Still in the continuity of the 2 previous articles including the one presenting the “attractions” in Savannakhet, the city, here is what you can visit in Savannakhet province.
- Bungva Lake
- That Ing Hang Stupa
- Phonsim village and old ruins
- Phonsim Turtle Lake
The whole thing makes a loop of about 50 km. To help you find your way, I have put together a Google map at the end of the article (See the map). First stop, Lake Bungva, about 8 km from Savannakhet.
Bungva Lake
First stop after leaving the city. Indicated on our local "tourist" map that we were given at our GH, Bungva Lake, located just after a village, is the largest in the region, but while we are in the dry season, the level was very low. This area is appreciated by locals for its restaurants grouped along part of the west bank. The rice fields around are empty, everything is dry, the dry season is frankly to be avoided if possible (in addition to the very strong heat)
That Ing Hang Stupa
Arriving near the temple we will come across a small group of children playing there under a tree and with the cows wandering here and there freely. The stupa of Ing Hang is one of the most important sacred Buddhist sites in Savannakhet and a Lao National Treasure. It is a 9-meter-high construction dating from the year 1548, commissioned by King Marukhanakhone, where, according to popular belief, one of the bones of the Buddha is located.
The name of this stupa, That Ing Hang, is said to be after the arrival of Buddha, who gave a sermon in the village and then rested under a tree called "Hang". The story is a bit confusing since "Hang" means "to hang"...
Buy tickets here.
Phonsim village and old ruins
The village of Phonsim is not an attraction in itself, it is a typical village of Laos certainly, but the area is known for its old ruins, considered to be the old Phonsim. Located 2 km from the current village, you can see the foundations of a pagoda and the old city wall of Phonsim. We looked hard but we could not find these ruins… By asking villagers, already that not all of them even know, those who heard about these ruins explained to us that they are quite difficult to access and that unless you have a guide with you it is a waste of time…
The only indication found is at the top of a small hill surrounded by bamboo forest... In our attempt to find the place, we will have at least had the merit of discovering unique places, in the heart of the Laotian countryside.
Full of gas.
Ruin are you there?
Still no ruins…
Phonsim Turtle Lake
There was a time when this lake was home to sacred turtles, which the locals came to feed. There was a time… Today, no turtles, but buffaloes that come to take their bath and cool off from this crushing heat. I would return to this lake by taking small roads, or rather paths, and my sense of direction will do the rest, as indicated on the map (see below), the lake is in fact closer by staying on the main road and turning right just before the tarmac ends (the road being a dead end…)
There are of course other attractions in the area, but having only had one day to visit it is obviously not enough. Among others, there are old temples, stupas and ancient villages like the Heun Hin which literally means "stone house". In the end it is a day in the countryside, ideal for meeting the population.
All the info here (in English): https://www.visitlaos.org/
To summarize, here is a map with the route of the day including the marking of the points of visits seen or mentioned in the article:
