Savannakhet

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Savannakhet Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1-2 Days

Best Time: October to February Read More

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Also Refered As:

Kaysone Phomvihane

"French colonial architecture along the Mekong River "

Savannakhet Tourism

Savannakhet is a city located on the banks of the Mekong River in Laos. Bordering Thailand, it is the capital of the province of the same name. It is a quiet town, which is mostly used as a stopover by tourists passing into Laos and Thailand, and offers not much for people looking for attractions. 

But this little town has its charm for visitors, including the rich colonial architecture, lovely old Buddhist temples, and a chance to experience the laid-back life along the Mekong including enjoying the beautiful sunsets.

Things to do in Savannakhet

1. Wat Xayaphoum

Wat Xayaphoum
Wat Xayaphoum is a Buddhist temple located on the banks of the Mekong River in the city of Savannakhet in Laos. It is one of the prominent temples in the town known for its grand architecture and cult (Read More)ural celebrations, the most famous ones being The Lao New Year celebration and the Boat Racing Festival. The temple is one of the must-visit attractions for tourists visiting Savannakhet.

2. Savannakhet Night Market

Savannakhet Night Market
The night market in Savannakhet, Laos is located close to downtown on the banks of the Mekong River. It is a famous daily night market worth visiting for tourists while exploring Savannakhet for tasti (Read More)ng some delicious local street food enjoying the views of the Mekong.

3. Phonsavanh Temple

Phonsavanh Temple
Phonsavanh is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Savannakhet in Laos. Situated along the banks of the Mekong River, it is a lovely temple known for its vast green garden and intricate wall paint (Read More)ings in the main hall. It is one of the worth visiting places if you are in Savannakhet.

4. Dong Notad Forest

Dong Notad Forest
Dong Notad is a part of a reserved semi-evergreen forest area located outside the city of Savannakhet in Laos. It is known for several trips and hikes around offered by the tourist office to travelers (Read More). Two villages are surrounding forests, home to some ethnic communities. Tourists can enjoy cycling, guided hiking tours in the mountains, and also experience unique stays in eco-lodges run by the conservation centre. The tour prices starts at about 80 USD per person.

5. Eglise Saint Therese

Eglise Saint Therese
Eglise Saint Therese or St. Therese Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic Cathedral located in the city of Savannakhet in the southern part of Laos near the border with Thailand. It is one of the two major c (Read More)athedrals in the town among the Apostolic Vicariate or the church following the Latin rite and functions. It is worth visiting the temple on your trip to admire the architecture of the church, which houses a statue of Eglise Saint Therese.

6. Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum

Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum
Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum is the only museum dedicated to a dinosaur in Laos. It is one of the attractions worth checking out by tourists exploring Savannakhet. It houses the 110-million-year-old di (Read More)nosaur bone fossils excavated from the nearby Xonbouly district in 1936 by a French archaeologist Josue Hoffert. The remains belong to three species of dinosaur including Pode, Iguanodon and Sauropoda.

7. The French Quarter

The French Quarter
The French Quarter is located in the old town area in the city of Savannakhet overlooking the Mekong river. It is a neighbourhood consisting of a series of buildings constructed by the French during t (Read More)heir colonization of Laos. Some of these were used as government offices, which are now under the Laos government. It is recommended for tourists visiting Savannakhet to take a walking tour along these streets to witness the unique architecture of these structures and heritage buildings like the Cathedral, the park and more.

8. Bungva Lake

Bungva Lake
Bungva is a large freshwater lake located close to Savannakhet city in Laos. It is a popular picnic spot and place for hanging out during weekends and holidays for the locals. The lake is well mainta (Read More)ined, with many restaurants and shops running along. It is one of the worth visiting attractions for tourists while in Savannakhet to enjoy a relaxing walk, to witness some sunset or sunrise or go boating.

9. That Ing Hang

That Ing Hang
That Ing Hang is a sacred Buddhist stupa located in Ban That village close to Kaysone Phomvihane in Savannakhet Province in Central Laos. It is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists in Lao as it is consider (Read More)ed as a burial site for one of Buddha's bones. The temple is registered as a national treasure by the Lao government. It is one of the attractions worth checking out for tourists visiting Savannakhet province.

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Places to Visit

That Ing Hang Stupa - That Ing Hang is the 16th-century stupa and is one of the sacred stupas Laos. It is where the Boun Pha ceremony takes every year in December when many Buddhists travel to this holy site. You can reach the stupa by renting a motorbike for about 20,000 LAK or taking a Tuk-Tuk for about 50,000 LAK for a return trip for a group of 4 or 5 people. The entrance fee is 5000 LAK per person.

