Savannakhet Province, Laos Travel Guide

Discover the serene beauty and rich history of Savannakhet Province in Laos, where lush landscapes, ancient temples, and vibrant markets await.

Home
Travel Guides
Laos
Savannakhet Province

Nestled in the heart of Laos, Savannakhet Province offers a tranquil escape into nature and culture. Known for its lush landscapes, this province is a haven for those who seek peace and beauty. The Mekong River flows gracefully through the region, providing stunning views and opportunities for boat trips. Savannakhet is rich in history, with colonial architecture and ancient temples. Vat Xayaphoum Temple is a must-visit, showcasing intricate designs and a serene atmosphere. The province is also home to the Dong Natad Protected Area, where you can explore diverse wildlife and beautiful forests. The local markets in Savannakhet are vibrant and full of life. Here, you can sample delicious Laotian cuisine and buy unique handicrafts. Don’t miss the chance to try 'Khao Piak Sen,' a traditional noodle soup that is a local favorite. For those interested in geology, the province offers the chance to visit the 'Dinosaur Museum,' which houses fossils found in the region. Savannakhet is a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history, making it a memorable destination for all travelers.

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Visit during the dry season (November to April) for the best weather conditions.
Bring mosquito repellent if you plan to visit the forests or protected areas.
Learn a few basic phrases in Lao to enhance your interaction with locals.
Wear respectful clothing when visiting temples.

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

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

Best attractions in Savannakhet Province

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

That Ing Hang

Explore That Ing Hang, a breathtaking Khmer-era stupa in Savannakhet, Laos, where spirituality meets stunning architecture.

4.4

Nouhak Phoumsavanh Memorial Park

Explore the serene Nouhak Phoumsavanh Memorial Park in Savannakhet, a beautiful blend of history, culture, and nature for every traveler.

4.2

Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum

Discover the prehistoric past at Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum, where fossils and life-sized replicas bring the age of dinosaurs to life.

3.7

ອ່າງເກັບນ້ຳ ສູຍ

Explore the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Ban Sakhuen Village in the Champhon District, a hidden gem in Laos.

4.1

Best landmarks in Savannakhet Province

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Browse the full guide

All Landmarks

That Ing Hang

Discover That Ing Hang Stupa in Savannakhet: a sacred site with stunning architecture and deep-rooted Buddhist traditions dating back to the 16th century.

4.5

Wat Sainyaphum

Discover the serene beauty and rich history of Wat Sainyaphum, a cultural and spiritual landmark in the heart of Savannakhet, Laos.

4.5

Nouhak Phoumsavanh Memorial Park

Discover the serene Nouhak Phoumsavanh Memorial Park in Savannakhet, a tribute to Laos' legacy and a peaceful retreat.

4.2

Leena Guesthouse

Experience Savannakhet's charm from Leena Guesthouse: comfortable, affordable, and perfectly located for exploring local life.

3.9

Best restaurants in Savannakhet Province

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Browse the full guide

All Restaurants

Lin's Cafe

Discover Lin's Cafe in Savannakhet – where delicious Lao, Thai, and Western cuisine meets warm hospitality in a cozy setting.

4.3

Pilgrim's Kitchen & Inn

Discover diverse cuisines at Pilgrim's Kitchen & Inn in Savannakhet—where delightful flavors meet cozy hospitality.

4.4

Home Beer

Experience authentic Laotian cuisine at Home Beer in Savannakhet - great food, refreshing drinks, and warm hospitality await you!

4.1

Lao View Riverfront Restaurant

Experience authentic Laotian flavors at Lao View Riverfront Restaurant with stunning views of the Mekong River.

4.2

Best bars in Savannakhet Province

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Browse the full guide

All Bars

Lin's Cafe

Discover the comfort and flavors of Lin's Cafe in Savannakhet, where every meal is a delightful experience.

4.3

Home Beer

Discover the vibrant flavors of Laotian cuisine at Home Beer in Savannakhet, where a casual atmosphere meets delicious dining.

4.1

Le Corbeau bar

Discover the cozy charm of Le Corbeau Bar in Savannakhet, where rich coffee and a welcoming atmosphere await travelers seeking a unique local experience.

4.6

Nong Bua Restaurant & bar

Discover authentic Laotian flavors and a lively atmosphere at Nong Bua Restaurant & Bar, a hidden gem in Savannakhet.

3.9

Best nightclubs in Savannakhet Province

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Browse the full guide

All Nightclubs

LaoChaLeun ລາວຈະເລີນ

Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Savannakhet at LaoChaLeun, a premier night club with electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.

