Whether you are waiting for your Visa from any embassy or just staying in Savannakhet, Laos for a holiday, try visiting these spots as you might get bored in this French colonized city because of its literal silence.
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1. PAYING RESPECT TO THE WAT SAIYAPHUM TEMPLE. This is a 15th century temple, now serving as both temple and high school for novice monks of Savannakhet. It is located near the Mekong river. Tho, some of the infrastructures need repaint, there are more buildings being constructed inside. Aside from the temples and high school, you can also see Buddha Statues being made. The temple is open for all. No fees and you can freely take photos. You can also take photos together with monks. Just observe silence as you are entering a holy place.
2. CHECKING SAVANNAKHET PROVINCIAL MUSEUM is another tourist attraction. A good place to see war relics, artillery pieces and inactive examples of the deadly UXO (unexploded ordnance) that has claimed the lives of more than 12,000 Lao since the end of the Secret War. When I visited the place there were student interns in the reception area who can speak little English. The museum is open 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.There’s a minimal entrance fee of 10,000 kip.
3. RELAXING AT THE SAVANNHAKET NIGHT MARKET. This market is located just in front of the only catholic church in the city. It’s a small plaza 500 meters away from the Mekong river bank. The market starts at 4:00 in the afternoon until 10:00-12:00 in the midnight. There are variety of goods for sale such as food, clothes and others. Food prices start at 5,000 kip. many foreigners and locals come to this market every night making it a good place to stay. I met Jasper (the one in white dress in the picture) in the museum and we went to eat here.
4.DIGGING DINOSAUR MUSEUM’S HISTORY. I would recommend this place too. The curator went on the digs and has loads of photos to show and stories to tell. The museum have a great selection of bones and artifacts. However, this is just a small museum and definitely you’ll get what you pay for. I paid 10, 000 kip for the entrance fee and 5,000 kip for each dinosaur key holder.
5. EXPLORING THE MEKONG RIVER BANK. For a short walk, you can already explore the river bank. It is where you can see the actual beauty of the river. There’s really nothing much to see though, it is still worth killing your time. Just don’t expect too much. You can talk to locals selling food in the sidewalk of the river. You can also have a cold Beerlao while watching dragon boats sailing by.
Aside from these attractions, you can also tour around the city using a bike or motorbike for rent in almost of the guesthouses in Savannhaket. You can also try their authentic foods, the famous Lao massage, and the best tasting beer in Asia (time magazine 2010) the BEERLAO.
SAVANNAKHET CITY, LAOS
EXPLORING TOGETHER 