Savannakhet Province has added two sites to its national cultural heritage list, with authorities formally recognising That Phon Stupa and Heuan Hin in Xayphouthong district on 30 January.
Both sites received national-level status following earlier local designation, marking a new step toward stronger protection and wider promotion of the province’s historical and spiritual landmarks.
That Phon Stupa ranks among the most revered Buddhist sites in southern Laos. Local legend traces its construction to 118 BE, when builders used laterite stone to form a lotus-bud-shaped stupa believed to be around 2,500 years old.
Located in Phonthat Village, about 65 kilometres from Kaysone Phomvihane City and 12 kilometres from National Road 13 South, the stupa has long served as a spiritual center for surrounding communities. Its annual festival takes place in February, usually on the full moon of the third lunar month.
The other site, Heuan Hin, meaning “Stone House,” lies in the same district near the Mekong River, around 30 kilometres from That Phon.
The unfinished structure is believed to be one of 121 rest houses built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII between 1181 and 1218, linking major routes across the Khmer Empire.
The site shows architectural similarities to Vat Phou in Champasak and Thailand’s Phimai temple, and hosts its annual festival in March, on the full moon of the fourth lunar month.
Provincial authorities said elevating the two sites to national heritage status will support long-term conservation while helping to promote cultural tourism in Xayphouthong district and across Savannakhet Province.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/LT-Website-Size-35.png6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-02-04 09:14:002026-02-03 15:19:55That Phon Stupa, Heuan Hin Recognized as National Heritage Sites in Savannakhet
The Vat Phou Festival was held from 31 January to 2 February at the Vat Phou Temple site in Champasak Province, marking the 25th anniversary of the ancient complex’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The three-day festival combines religious observances, cultural performances, and large-scale visual displays, drawing both domestic and international visitors to one of Laos’ most important historical sites.
The opening ceremony on 31 January featured a spectacular light and sound show illustrating the history of Vat Phou’s construction. The evening celebration included a drone display using 590 drones accompanied by 250 fireworks. A seminar commemorating the 25th anniversary of Vat Phou’s World Heritage status also took place during the opening events.
On the second day, 1 February, activities focused on religious practices, including ceremonies to pay respect to the Buddha, listening to Dhamma teachings, and an overnight chanting of protective blessings at the temple complex.
The festival concludes 2 February, with an early-morning alms-giving ceremony, where hundreds of monks receive offerings from worshippers.
In the evening, a candlelit procession will mark Makha Busa Day, the full moon day of the third lunar month in the Buddhist calendar.
History of Vat Phou
Dating back to the 7th century, Vat Phou is one of the most significant archaeological and architectural sites in Laos. The temple was originally built for Hindu worship, particularly devoted to Lord Shiva, before merging with a Buddhist site from the 13th century onwards as Buddhism spread through the region.
The Lao government and local authorities have undertaken continuous restoration and conservation efforts across various historical periods. Combined with the commitment of local communities and ethnic groups, these preservation efforts led to Vat Phou’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 16 December 2001.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webp00Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-02-03 11:00:452026-02-03 11:00:49Vat Phou Festival 2026 Mark 25 Years as UNESCO World Heritage Site
Laos launched construction of a new 230-kilovolt (kV) transmission line on 30 January in northern Laos, connecting Luang Prabang and Xieng Khouang provinces.
The 186-kilometer project will connect the Pak Mong 2 substation in Luang Prabang province to the Na Phia substation in Xieng Khouang province, passing through nine districts across the two provinces: Nambak, Pak Ou, Pak Seng, Luang Prabang City, Phonxay, Phou Khoun, Phoukoud, Pek, and Phaxay.
Developed jointly by the Lao government and Chinese private firm China Electric Power Equipment and Technology, the project is part of Laos’ 2024-2030 energy development plan aimed at strengthening the national grid and enhancing regional energy connectivity. It is financed through a loan from China Development Bank.
The USD 91.57 million investment will fund the construction of two 230 kV transmission circuits and expand two bays at both the Pak Mong 2 and Na Phia substations. Line construction accounts for USD 86.02 million, while substation work represents USD 5.55 million, with Pak Mong expansion costing USD 2.73 million and Na Phia USD 2.82 million.
Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
According to Electricité du Laos, the project aims to strengthen the national electricity network by transmitting power from northern hydropower plants and other generation sources to the central region, including Vientiane Capital.
