Savannakhet was one of Linda's final stops on the trip - it's Laos' second city, the country's business capital and formerly a center of French colonial influence.
Linda arrived in time for the That Ing Hang festival (in Savannakhet), a major festival celebrated around the much-revered That Ing Hang stupa. This 16th century structure draws thousands of Buddhists during the festival - a small chamber is opened during the festival, where male devotees pray before the Buddhas enshrined within.
"The stupa becomes a festival site with fairground attractions like a ball throw, a sporting competition, and performances of 'ethnic' groups from the surrounding regions," Linda recalls. "Highly recommended."
From Savannakhet, you can ride from the bus terminal on Makhasan Road to Mukhdahan in Thailand, or to the Lao cities of Tha Khaek, Vientiane, Pakse, Nakasang, Salayan, Sekong, and Attapeu.
