He was born in Louang Phrabang, Laos, the son of King Sisavang Vong.
Sri Savang Vatthana was never formally crowned. He abdicated in December 2 1975 after the communist revolution and died in an internment camp in northern Laos. Queen Khamphoui and Crown Prince Vong Savang died under similar circumstances. Sri Savang Vattana's youngest son Sauryavong Savang is now head of the family.