Savannakhet province

Savannakhet Province

Located: in Central part of the country.
Total area: 21,774 square kilometers.
Population: 850,000.
15 Districts: Khanthabuly, Outhoumphone, Atsaphangthong, Phine, Sepone, Nong, Thapangthong, Songkhone, Champhon, Xonbuly, Xaybuly, Vilabuly, Atsaphone, Xayphouthong and Phalanxay.
Capital: Khanthabuly.

Savannakhet town is situated on the banks of the Mekong river opposite Mukdahan in Thailand. The province bridges the country between Thailand and Vietnam and the town is a very active junction for trade between the two countries. The town itself can be easily explored by foot and has a number of interesting temples, including Vietnamese temple and school and a large Catholic church. Much of the town's architecture is French Colonial. Numerous examples of French architecture tell of the town's importance. There are 11 ethinc minorities include Lowland Lao, Phoutai, Thai Dam, Katang, Mongkong, Vali, Lava, Soui, Kapo, Kaleung and Ta-Oi.

List of provinces Phongsaly Luang Namtha Bokeo Sayabouly Oudomxay Luang Prabang Houaphanh Xieng Khouang , Vientiane Capital Bolikhamxay Khammouane Savannakhet Salavanh Sekong Champasack Attapeu

Wat Inghang Temple

Wat Inghang Temple was built during the reign Sikhottabong of King Sumitatham about 2.000 years ago and is meant to mark the place where Lord Buddha rested while visiting the Kingdom of Sikhottabong. Rebuilt in 1548 by King Saysetthathilath, the temple is located at Ban Thad Village on Route 9 between Savannakhet-Seno at Km.12 turns right about 3 km. Festive rites are held annually and are organized to coincide with the first full moon of the lunar calendar.

Wat Xayaphoum Temple
Located at Ban Xayaphoum Village on the bank of the Mekong River, Wat Xayaphoum was built in 1542, the same period of Ban Thahir or Nakham. It is the center of the local Buddhist people with arts and architecture dating from the original Savannakhet. Festive ceremonies are held for Pimai Lao and the Boat Racing Festival. Ho Tay Pidok Library

These library housed a collection of 200 year old palm leaves manuscripts written in the ancient Khom-Pali and lao alphabets. It is located in Ban Nonglamchan Village, Champhone District.

Dinosaur Fossils
Fossilized dinosaur bones were discovered at Ban Tangvay Villages, Xonbuly District in 1930. They are now housed in the Dinosaur Exhibition Hall in Khanthabouly, the provincial capital