Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum: A Prehistoric Journey
Explore Laos' prehistoric past at the Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum, home to unique dinosaur fossils from the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous periods.
Step back in time at the Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum, a modest yet captivating repository of prehistoric wonders located in Savannakhet City. Established in 2006, the museum's collection originates from the discovery of dinosaur fossils in the Phu Phanh District. Excavations led by a French paleontological team, under the guidance of Dr. Philippe Taquet, unearthed a treasure trove of dinosaur remains dating back to the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous periods. The museum proudly displays the skeletal remains, footprints, and eggs of various dinosaur species, including the Tangvayosaurus hoffeti, a sauropod related to the Apatosaurus and Diplodocus. The Tangvayosaurus is unique to the region, and the museum houses one of only two partial skeletons of this species known to exist. While the museum may be small, it offers a rare opportunity to admire vivid evidence of a bygone era. Fossils of Pode, Iguanodon, and Sauropoda dinosaurs are also exhibited. Descriptions are available in Lao and French, and guided tours are available for English-speaking visitors. The museum also aims to educate visitors about the excavation and fossil preservation processes.
Local tips
- Consider booking a guided tour in advance to ensure availability and gain deeper insights into the exhibits.
- Displays are primarily in Lao and French, so English-speaking visitors may find a guided tour particularly helpful.
- The museum is relatively small, so plan for a visit of about 30-60 minutes.
A brief summary to Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum
- HP7W+345, ຖະໜົນໃຈເມືອງ, Savannakhet, LA
- +85641212597
Getting There
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Walking
The Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum is located on Thanon Khanthaburi in Savannakhet City, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the Mekong Riverfront, walk inland towards the city center. The museum is near the Thai Consulate. Allow approximately 10-15 minutes to walk from the riverfront to the museum. There are generally no costs associated with this approach.
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Public Transport
Local buses and tuk-tuks are readily available in Savannakhet. From the Savannakhet Bus Station, take a tuk-tuk or local bus towards the city center. Ask the driver to take you to the Dinosaur Museum on Thanon Khanthaburi. The ride should take approximately 15-20 minutes. Tuk-tuk fares typically start around 10,000 Kip for a short journey.
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Taxi
Taxis are available in Savannakhet, and the Xanh SM Laos electric taxi service operates in the city. A taxi ride from Savannakhet International Airport or the Friendship Bridge to the Dinosaur Museum will take approximately 15-20 minutes. Fares should be negotiated in advance or, when using Xanh SM Laos, will be transparent via the app. A typical taxi fare from the airport to the city center is around 50,000-80,000 Kip.