4.8

Savanlaty Night Club (ສະຫວັນລາຕີ)

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Savanlaty Night Club, Kaisone Phomvihanh's premier gay nightlife destination, where joy and inclusivity reign.

4.8

Classy Bar

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Classy Bar in Savannakhet, where stylish ambiance meets expertly crafted drinks and live entertainment.

4.0

Hoigean Bunthaeng

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Hoigean Bunthaeng, Savannakhet's top night club for music, dance, and unforgettable experiences.

Best shops in Savannakhet Province

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Browse the full guide

All Shops

ຕະຫຼາດແກ້ງກອກ

Experience the heart of Mouang Champhon at ຕະຫຼາດແກ້ງກອກ, a vibrant market filled with local flavors, crafts, and cultural treasures.

4.1

Savanxay Market

Discover the vibrant Savanxay Market in Savannakhet, where fresh produce and local culture come together in a lively shopping experience.

4.2

Lao House Shopping Center

Explore the Lao House Shopping Center for unique souvenirs and authentic coffee experiences in Savannahkhét, Laos.

4.2

Paper Moon Shop

Explore the literary treasures of Paper Moon Shop, where books come alive in the heart of Phin, Laos.

3.6

Explore Savannakhet Province on the Map

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

Savannakhet Province Essentials

Savannakhet Province is accessible by various means of transportation. The nearest international airport is Savannakhet Airport (ZVK), which receives flights from major cities like Vientiane and Bangkok. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Vientiane, which takes approximately 8-10 hours. There are also buses from other neighboring countries such as Thailand and Vietnam. If you prefer a more scenic route, you can take a boat along the Mekong River from Thailand.
Within Savannakhet Province, you have several transportation options. Tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are widely available for short trips. For longer journeys, consider renting a car or motorbike. Buses and minibuses (songthaews) connect the main towns and villages. Bicycle rentals are also an option and offer a sustainable way to explore the area.
The official currency in Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in larger towns like Savannakhet, but it's a good idea to withdraw enough cash before heading into more remote areas.
Savannakhet Province is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While crime rates are low, occasional petty theft can occur. Be cautious in less populated areas and avoid displaying valuable items.
In case of emergency, dial 191 for police assistance and 195 for medical emergencies. The main hospital in Savannakhet town provides adequate medical care, but for serious conditions, you may need to be transferred to a larger facility in Vientiane or even abroad. It's highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in towns for minor health issues.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes when entering temples and avoid touching religious artifacts. 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 smile and a slight bow. A traditional Lao greeting, the 'nop,' involves pressing your palms together in a prayer-like gesture. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Savannakhet Province like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Lao goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area’s history and culture. Don't miss visiting the That Ing Hang Stupa, a significant religious site. For a unique experience, take a walk along the Mekong River during sunset, and enjoy the local street food vendors.

When is the best time to visit Savannakhet Province?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Savannakhet Province

