Savannakhet That Phon Festival

ທາດພອນ

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Religious & SpiritualThat Phon/Xayphouthong
DatesDates TBA · Usually MarchCheck locally before booking
DurationSpringEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCeremony, pilgrimageThe festival's core draw is the stupa
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: LAK
CategoryReligious & SpiritualFestival type
The story

Savannakhet That Phon Festival in That Phon/Xayphouthong

The That Phon Festival draws pilgrims from across southern Laos to the ancient That Phon Stupa in Xayphouthong district, Savannakhet province, on the full moon of the third lunar month, typically in February. Devotees circle the laterite, lotus-bud-shaped stupa with candles, make merit with monks, and shop at a temporary market, while the site's 2026 recognition as a national heritage landmark has added new civic significance to the gathering.

The That Phon Festival gathers pilgrims from across southern Laos and neighboring Thailand and Vietnam at one of the region's oldest Buddhist shrines, the That Phon Stupa in Xayphouthong district, Savannakhet province.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The festival's core draw is the stupa itself, a laterite structure shaped like an unopened lotus bud that local tradition dates back roughly 2,500 years, making it one of the oldest religious monuments described in southern Lao folklore

02

The mystery stays covered

Because the site sits well off National Road 13, away from Savannakhet's more visited riverside attractions, the festival retains a village character even as crowds grow each year

03

The city starts moving

The nearby Heuan Hin stone structure, recognized alongside the stupa as national heritage, gives visitors a second, lesser-known historical site to explore during the same short visit

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Circumambulating the stupa three times while carrying lit candles or incense is considered an act of merit-making central to the festival

Water and renewal

Living ritual

Offerings of flowers

The sacred route

Living ritual

and small monetary donations to monks are customary

The local code

Living ritual

and many families use the occasion to seek blessings for the coming agricultural year

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually March

Getting around

Move patiently around ceremony routes and leave space for worshippers and participants.

What to wear

Modest, conservative clothing is expected at the stupa itself, covering shoulders and knees as at any active Buddhist shrine in Laos. Comfortable closed shoes help for walking on uneven...

Safety

Watch local behavior before photographing, filming, or entering sacred spaces.

Where to stay

Stay near the part of the city you will actually use, with a simple return route after the main event.

Tickets/cost

Public ritual moments are often free, but donations, transport, or temple access may vary.

Language/currency

LAK

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map17.97 N, 102.60 EOpen in Google Maps

That Phon/Xayphouthong, Savannakhet Province, Laos

Nearest airportJHG — Xishuangbanna Gasa
TransportMove patiently around ceremony routes and leave space for worshippers and participants.
Stay areaStay near the part of the city you will actually use, with a simple return route after the main event.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to That Phon/Xayphouthong via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near That Phon/Xayphouthong, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for March.Compare faresFestival gearModest, conservative clothing is expected at the stupa itself, covering shoulders and knees as at any active Buddhist shrine in Laos. Comfortable closed shoes help for walking on uneven laterite and packed-earth ground, and a light scarf is useful both for sun protection and for covering up before entering sacred areas.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Laos and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Savannakhet That Phon Festival?

Savannakhet That Phon Festival is listed for March · Spring. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Savannakhet That Phon Festival take place?

The festival is listed in That Phon/Xayphouthong, Laos. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Spring is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Needs editorial review. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

That Phon/Xayphouthong, Savannakhet Province, Laos

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLAwaiting confirmation
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually March
Source statusNeeds editorial review
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