Monkey Forest Savannakhet

The sacred forest of Ban Dongmouang is home to more than 300 rhesus macaques. These monkeys are considered sacred by local villagers who protect them. The monkeys are accustomed to the presence of people and you can walk through the forest safely, seeing them in their natural habitat.

Hotay Pidok Nonglamchan Library This peaceful temple houses an impressive wooden repository built over a pond by Abbot Lak Khampa. The repository protects some 403 traditional Lao manuscripts carefully wrapped in colorful cloths and kept in ancient cabinets.

Soui Lake, sometimes called ‘the sea of Champhone’, is the biggest reservoir of Champhone District and is used for irrigation This allows two rice harvests per year. You can taste local fish and the famous snails of Soui in one of the floating restaurants. With extra time, take a boat tour through the lotus fields as you eat.

Taleo Old Temple This singular Buddhist temple is famous for its French architecture, frescoes and construction material. The site was bombed during the secret war destroying all buildings except for the meeting hall, still standing even after being directly hit by a bomb, making it the first historical site in Savannakhet and one of the most sacred temples of Champhone district.

Turtle Lake This quiet lake in the Phutai village called Ban Dondeng is home to the biggest concentration of endangered Ornata soft shell turtles in Laos, thanks to villagers who believe they are sacred. Listen to the locals call the turtles by singing, and when the turtles arrive, feed them from the wooden bridge.

the National Eld’s Deer Sanctuary for orientation. Cycle or ride a tractor to Ateuang lake, Bo euad salt lick, and climb the observation tower where you can look for deer before dusk. Dinner will be at base camp with campfire activities.

Wake up for coffee or tea in the early morning before hiking through the forest where you’ll have an additional chance to see the Eld’s Deer and many bird species native to the area. Transport back to Kaysone City.