Savannakhet

Travel guide

The sleepy southern Lao province of Savannakhet stretches from Thailand to the west to Vietnam to the east. The name means, roughly, 'Golden Land' and was historically touted as the place to find the 'best of the best' in Laos.

Being home to large swathes of forest and three NBCAs, it's a budding centre of Lao ecotourism, but most travellers treat the province and its eponymous provincial capital as little more than a thoroughfare en route to elsewhere. But for those with time on their hands, a number of activities and attractions are nestled here, and the capital is another charming, crumbling town where it's easy to lose a day or two just hanging around.

The same-named provincial capital, Savannakhet is a classic leftover from the French colonial period -- petanque included. Historically this provincial capital was a French trading outpost, and wandering around town you'll still find the occasional trader's house -- both French and Chinese merchants made the town their home.

When the road to Lao Bao was sealed and the border with Vietnam opened, this became the gateway for overland travellers, kicking off a transformation into a tourist town that's still gradually evolving. The newest addition to this east-west 'trade corridor' is the Mekong Bridge, the second of the Lao-Thai 'Friendship' bridges, 4km north of the town centre, which now connects Savannakhet with Mukdahan.

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Savannakhet reviews

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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.

Sights & activities   History & culture   Scenery & environment   Eat & drink

Traveller's scene   Romance   Value for money   I'll be back (or not)

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   History & culture   Scenery & environment   Eat & drink

Traveller's scene   Romance   Value for money   I'll be back (or not)

Also reviewed by MADMAC: Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, That Phanom, Udon Thani, Yasothon,

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