Asia / Laos
Places to go. A little room to wander.
THE SHORTLIST
Savannakhet
Exhibits dinosaur fossils or "big lizard bones" as called in Lao. They were excavated from Xonbouly District. Three kinds of dinosaur bones have been discovered; Pode, Iguanodon and Sauropode. Two rooms. Information is all in Lao and French, no English.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
Savannakhet
A 16th century temple in the centre of the city along the bank of the Mekong River. Now serving as both temple and high school for novice monks of Savannakhet. Pee Mai Lao (The Lao New Year celebration) and Boun Suang Huea (boat racing festival) following Buddhist Lent are held here.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
Savannakhet
Old French-style buildings can be seen in the central city area, especially around the Catholic church and the central plaza. These building are heritages from the French colonisation of Laos in the mid 20th century.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
Savannakhet
A "Provincial Protected Area" which extends to 8,300 hectares and hosts two tribal villages. There is a beautiful lake called Nong Lom in the centre of the forest where you can observe wild birds like teal, butterflies, and rare plants.
Allow about 60 minutes · planning estimate
Savannakhet
This 16th century stupa is one of the most revered in the country. Annually in December, Buddhists travel to this holy site for the annual "Boun Pha" ceremony. There are two roads that lead to the stupa: the first one is the busy main road to Seno. Far more recommended is the alternative road through the green rural outskirts, passing the Beung Va lake, which is best experienced by bicycle or motorbike.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
A note before you go. Start with Dinosaur Museum, then decide whether Wat Sayaphoum deserves a separate visit rather than rushing both. The suggested days are an editable grouping, not a timed tour. Visit allowances exclude transfers, meals and queues; confirm the exact entrance and current visiting arrangements for That Ing Hang Stupa before setting off.
Reference material retrieved 2026-10-19. Suggested days and time allowances are editorial starting points. Check the linked visitor information for opening hours, access, and reservations.
BEFORE YOU SET OFF
The easiest way to get around Savannakhet is by foot or bicycle. Tuk-tuks are also available around the city and are an easy way to get to a specific location quickly.
Dinosaur Museum and Wat Sayaphoum are about 0.3 km apart in a straight line. Use the route link to compare the actual streets or transport connections before putting both in the same morning; the measurement is not a walking distance or a transfer estimate.
A LITTLE STRUCTURE. ROOM FOR DISCOVERY.
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This city guide includes selected, abridged material by Wikivoyage contributors, adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0. The adapted guide text is available under the same license; photographs and website design retain their separate terms. Selected and abridged reference descriptions; operational prices and timetables omitted. Elsewhere added the shortlist, geographic grouping and planning notes.
Reference material retrieved 2026-10-19. It is community-edited background, not firsthand reporting or a live opening-hours service.
KEEP EXPLORING