Savannakhet is the 2nd largest city in Laos (after Vientiane) and lies on the banks of the Mekong River, neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam. The city is home to various ethnic groups as well as Laotian, Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese. Must-visits include sacred Buddhist stupas such as That Ing Hang and That Phonh, as well as 20 national protected areas dotting the Savannakhet Province.
Embark on a 460-km-long drive from Vientiane to Savannakhet for an opportunity to view the Mekong River and spectacular hills along the way. The city is also reachable via the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge from Mukdahan, Thailand.
One of the best things to do in Savannakhet is exploring its historic sights on foot. Buddhist temples, museums, and Catholic churches are located in the town centre, while natural landscapes like waterfalls and lakes are reachable by tuk-tuk or motorbike.
While Savannakhet isn’t as big as Luang Prabang, Vientiane, or Pakse, the city has a number of fascinating sites you...
Many restaurants in Savannakhet are locally-owned venues that serve authentic Laotian dishes at rather affordable prices. The riverside area attracts many with cafes and bistros with impressive sunset views, while north of the Kaysone Phomvihane has guesthouses and hotels with onsite restaurants offering international cuisine.
Savannakhet is also a good place to enjoy authentic French cuisine – there’s an upscale restaurant...
Shopping in Savannakhet is limited to small shops lining the main roads of the city – you can find quality craft, art, antiques, fabrics, and silverwares sourced from ethnic tribe villages. Tourists often visit the town’s main market, which occupies a large building east of Savannakhet bus station.
If you’re exploring the outskirts of Savannakhet, you can stop by local villages...
