Situated on the banks of the Mekong river opposite Mukdahan in Thailand, Savannakhet town is the province that bridges the country between Thailand and Vietnam and the town is a very active junction for trade between the two countries.
Savannakhet forests home to a wide variety of minorities ethnic groups : Lowland Lao, Phoutai, Thai Dam, Katang, Mangkong, Vali, Lava, Soui, Kapo, Kaleung and Ta-Oi. In addition, many Vietnamese and Chinese descendants live in the province as well. This fact makes the province rich in cultural and gastronomic diversity.
Besides, Savannakhet province has a large number of interesting temples to visit, including Vietnamese temples and a large Catholic church.
That Ing Hang Stupa - This 16th century stupa located 13 km north-east of Savannakhet is one of the most revered in the country of Laos which hold annual 'Boun Pha' ceremony.
Tourists can get to Ing Hang Stupa by tuk tuk from Seno or try pedaling and driving from Beung Va Lake by bicycle and motobikes.
Wat Xayaphoum - The most beautiful part of Savannakhet is Wat Sayaphum, with its tranquil grounds just across the ferry terminal road from the Mekong. It dates from the end of the 19th century and much of it has been restored to house a large resident population of monks and novices and provide secondary education for day pupils as well as its own.
Dinosaur Museum - Exhibits dinosaur fossils or 'big lizard bones' as called in Lao. They were excavated from Xonbouly District. Three kinds of dinosaur bones have been discovered; Pode, Iguanodon and Sauropode. It's likely a staff member will show you around and explain the exhibits to you. The museum opens daily from 08:00-11:30 and 13:30-16:30.
Moreover, the fine French architecture in Savannakhet province bears testimony to the importance of Savannakhet during the colonial era. Old French Style buildings can be seen in the central city area, especially around the Catholic Church and the central plaza. These building are heritages from the French colonization of Laos in the mid 20th century.
Quiet streets are lined with crumbling but picturesque 100+ year old buildings, constructed during the town's heyday as a French trading outpost. Wandering around you'll still find the occasional trader's house -- both French and Chinese merchants made Savannakhet their home.
In Savannakhet, a range of trekking and mountain biking trips can be arranged at the eco-guide centre just south of Saint Theresa Church in the old town.
On the complete other side of the tourism spectrum is the recently opened and ridiculously named Savan-Vegas Casino. This casino is thankfully far enough from town that you'll never have to see it if you don't want to, but it could make for an entertaining night of testing your luck and enjoying a free Beerlao or two along with the mainly Thai clientele.
Get to Savannakhet
Domestic visitors
As Savannakhet has an airport, Lao Airlines is the only domestic carrier, and provides direct flights from and to Vientiane. Alternatively, Vientiane can be reached by flying via Pakse, a trip that takes two and half hours.
Bus service from Vientiane to Savannakhet is an excellent way to see the local villages and lush country side of Laos despite a long journey. Buses from Vientiane to Pakse, stop either in Savannakhet orSeno. There are two different types of buses that service the route from/to Vientiane:
International
Visond Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge across the Mekong to Mukdahan, Thailand opened to the public in January 2007. There is a regular bus service between Mukdahan and Savannakhet, with departures approximately twice an hour. There are also daily bus from Lao Bao Border or Hue And Da Nang n Vietnam leaving weekdays.
Get around
The easiest way to get around Savannakhet is by foot or bicycle. Tuk-tuks are also available around the city and are an easy way to get quickly to a specific location.
