That Ing Hang: Considered the holiest site in Savannakhet and registered as a National Treasure of Lao PDR, That Ing Hang is located a short drive outside the city on the site where Buddha is said to have given a sermon to the people. Following his oration, the Buddha felt ill and rested against a hang tree, thus giving the stupa its name. The stupa itself was built in the sixteenth century by King Marukhanakhone to commemorate Buddha's visit. The stupa stands nine meters (29 feet) high, is surrounded by walls lined with Buddha statues and is believed to contain a relic of the Buddha's spine.
Boun Pha That Ing Hang: In November or December of every year, the exact date being determined by the lunar calendar, a festival known as the Boun Pha That Ing Hang is held to show respect to Buddha and the people who constructed the stupa. Offerings and blessings are given throughout the festival.