The outskirts of Savannakhet is the setting for a particularly sacred 16C stupa (that). In keeping with tradition, this reliquary tower, with a shape that is unusual in Laos, contains a bone from the Buddha. In front of the complex lotus flowers and coconuts are on sale that the faithful can give as offerings. Popular fervour reaches fever pitch during the annual festival in Nov-Dec. In the galleries of the deambulatory surrounding the cloister, admire dozens of seated Buddha statues, their hands in the earth witness mudra position.