Sights in Savannakhet
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Savannakhet Provincial Museum
In a French-era mansion on expansive grounds is the mildly interesting Savannakhet Provincial Museum. In the front yard are a few rusting artillery pieces aimed at Thailand and the barely recognisable remains of an American-built T-28, the main combat aircraft of the Royal Lao Army. Inside is more rusting ordnance, but otherwise this is a shrine to Kaysone Phomvihane, who was born nearby. There are hundreds of photos, most with basic English captions, and if you’re interested in Kaysone or in the beatification of socialist heroes, then it’s fascinating. The curator is rarely there at 8am so come later.
reviewed
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B
Wat Sainyaphum
The oldest and largest monastery in Savan, with more than 100 novices and monks in residence, Wat Sainyaphum is thought to have first been built in 1542, though most of what you see today dates from the 20th century. It’s a pleasant place to wander, and the monks may be willing to show you around and practise their English in the process. Look for the workshop near the river entrance – it’s a veritable golden-Buddha production line.
reviewed
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C
Wat Rattanalangsi
Wat Rattanalangsi was built in 1951 and houses a monks’ primary school. The sǐm (ordination hall) is unique in that it has glass windows (most windows in Lao temples are unglazed). Other structures include a rather gaudy Brahma shrine, a modern sǎaláa lóng thám (sermon hall) and a shelter containing a 15m reclining Buddha backed by Jataka (stories of the Buddha’s past lives) paintings.
reviewed
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D
Museum
In a colonial-era building, this small but well-presented museum displays some of the finds from the five sites where dinosaur bones or footprints have been found. The curators’ unfailing enthusiasm is infectious and they’re willing to use their limited English or French on you. It’s good Lao-style fun.
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