The best things to do in Savannakhet, Laos include exploring the ancient ruins of Wat Phu Champasak, visiting the local markets, and taking a trip down the Mekong River. This charming city, located in the southern part of Laos, offers a unique blend of traditional and modern culture, making it a must-see destination for any traveler.
Explore the ancient ruins of Wat Phu Champasak
Wat Phu Champasak is an ancient temple complex that dates back to the 11th century. The temple is located on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Visitors can explore the temple’s many shrines and statues, including the impressive Phra Bang, a large golden Buddha statue.
Visit the local markets
Savannakhet is known for its bustling markets, where visitors can find a wide variety of local products and souvenirs. The most popular market in the city is the Savannakhet Night Market, which is open every night and features a variety of food, clothing, and handmade crafts. The market is a great place to experience local culture and pick up some unique souvenirs to take home.
Take a trip down the Mekong River
The Mekong River is a major waterway that runs through Laos, and a trip down the river is one of the best ways to experience the country’s natural beauty. Visitors can take a boat tour down the river and see the many villages and temples that line the banks. The tour also offers a chance to spot local wildlife, including dolphins and birds.
Experience the local culture
Savannakhet is home to a unique blend of traditional and modern culture, and visitors can experience this firsthand by visiting the city’s many temples and pagodas. The most famous temple in the city is the That Ing Hang, a Buddhist temple that is said to contain a piece of the Buddha’s breastbone. Visitors can also attend traditional Lao dance performances and witness the daily life of the local people.
Take a day trip to the nearby Bolaven Plateau
The Bolaven Plateau is located just outside of Savannakhet and is a great place to take a day trip to escape the city. The plateau is home to many waterfalls, coffee plantations, and ethnic minority villages. Visitors can take a guided tour to explore the area and learn about the local culture and way of life.
Savannakhet is a great destination for travelers looking for a mix of history, culture and nature. The ancient ruins of Wat Phu Champasak, local markets, trips down the Mekong River, experiencing the local culture, and day trips to the nearby Bolaven Plateau are all great ways to experience this charming city. With its unique blend of traditional and modern culture, Savannakhet is a must-see destination for any traveler visiting Laos.
Visit the Museum of Ethnology
The Museum of Ethnology is a great place to learn about the diverse cultures and traditions of Laos. The museum features a wide variety of exhibits, including traditional clothing, artifacts, and tools used by the various ethnic groups in Laos. The museum also has a small collection of traditional houses from different ethnic groups which can be visited to get a sense of the traditional living styles.
Relax at the Tad Fane Waterfall
The Tad Fane Waterfall is a beautiful natural attraction located just outside of Savannakhet. The waterfall is made up of two cascading falls that drop a total of 120 meters. Visitors can take a hike to the top of the falls to see the stunning views of the surrounding landscape, or relax at the base of the falls and enjoy the refreshing mist.
Take a cooking class
Lao cuisine is known for its unique blend of flavors and spices, and taking a cooking class is a great way to learn more about the local food culture. Visitors can take a class to learn how to cook traditional Lao dishes, such as laap (spicy meat salad) and tam mak houng (spicy green papaya salad). The classes usually include a visit to the local market to purchase ingredients and are often held in local homes, giving visitors a chance to experience traditional Lao living.
Visit the That Foun Stupa
The That Foun Stupa is a large Buddhist stupa located in the center of Savannakhet. The stupa is said to contain a relic of the Buddha and is considered an important religious site. Visitors can climb to the top of the stupa to see the beautiful views of the city and learn more about the local culture.
Take a bike tour
Savannakhet is a great place to explore by bike, and visitors can take a guided tour to see the city’s many sights. The tour takes visitors through the city’s streets, past traditional houses and temples, and out into the countryside. The tour is a great way to experience local culture and get a sense of the daily life of the local people.
In conclusion, Savannakhet is a charming city that offers a unique blend of traditional and modern culture. It is a must-see destination for any traveler visiting Laos. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of Wat Phu Champasak, visit the local markets, take a trip down the Mekong River, learn about the local culture at the Museum of Ethnology, relax at the Tad Fane waterfall, take a cooking class, visit the That Foun Stupa, and take a bike tour to experience the city in a unique way.
