Savannakhet: The Historical Heart of Southern Laos

• Helloສະບາຍດີ
  [sa baai di]
• Goodbyeຂ້ອຍເຈົ້າ
  [khoy jao]
• Yesຂໍ
  [kho]
• Noບໍ່
  [bo]
• Please/You're welcomeກະລຸນາ
  [ka lao na]
• Thank youຂອບໃຈ
  [khob chai]
• Excuse me/Sorryຂໍຂອບ
  [kho khob]
• How are you?ໂດຍກິດຈະກ່າວ?
  [dai ki ja kaw?]
• Fine. And you?ເປັນຄົນດາ. ພວກເຈົ້າ?
  [pen khon da. pwak jao?]
• Do you speak English?ທ່ານເວົ້າພາສາອັງກິດເປັນບໍ?
  [than wa pha sa ang ki pen bo?]
• I don't understandຂ້ອຍບໍ່ເຂົ້າ
  [khoy bo khao]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseຂ້ອຍຢາກເບີຍການ, ກະລຸນາ
  [khoy yak beu yan kan, ka lao na]
• I don't eat meatຂ້ອຍບໍ່ກິນອາຫານ
  [khoy bo kin ahaan]
• Cheers!ສະບາຍດີ
  [sa baai di]
• I would like to pay, pleaseຂ້ອຍຢາກຈ່າຍ, ກະລຸນາ
  [khoy yak jai, ka lao na]

• Help!ຊ່າງຂ້ອຍ!
  [sang khoy!]
• Go away!ໄລຍະຂ້ອຍ!
  [lai khoy!]
• Call the Police!ໂທສະຖານຫ້າມເຮັດ!
  [thot sa than ham het!]
• Call a doctor!ໂທສທ່ານຜູ້ຮັບພາສາ!
  [thot than pu hap pha sa]
• I'm lostຂ້ອຍຫາຍທີ່
  [khoy ny thi]
• I'm illຂ້ອຍຈິ່ນອາການ
  [khoy jin a kan]

• I'd like to buy...ຂ້ອຍຢາກຊື້...
  [khoy yak su...]
• I'm just lookingຂ້ອຍເບິ່ງຢາກສະຖານ
  [khoy beng yak sa than]
• How much is it?ເກີນຈັກ?
  [keng jak?]
• That's too expensiveມັນຂໍ້ມູນຫຼາຍເກີນ
  [man khon mun lai keng]
• Can you lower the price?ທ່ານໄດ້ຈໍາອັບຄ່າໄດ້ບໍ?
  [than dai jom ap ka dai bo?]

• What time is it?ເວລາແລງແມງຢູ່ເມືອງເລືອດ?
  [welaa leng maeng yu meuang leuat?]
• It's one o'clockສິບມື້
  [sip meu]
• Half past (10)ລາວບ່າວ
  [la wa bai]
• Morningກາງວັນ
  [kang wan]
• Afternoonປາກາວວັນ
  [pa ka wan]
• Eveningກາງຕາງ
  [kang tang]
• Yesterdayແມ່ນມື້
  [maen meu]
• Todayມື້ນີ້
  [meu ni]
• Tomorrowມື້ອື່ນ
  [meu un]
• 1ໜີ້
  [neu]
• 2ສອງ
  [song]
• 3ສາມ
  [sam]
• 4ສີ່
  [si]
• 5ຫ້າ
  [ha]
• 6ຫົກ
  [hok]
• 7ໂມງ
  [mong]
• 8ແມັດ
  [maet]
• 9ເກົ້າ
  [kao]
• 10ສິບ
  [sip]

• Where's a/the...?ຢູ່ຫຼາຍລະບາບ...?
  [yu lai sa pak...?]
• What's the address?ທີ່ຢູ່ລະບາບແມ່ນເຈົ້າ?
  [ti yu sa pak maen jao?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?ທ່ານສະແດງຂ້ອຍໃນແຜນທີ່ໄດ້ບໍ?
  [than sa dang khoy nai phaen thi dai bo?]
• When's the next (bus)?ມື້ອື່ນວິນາຄານ...
  [meu un win nak an kan...]
• A ticket (to ....)ຟ້າກີດ (ໄປ...)
  [fa kit (pai...)]

Savannakhet, known in the Lao language as 'Champasak Nakhon', has roots that trace back to ancient civilizations. Archaeological findings reveal that the region was inhabited as far back as the Neolithic era. The area's strategic location along the Mekong River fostered early trade and cultural exchanges.

From the 14th to the 18th century, Savannakhet was part of the Lan Xang Kingdom, one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms in Southeast Asia. The kingdom was known for its wealth, derived from trade and agriculture, and its vibrant culture. During this period, Buddhism flourished, and many temples and religious monuments were constructed.

In the late 19th century, Savannakhet came under French colonial rule as part of French Indochina. The French influence is still visible today in the town's architecture, especially in the colonial buildings that line the streets. This era brought infrastructure development, including the construction of roads and schools, which significantly impacted the local economy and society.

During World War II, Savannakhet, like much of Southeast Asia, was occupied by Japanese forces. The occupation disrupted daily life and led to significant hardships for the local population. Despite the challenges, the period also fostered a sense of national identity and resistance among the Lao people.

Following World War II, Laos gained independence from France in 1953. However, the subsequent years were marked by political instability and civil war. Savannakhet became a strategic location during the Laotian Civil War (1959-1975), with various factions vying for control. The war left deep scars on the town and its inhabitants.

After the end of the Laotian Civil War and the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in 1975, Savannakhet began a slow process of reconstruction. Efforts were made to rebuild infrastructure, revive the local economy, and restore cultural heritage sites. This period saw a renewed focus on education and health services.

Today, Savannakhet is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. The town is home to several important religious sites, including the That Ing Hang Stupa, which is one of the most revered Buddhist stupas in Laos. Modern development has brought new opportunities and challenges, as the town strives to balance growth with the preservation of its unique cultural identity.

Savannakhet is accessible via multiple routes. The nearest international airport is Savannakhet Airport (ZVK), which has regular flights from Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and Bangkok, Thailand. Alternatively, you can arrive by bus from major cities in Laos and neighboring countries. The Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge connects Savannakhet with Mukdahan in Thailand, making it convenient for travelers coming from Thailand.

Savannakhet offers several transportation options. Tuk-tuks and taxis are widely available and are a convenient way to get around the city. Bicycles and motorbikes can be rented for exploring at your own pace. Public buses operate within the city and to nearby towns. Walking is also a pleasant way to explore the city center and its attractions.

The official currency in Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK). While some hotels, restaurants, and shops accept major credit cards, it is advisable to carry cash, particularly for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Savannakhet, but it is wise to ensure you have enough cash before heading to more remote areas.

Savannakhet is generally considered safe for tourists. However, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 1191 for immediate assistance in Savannakhet. The city has medical facilities and a local police station to assist with emergencies. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for purchasing over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, such as removing your shoes before entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Sabaidee' and a slight bow. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Savannakhet like a local, visit the central market where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Lao goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss the chance to visit the That Ing Hang Stupa, a significant religious site. For a unique experience, take a stroll along the Mekong River and enjoy the scenic views, especially during sunset.