Savannakhet, Laos Travel Guide

Discover Savannakhet, a charming city where history meets nature. Explore colonial architecture, local traditions, and stunning landscapes in southern Laos.

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Savannakhet

Savannakhet, the second-largest city in Laos, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Nestled along the Mekong River, this city is a melting pot of Lao, French, and Vietnamese influences, evident in its old colonial buildings, local cuisine, and vibrant marketplaces. Start your journey in the heart of the city at St. Teresa's Catholic Church, a stunning example of colonial architecture. Wander through the charming streets of the old quarter, where you will find quaint cafes and shops that reflect the city's rich heritage. Don't miss the Savannakhet Provincial Museum, which provides a fascinating insight into the local history and culture. For nature lovers, Savannakhet is a gateway to the stunning Phou Xang He National Protected Area. Trek through lush forests, explore mysterious caves, and encounter diverse wildlife. The region's natural beauty is complemented by its friendly, welcoming locals who are always eager to share their traditions and stories. Savannakhet is also a food lover's paradise. Savor local dishes like Lao sausage and sticky rice, or try French-inspired pastries at one of the many local bakeries. Whether you are exploring ancient temples, enjoying the serene river views, or indulging in the local cuisine, Savannakhet offers an authentic and memorable experience.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Savannakhet.

Visit the local night market for delicious street food and handmade crafts.
Rent a bicycle to explore the city and nearby villages at your own pace.
Respect local customs by dressing modestly, especially when visiting temples.
Carry some cash as many small shops and eateries do not accept credit cards.
Learn a few basic Lao phrases; locals appreciate the effort and it can enhance your experience.

Explore Savannakhet: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Savannakhet

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Vat Phou

Discover the enchanting Vat Phou, an ancient Khmer temple complex in Laos, where history and spirituality meet in a breathtaking landscape.

4.5

Phu Pha Thoep National Park

Discover the stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity of Phu Pha Thoep National Park, a must-visit destination in Mukdahan, Thailand.

4.4

That Ing Hang

Explore the spiritual heart of Savannakhet at That Ing Hang, a beautifully adorned stupa and a hub of local traditions and culture.

4.5

Nouhak Phoumsavanh Memorial Park

Explore the serene beauty of Nouhak Phoumsavanh Memorial Park, a tribute to Laotian heritage in the heart of Savannakhet, perfect for relaxation and reflection.

4.2

Best landmarks in Savannakhet

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That Ing Hang

Discover That Ing Hang, a sacred 16th-century stupa in Savannakhet, Laos, blending Lao and Khmer architecture and enshrining Buddhist relics.

4.4

Wat Sainyaphum

Discover the serene beauty and cultural richness of Wat Sainyaphum, a must-visit Buddhist temple in Savannakhet, Laos.

4.5

Avalon Residence 1

Experience comfort and convenience at Avalon Residence 1, your gateway to exploring the historic city of Savannakhet, Laos.

4.0

Baguette Maison

Savor freshly baked breads & pastries at Baguette Maison in Savannakhet, a delightful blend of French & Lao flavors. Open daily!

4.3

Best restaurants in Savannakhet

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Savan Resorts

Experience unparalleled luxury and diverse entertainment at Savan Resorts in Savannakhet, where every moment is crafted for enjoyment.

4.1

Lin's Cafe

Experience delightful breakfasts and cozy ambiance at Lin's Cafe in Savannakhet - where every meal is a celebration of local flavors.

4.3

Pilgrim's Kitchen & Inn

Discover diverse flavors and cozy accommodations at Pilgrim's Kitchen & Inn in Savannakhet – where culinary delights meet comfort.

4.4

Home Beer

Discover authentic Laotian cuisine at Home Beer in Savannakhet—where local flavors meet affordability.

4.1

Best bars in Savannakhet

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The River Cafe & Bar

Experience the tranquility of riverside dining at The River Cafe & Bar in Savannakhet, where refreshing drinks and stunning views await.

4.4

The Night Bar and Bistro

Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Night Bar and Bistro in Savannakhet, where delicious food and lively entertainment await.

4.3

Waiwan savannakhet

Discover the lively atmosphere of Waiwan Savannakhet, a premier bar in Laos offering great drinks and a vibrant nightlife experience.

4.2

BangBar

Discover the lively nightlife and delicious drinks at BangBar, Savannakhet's premier bar for locals and tourists alike.

4.6

Best nightclubs in Savannakhet

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Savan Resorts

Discover unparalleled luxury and entertainment at Savan Resorts, offering exquisite dining, relaxation, and vibrant nightlife in Savannakhet, Laos.

4.1

LaoChaLeun ລາວຈະເລີນ

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Savannakhet at LaoChaLeun, where music, dance, and culture come alive until the early hours.

4.8

Savanlaty Night Club (ສະຫວັນລາຕີ)

Savanlaty Night Club: A vibrant gay nightlife destination in Kaisone Phomvihanh, perfect for dancing, socializing, and unforgettable experiences.

4.8

Classy Bar

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Classy Bar in Savannakhet, where great drinks and a lively atmosphere await every visitor.

4.0

Best shops in Savannakhet

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Lao House Shopping Center

Explore unique Laotian souvenirs and savor delicious coffee at Lao House Shopping Center in Savannahkhét.

4.2

Papillon

Explore Papillon in Savannakhet for unique gifts showcasing Lao artistry and culture, ensuring memorable souvenirs from your travels.

5.0

Target Store

Explore the vibrant Target Store in Savannakhet, where local flavors meet convenience for every traveler’s needs.

3.8

Mam Savanh shop

Explore authentic local flavors and fresh produce at Mam Savanh Shop in Savannakhet, a vibrant grocery store reflecting Lao culinary traditions.

4.3

Explore Savannakhet on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Savannakhet, mapped for you.

Savannakhet Essentials

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.

When is the best time to visit Savannakhet?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Savannakhet

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Savannakhet. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- 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...)]

History of Savannakhet

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.