Beung Va Lake - It is a small but lovely lake worth visiting and is located on the way to That Ing Hang Stupa.

Wat Xayaphoum - Wat Xayaphoum is a prominent 6th-century Buddhist temple located in the centre of the city along the bank of the Mekong river. It also houses an institute for young monks. It is the venue for The Lao New Year celebration or Pee Mai Lao and boat racing festival or Boun Suang Huea.

Savannakhet Provincial Museum - The city museum that has a rich collection of exhibits covering the history of the province in-depth, including archaeological excavations and ancient weapons used in civil wars.

Dinosaur Museum - The only museum dedicated to a dinosaur in Laos, the collections include bone fossils excavated from the nearby Xonbouly district. The remains belong to three species of dinosaur including Pode, Iguanodon and Sauropoda. The museum opens every day between 1 PM to 4:30 PM and costs 10,000 LAK per person for entry.

French colonial architecture - The most notable buildings depicting colonial French Style include the Catholic Church and the central plaza. The house of former Laotian leader Kaysone Phomvihane is also rich in architecture influenced by French architectural styles.

Nong Lom Lake - Home to Dong Natad forest, Nong Lom is a small but famous lake known for butterflies and birds watching.

Dong Phou Vieng and The Phou Xang National Protected Area - Two national parks which are well preserved and are home to elephants, tigers, rare species of birds, deer and bears.

Tips

  • There are limited ATMs near the attractions and in the town.
  • It is better to carry sufficient cash.
  • Accommodation options are limited in the town and can get booked during the peak season.
  • It is recommended to book hotels and guesthouses in advance.

Best Time to Visit Savannakhet

How to Reach Savannakhet

How to Reach Overview

By Flight - There are direct flights from Vientiane, Pakse and also from Bangkok to Savannakhet. Laos Airlines is the only carrier operating in this route.

By Bus - There are regular, VIP and mini buses from Vientiane to Savannakhet. The journey takes about 10 to 11 hours and costs between 10 to 35 USD per person. The buses can be booked at your hotel or guesthouse. Buses are also available from nearby towns including Thakhek, Pakse and Si Phan Don. They take about 4 to 6 hours and cost between 10 to 20

Local transport in Savannakhet

The best way to explore Savannakhet is on foot or by renting a motorbike. You can also get around the town by hiring a Tuk-Tuk or renting a bicycle daily. Cabs are available too if you want to commute to faraway places more comfortably.

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Savannakhet

FAQs on Savannakhet

What is famous about Savannakhet?

Savannakhet is an ideal place to stop over for many tourists going in and out of Thailand. The town gives an introduction of Laos with its temples, French colonial architecture and the Mekong river cruises.

What is not so good about Savannakhet?

As Laos offers plenty of destinations to experience for travelers, most foreign travelers skip Savannakhet as it has nothing to offer in terms of attractions. Its location is also not favourable except for those crossing borders overland.

Who should visit Savannakhet?

Savannakhet is ideal for all kinds of travelers including solo, couples or families. Nature lovers will enjoy spending time in the town.

What is the best time to visit Savannakhet?

The best time to visit Savannakhet is between October and February. The weather is not hot, and the humidity is less during these months. It is a great time to be outdoors in the city.  Boat trips and swimming in the lakes are quite popular during this time since the sunsets and sunrises are fantastic at this time. From late February, summer sets in slowly with March to May being the hottest months. Monsoon begins in late July and lasts until September, with the city witnessing landslides and floods. 
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What is the best way to reach Savannakhet?

By Flight - There are direct flights from Vientiane, Pakse and also from Bangkok to Savannakhet. Laos Airlines is the only carrier operating in this route.

By Bus - There are regular, VIP and mini buses from Vientiane to Savannakhet. The journey takes about 10 to 11 hours and costs between 10 to 35 USD per person. The buses can be booked at your hotel or guesthouse. Buses are also available from nearby towns including Thakhek, Pakse and Si Phan Don. They take about 4 to 6 hours and cost between 10 to 20
Read More

What are the things to do in Savannakhet?

The top things to do in Savannakhet are Wat Xayaphoum, Savannakhet Night Market, Phonsavanh Temple, Dong Notad Forest, Eglise Saint Therese, Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum. You can see all the places to visit in Savannakhet here

What are the places near Savannakhet?

The top places near to Savannakhet are Vientiane which is 274 km from Savannakhet, Luang prabang which is located 459 km from Savannakhet, Si phan don which is located 109 km from Savannakhet, Nong khiaw which is located 184 km from Savannakhet, Siem reap which is located 373 km from Savannakhet

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