While Savannakhet is often just a stopover to obtain a Thai visa, the city is well worth taking time to explore! Colonial architecture, religious buildings, dinosaur museum or boat trips on the Mekong… Discover what to see and do in Savannakhet during a brief stay…

Discover Savannakhet's colonial architecture
    

Laos is a Southeast Asian country and a former French colonial territory (1893-1953). Once known as "French Indochina," the country still preserves many traces of this historic period today… Most of Savannakhet's former colonial residences have been converted into restaurants or hotels… French architectural style is recognizable by its front porches and columns.

 Admire the Cathedral of Sainte-Thérèse
    

Designed after the end of World War I, this religious building stands on the edge of Savannakhet's historic square. Still in use (mass is celebrated there almost every morning)

Considered one of the most beautiful churches in the country, it proudly displays its white Neo-Romanesque facade – an architecture known for its sobriety and volume play. Nearby, you'll likely spot pétanque players – pronounced petang in Laotian!

Visit the Savannakhet Province Museum – or "Provincial Museum"

Housed in a former French colonial administrative building, the provincial museum provides insight into this Laotian province. You'll learn about its culture and craftsmanship, from prehistoric times to the present day!

Although it's a small museum, a visit (lasting around twenty minutes) is worthwhile. You'll discover, among other things, photographs and objects from the Vietnam War. The museum is open daily from 08:00 to 12:00 and 13:30 to 16:00, except weekends.

Observe fossils at the Dinosaur Museum

Located a 15-minute walk from the provincial museum, you'll find the Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum. Although quite small (only two rooms), the museum houses a fine collection of dinosaur fossils. Here's a tip: the team sometimes reveals unique pieces! Simply ask to visit the reserve, which is just as rich as the collections displayed to the public!

The museum is closely linked to the research work of French geologist Josué Heilman Hoffet, who initiated excavations in 1936 in the Savannakhet area. For just 10,000 kips (around €1), you'll have the chance to see a dinosaur's vertebrae and femur, as well as beautiful fish fossils.

You may see negative reviews here and there, but bear in mind that this place deserves credit for existing in a country with limited resources…

Meditate at Wat Xayaphoum Temple
    

Despite its modern appearance and vibrant colors, Wat Xayaphoum temple is the oldest and largest in the city. Built in 1542, facing the Mekong, it features a pyramidal roof and gleaming golden columns.

Frequented by many worshippers, the temple is also open to tourists. Inside, you'll admire a beautiful library filled with manuscripts over 200 years old! This Buddhist place of worship is now inhabited by monks. They lead religious ceremonies and also offer meditation sessions open to everyone…

Considered the most sacred site in the region, the temple celebrates Lao New Year annually, which takes place between April 13-16. It's an opportunity to share a privileged moment with the Laotian people – and to admire the "protective masks" that parade through the city at that time.

Navigate the Mekong
    

Far more than just a river, the Mekong is the lifeblood of  Laos. With a total length of 4,800 kilometers, it flows through the country from north to south and is an integral part of daily life for locals. Indeed, the river is an essential route for commercial exchanges, as well as a vital source for rice paddies and fishing!

Bordered by this mythical river, the city of Savannakhet promises beautiful boat trips along the water… If you visit the city in October (at the end of the Buddhist Lent period), don't miss the boat festival (called Boun Suang Huea)! You'll then have the chance to see boats decorated with flowers.

Trek in the Dong Phu Vieng Protected Reserve

Less than 200 km from Savannakhet lies the Hin Nam No National Protected Area. If your journey takes you to Khammouane Province: be sure to stop at this magnificent reserve! During your trek, you'll spot wild hornbills, bats and the giant muntjac…