month.
Getting around Savannakhét
Savannakhet Airport is around 10 minutes' drive from the city centre and has regular flights to Vientiane. Long-distance buses connect from destinations across Laos to Savannakhet while local services travel throughout the city. The centre of Savannakhet can easily be explored on foot.