Gateway to Thailand & Vietnam

Savannakhet

A colonial old town, dinosaur fossils and sacred stupas on the East-West corridor.

History01

Savannakhet old town

ເມືອງເກົ່າສະຫວັນນະເຂດ

Faded French colonial shophouses around St Teresa's Church and the old town square.

Walk it in the golden hour
Stop at the riverside cafés
Look for restored heritage buildings

Culture02

Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum

ຫໍພິພິທະພັນໄດໂນເສົາ ສະຫວັນນະເຂດ

Fossils and footprints found in the province, in a small museum in the old town.

Great with children
Allow under an hour
Check opening days before you go

Temples & spiritual03

That Ing Hang

ພະທາດອິງຮັງ

One of the most sacred stupas in southern Laos, about 15 km from town.

Visit during the February festival
Go by motorbike or tuk-tuk
Dress modestly

Nature04

Dong Natad forest

ປ່າດົງນາທາດ

A protected forest close to town where villagers guide walks and forage.

Arrange a village guide
Learn which plants are eaten
Go early before the heat

Porters on the Ho Chi Minh Trail during the war

History05

Ho Chi Minh Trail remnants at Xepon

ຮ່ອງຮອຍເສັ້ນທາງໂຮ່ຈີມິນ ທີ່ເຊໂປນ

Wartime relics along Route 9 towards Vietnam, including the remains of military vehicles.

Go with a guide
Stay on well-used paths because of the UXO risk
Combine with the drive to Lao Bao

Getting around06

Second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge

ຂົວມິດຕະພາບໄທ-ລາວ ແຫ່ງທີ 2

Links Savannakhet with Mukdahan on the East-West Economic Corridor to Vietnam.

Cross by international bus
Road continues to Lao Bao and Hue
Carry both currencies

Checked September 2026. Opening hours, prices and boat or train timetables change, so confirm locally before you go. Photo credits

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