Savannakhet is known for its rich history, French colonial architecture, and as a gateway to exploring the natural and cultural sites of Southern Laos. It is the capital of Savannakhet Province and is famous for its dinosaur museum, ancient temples, and proximity to the Mekong River. The city also serves as a hub for cross-border trade with Thailand and Vietnam.
The best time to visit Savannakhet is during the dry season, from November to February, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for exploring the city and surrounding attractions.
Popular attractions include the Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum, That Inhang Stupa, the Old French Quarter, Bungva lake, and the Ing Hang Stupa. Visitors can also experience the local markets, such as the Night Market and Dao Heuang Market.
While Savannakhet itself does not have any UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it is close to the Heuane Hin (or Stone House), which is a part of the Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang - Plain of Jars, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Savannakhet offers a range of accommodation options including hotels, guesthouses, and homestays. Visitors can choose from budget-friendly rooms to more comfortable and upscale options, depending on their preferences and budget.
Yes, visitors can experience local culture by attending traditional Lao festivals, visiting temples during Buddhist holidays, trying local Lao cuisine at markets and restaurants, and interacting with the friendly local community.
Tourists can travel around Savannakhet by renting bicycles, motorbikes, or cars. Tuk-tuks and taxis are also available for short distances, and for those looking for an organized tour, local tour companies offer a variety of options.
Some local dishes to try in Savannakhet include Laap (a spicy meat salad), Tam Mak Hoong (papaya salad), Ping Kai (grilled chicken), and Khao Piak Sen (Lao noodle soup). Street food and market stalls are great places to sample these local specialties.
Savannakhet is suitable for family travel with attractions that appeal to all ages. Families can visit cultural sites, participate in outdoor activities, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the city.
Visitors can get to Savannakhet by plane, with regular flights from Vientiane to Savannakhet airport, by bus from major cities in Laos and from neighboring countries like Thailand and Vietnam, or by crossing the Mekong River via the Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge.