That Phon Stupa, Heuan Hin Recognized as National Heritage Sites in Savannakhet
Savannakhet Province has added two sites to its national cultural heritage list, with authorities formally recognising That Phon Stupa and Heuan Hin in Xayphouthong district on 30 January.
Both sites received national-level status following earlier local designation, marking a new step toward stronger protection and wider promotion of the province’s historical and spiritual landmarks.
That Phon Stupa ranks among the most revered Buddhist sites in southern Laos. Local legend traces its construction to 118 BE, when builders used laterite stone to form a lotus-bud-shaped stupa believed to be around 2,500 years old.
Located in Phonthat Village, about 65 kilometres from Kaysone Phomvihane City and 12 kilometres from National Road 13 South, the stupa has long served as a spiritual center for surrounding communities. Its annual festival takes place in February, usually on the full moon of the third lunar month.
The other site, Heuan Hin, meaning “Stone House,” lies in the same district near the Mekong River, around 30 kilometres from That Phon.
The unfinished structure is believed to be one of 121 rest houses built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII between 1181 and 1218, linking major routes across the Khmer Empire.
The site shows architectural similarities to Vat Phou in Champasak and Thailand’s Phimai temple, and hosts its annual festival in March, on the full moon of the fourth lunar month.
Provincial authorities said elevating the two sites to national heritage status will support long-term conservation while helping to promote cultural tourism in Xayphouthong district and across Savannakhet Province.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/02/02/that-phon-stupa-heuan-hinh-recognized-as-national-heritage-sites-in-savannakhet/
Vat Phou Festival 2026 Mark 25 Years as UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Vat Phou Festival was held from 31 January to 2 February at the Vat Phou Temple site in Champasak Province, marking the 25th anniversary of the ancient complex’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The three-day festival combines religious observances, cultural performances, and large-scale visual displays, drawing both domestic and international visitors to one of Laos’ most important historical sites.
The opening ceremony on 31 January featured a spectacular light and sound show illustrating the history of Vat Phou’s construction. The evening celebration included a drone display using 590 drones accompanied by 250 fireworks. A seminar commemorating the 25th anniversary of Vat Phou’s World Heritage status also took place during the opening events.
On the second day, 1 February, activities focused on religious practices, including ceremonies to pay respect to the Buddha, listening to Dhamma teachings, and an overnight chanting of protective blessings at the temple complex.
The festival concludes 2 February, with an early-morning alms-giving ceremony, where hundreds of monks receive offerings from worshippers.
In the evening, a candlelit procession will mark Makha Busa Day, the full moon day of the third lunar month in the Buddhist calendar.
History of Vat Phou
Dating back to the 7th century, Vat Phou is one of the most significant archaeological and architectural sites in Laos. The temple was originally built for Hindu worship, particularly devoted to Lord Shiva, before merging with a Buddhist site from the 13th century onwards as Buddhism spread through the region.
The Lao government and local authorities have undertaken continuous restoration and conservation efforts across various historical periods. Combined with the commitment of local communities and ethnic groups, these preservation efforts led to Vat Phou’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 16 December 2001.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/02/02/vat-phou-festival-2026-mark-25-years-as-unesco-world-heritage-site/
Laos Breaks Ground on 230 kV Transmission Line Project in Northern Laos
Laos launched construction of a new 230-kilovolt (kV) transmission line on 30 January in northern Laos, connecting Luang Prabang and Xieng Khouang provinces.
The 186-kilometer project will connect the Pak Mong 2 substation in Luang Prabang province to the Na Phia substation in Xieng Khouang province, passing through nine districts across the two provinces: Nambak, Pak Ou, Pak Seng, Luang Prabang City, Phonxay, Phou Khoun, Phoukoud, Pek, and Phaxay.
Developed jointly by the Lao government and Chinese private firm China Electric Power Equipment and Technology, the project is part of Laos’ 2024-2030 energy development plan aimed at strengthening the national grid and enhancing regional energy connectivity. It is financed through a loan from China Development Bank.
The USD 91.57 million investment will fund the construction of two 230 kV transmission circuits and expand two bays at both the Pak Mong 2 and Na Phia substations. Line construction accounts for USD 86.02 million, while substation work represents USD 5.55 million, with Pak Mong expansion costing USD 2.73 million and Na Phia USD 2.82 million.
Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
According to Electricité du Laos, the project aims to strengthen the national electricity network by transmitting power from northern hydropower plants and other generation sources to the central region, including Vientiane Capital.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/02/02/laos-breaks-ground-on-230-kv-transmission-line-project-in-northern-laos/