Laos Dinosaur Museum

Laos Dinosaur Museum

In 1936, French geologist Josué Heilman Hoffet was studying the geological formations of the Lao lowlands when he discovered, 120 kilometers from Savannakhet, some fossilized bone deposits including a dinosaur’s thigh bone and small spinal vertebrae. He subsequently dedicated himself to dinosaur fossil research in the area, collecting many local dinosaur fossils along with substantial evidence of prehistoric bipedal animals, herbivores, freshwater mollusks, crocodiles, turtles, and others that once lived in Laos.

During World War II, Hoffet was killed by Japanese invaders, interrupting his important discoveries and research. In 1990, a team of Lao and French paleontologists not only rediscovered Hoffet’s collection in the region but also made many new finds. Between 1991 and 1992, the joint cross-regional team announced these fossils of sauropods, theropod carnivorous dinosaurs, and ornithopod dinosaurs. In 2000, the Laos Dinosaur Museum officially opened at the headquarters of the Savannakhet Province Science, Technology, and Environment Office, housing many significant fossil discoveries.

Laos Dinosaur Museum

Why Go: The most important site for studying dinosaur fossils in the Savannakhet region

Continent: Asia

Country/Region: Laos

Province/State: Savannakhet Province

City: Savannakhet