The revered Pha That Phon stupa.      --Photo Pathetlao Daily newspaper

Savannakhet eyes listing of Pha That Phon stupa, Stone House as heritage sites

Savannakhet  authorities plan to add the Pha That Phon stupa and the Heuan Hin (Stone House) to the list of Laos’ officially recognised cultural heritage sites.
The aim is to preserve these important sites for future generations and make them more widely known among visitors to the province, as well as earning more revenue for local residents through the provision of associated services.
The stupa and the stone house have long been popular among visitors to Xayphouthong district.
Head of the Information, Culture and Tourism Office in Xayphouthong district, Mr Oudone Bouthtavong, said provincial authorities are preparing the necessary paperwork to get the two structures listed as cultural heritage sites.
That Phon stupa is held in high esteem by Buddhists and people visit the stupa every day, hoping their visit will bring good fortune because of the powers attributed to this revered monument.
In February every year, Savannakhet hosts a special event to celebrate the stupa, when people from around Laos and neighbouring countries come to worship.
The festival not only serves to preserve Lao traditions, but also creates extra income for local people through the sale of goods.
That Phon stupa is about 50 kilometres from Savannakhet provincial capital and is situated on Road No. 13 South, or can be reached by a shorter route of about 30 kilometres by driving alongside the Mekong River.
Visitors can also make an excursion to the Stone House about 20 kilometres away.
Those coming from other countries can enter Laos at the Second Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, the Savan-Lao Bao border crossing, or Savannakhet International Airport.
In March, Lao Airlines resumed flights between Savannakhet province and Bangkok to service the large number of people expected to come to Laos during Visit Laos Year.
The province, located about 480km from Vientiane, is full of fascinating sights and stunning landscapes. Among these are Dong Ling (monkey forest), Tad Phalong and Salen waterfalls, and treks through protected areas with the chance to see some rare wildlife.
There are also the Xayyaphoum and Taleo temples as well as the Hotay Pidok manuscript repository, while several villages are home to members of the Phouthai ethnic group whose traditional lifestyle can be observed by visitors.
Annual events include the rocket and boat racing festivals and the Boun That Phonh stupa festival.

ByTimes Reporters
 (Latest Update May 28, 2024)