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 Province. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Helloສະບາຍດີ
  [sa baai di]
- Goodbyeລາກອາ
  [lak a]
- Yesໂດຍ
  [doi]
- Noບໍ່
  [bo]
- Please/You're welcomeກະລຸນາ
  [ka leun na]
- Thank youຂອບໃຈ
  [khop chai]
- Excuse me/Sorryຂ້າພະເຈົ້າ
  [kha pha chao]
- How are you?ດີຮັດວຽກດຽການ?
  [di hat wiak diak kan]
- Fine. And you?ດີຮັດແລງ. ແລ້ງມາ?
  [di hat laeng. laeng ma]
- Do you speak English?ເຈົ້າໃຊ້ພາສາອັງກິດໄດ້ບໍ?
  [chao sai phasa angkit dai bo]
- I don't understandຂ້າພະເຈົ້າເນື້ອນ
  [kha pha chao nen]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseຂ້ອຍຕ້ອງເບິ່ງເມືອງຮ່ວມກາຍກິນ, ກະລຸນາ
  [koi tong beng muang houm kai kan, ka leun na]
- I don't eat meatຂ້ອຍບໍ່ກໍາຂອຍ
  [koi bo kam khon]
- Cheers!ຜ່ານນັດ!
  [pan nat]
- I would like to pay, pleaseຂ້ອຍຕ້ອງຈ່າຍ, ກະລຸນາ
  [koi tong chai, ka leun na]
- Help!ຊ້າງ!
  [sang]
- Go away!ຍຶດອອກ!
  [neut ok]
- Call the Police!ໂທດາວະກາງ!
  [tho da wa kang]
- Call a doctor!ໂທດພະຍາການ!
  [tho pha nyak kan]
- I'm lostຂ້າພະເຈົ້າອື່ນ
  [kha pha chao oon]
- I'm illຂ້າພະເຈົ້າຈິ
  [kha pha chao chi]
- I'd like to buy...ຂ້ອຍຕ້ອງຊື້...
  [koi tong su...]
- I'm just lookingຂ້ອຍກຳລັງດ້ວຍ
  [koi kam lang duai]
- How much is it?ມັດຖຸນນີ້ເດີ່ນ?
  [mot tun ni deun]
- That's too expensiveນີ້ການຂອຍສຸກໜັງຂີ້
  [ni kan khon suk nang khi]
- Can you lower the price?ເຈົ້າສາມາດກັບລາຄາໄດ້ບໍ?
  [chao samat kab la kai dai bo]
- What time is it?ເວລາແລ້ວແຕວ?
  [welaa lao tao?]
- It's one o'clockແລ້ວສິບ
  [lao sip]
- Half past (10)ຈຳນວຍອົດສິບ
  [jum nuai ot sip]
- Morningເຊົ້າ
  [sao]
- Afternoonແລວ
  [laeo]
- Eveningແກ່
  [kae]
- Yesterdayເວັນວັນ
  [wan wan]
- Todayມື້ນີ້
  [mee ni]
- Tomorrowມື້ອື້
  [mee oon]
- 1ໜ້າ
  [na]
- 2ໝາ
  [ma]
- 3ສາມ
  [sam]
- 4ສີ່
  [si]
- 5ຫ້າ
  [ha]
- 6ເອັນ
  [oen]
- 7ເຈັນ
  [chan]
- 8ແປັນ
  [paen]
- 9ເກົ້າ
  [kao]
- 10ສິບ
  [sip]
- Where's a/the...?ບ່ອນທີ່ມື່ມອີ...
  [boun thi mee muai ai...]
- What's the address?ທີ່ຢູ່ແຕ່ໂລກ?
  [thi yu tae lok?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?ເຈົ້າສາມາດສະແດງຂ່າວເມືອງເຕີ?
  [chao samat sa dang kaew muang tem?]
- When's the next (bus)?ເວລານັ້ນມື້ອື້(ລູກຊຼາ)?
  [welaa nan mee oon (luk sa)]
- A ticket (to ....)ເງີນຜົນ(ເຂົ້າ...)
  [ngoen pon (khao...)]

History of Savannakhet Province

Savannakhet Province, located in central Laos, has a history that traces back to the prehistoric period. Archaeologists have discovered ancient tools and artifacts in the region, indicating early human settlement. The region's fertile lands by the Mekong River provided a nurturing ground for the development of early agricultural communities.
During the 10th to 13th centuries, Savannakhet was part of the Kingdom of Champasak, an influential Lao kingdom. The region served as an important trade route, connecting the Khmer Empire to the rest of Laos. This period saw the construction of significant religious and administrative structures, some of which still stand today as historical relics.
In the late 19th century, Savannakhet became part of French Indochina. The French influence is evident in the colonial architecture that dots the provincial capital, also named Savannakhet. French administration brought new forms of governance and infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and roads, fundamentally altering the region's landscape and cultural dynamics.
During World War II, Savannakhet was occupied by Japanese forces. The occupation brought disruption and hardship, but it also sowed the seeds for future resistance movements. After Japan's defeat, the province briefly fell under Chinese Nationalist control before returning to French administration, setting the stage for the Lao struggle for independence.
Following World War II, the movement for Lao independence gained momentum. Savannakhet played a crucial role in this struggle, serving as a stronghold for the Pathet Lao, a communist political movement. The province witnessed numerous skirmishes and battles during the First Indochina War, ultimately contributing to the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in 1975.
Savannakhet is a cultural mosaic, home to a diverse array of ethnic groups including the Lao, Phouthai, and Vietnamese communities. The province is renowned for its traditional festivals, such as the That Ing Hang stupa festival, which attracts pilgrims from all over Laos and beyond. This blend of cultures is also reflected in the region's cuisine, crafts, and daily life.
In recent years, Savannakhet has gained international recognition for its natural heritage. The Phou Xieng Thong National Biodiversity Conservation Area, which spans a significant portion of the province, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. This designation highlights the area's rich biodiversity and the ongoing efforts to preserve its unique ecosystems.