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Rocket Festival in Savannakhet 2010 dates??? In Laos: by jackchance, last reply by jackchance |
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Exploring Savannakhet In Laos: by sidhupi, last reply by MADMAC |
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Savannakhet to Hue Bus In Laos: by StuartG, last reply by simons104 |
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Internet Cafes in Savannakhet Laos In Laos: by kmeksavanh, last reply by Saphir |
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Savannakhet to Luang Prabang, but not via Vientiene? In Laos: by gingermark, last reply by somtam2000 |
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Direct bus from Savannakhet to Hue In Laos: by pippy208, last reply by somtam2000 |
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A5N rugby in Savannakhet 22, 25 & 28 March In Laos: by silverwood |
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Laos: Savannakhet Airport reopens In Travel news: by somtam2000 |
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Savannakhet to Lao Bao In Visas and border crossings: by jigs, last reply by ibizanne |
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Savannakhet stop or straight to Pakse? In Laos: by brea, last reply by neosho |
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Hué to Savannakhet 'International' Bus? In Vietnam: by shanghai306, last reply by CatBa |
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Savannakhet Rocks, info Savanxokxai Bar Check this out..... In Laos additions: by Mr_Wilson, last reply by Rufus |
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Recommendations for accomodation in Tha Khaek and Savannakhet In Laos: by sugarplum, last reply by DonMorgan |
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Savannakhet In Laos: by bada |
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I'm only here for the beer...
By exacto (dabbler - 13 reviews)
Written on 24th January, 2010 after a visit to Savannakhet in January,
It was easy getting to Savannakhet from Mukdahan via the international bus, which runs nearly every hour on the half hour during daylight hours for 45 baht. The immigration process on the Lao side wasn't all that efficient, but I managed to slip through anyway and the bus did wait for me, which was a bonus. If you happen to arrive outside of normal business hours or on weekends, the overtime fees for the immigration officials are 5 baht on the Thai side and 40 baht on the Lao side.
Once in town however, I didn't find a lot of substance to Savannakhet, and I'd have to say it was the least charming city I've visited in Laos. That isn't to say it is completely charmless however. It is still possible to enjoy a Beer Lao or a coconut at a stand along the river front, and there are a few charming cafes near the square or elsewhere and plenty of nice-looking restaurant night spots. There is at least one ATM and internet cafes are plentiful. But the town cannot hold a candle to Pakse or Vientiane, and given the chance I'd just continue on to those other places rather than overnight here again.
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Also reviewed by exacto: Champasak, Chiang Mai, Kamphaeng Phet, Ko Maak, Lopburi, Mukdahan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nong Khai, Pakse, Phitsanulok,
Savanakhet is slow
By MADMAC (dabbler - 8 reviews)
Written on 10th June, 2009 after a visit to Savannakhet in November, 2008
I have been to Savannakhet a number of times for visa runs, since I live right across the border in
Mukdahan.
Savanakhet has some
good restaraunts. The Dao Cafe in the center of town (look for the Catholic Church, it's in the same square) offers some great non-Asian food and an eclectic selection of beers. You will, however, pay top dollar (or kip) for it. It's not a cheap place to eat, but the food is good, and the service is excellent.
There is also a nice riverside restaraunt just down the steet from the Thai consulate. Excellent Laos and Thai food and also very good service as well as lovely ambience. The restaruant is floating in the Mekong and mored to the rivers edge.
There is an
excellent hotel (Unfortunately I forgot the name and gave the card I used to have to another traveller) right on the main road across from the Rose Garden (it's a beer garden). Old French architecture, high ceilings, wood floors, clean... 180B a night. I love the place. Name starts with an "X".
The
nightlife is limited, but there is some. A couple of "discos" featuring your usual Lao music and working girls, a smattering of small bars and a few Karaoke places. Word of warning, Laos working girls put you at risk, as Laos has a law that prohibits lao citizens from having sex with non-Laos.
I find the place slow, a bit dirty and boring. But some people do like it, and there are plenty of tourists moving through.
| Sights & activities |
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| History & culture |
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| Scenery & environment |
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| Eat & drink |
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| Traveller's scene |
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| Romance |
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| Value for money |
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| I'll be back (or not) |
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Also reviewed by MADMAC: Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, That Phanom, Udon Thani, Yasothon,