Savannakhet.
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Overview

Savannakhet (ສະຫວັນນະເຂດ, commonly abbreviated to "Savan") and officially known as "Kaysone Phomvihane" (ໄກສອນ ພົມວິຫານ, name of the district), is the capital of Savannakhet Province in Southern Laos. It is on the Mekong River. With an estimated population of 120,000, it is the second largest city of Laos. The city is the hub between west (Mukdahan, Thailand) and east (Vietnam), and between north (Vientiane) and south (Pakse).

Understand

Visitors to Savannakhet are often surprised by its old French colonial architecture and the friendly, sleepy atmosphere of the town which conserves many aspects of Lao traditional culture. The small but blossoming tourist sector offers various eco-trekking programs to the outskirts of the city and to preserved forests and other places of interest in neighbouring districts such as Champhone). The welcoming and generous character of the local people might give you the sincere feeling of being happy to be a family member, very unlike the commercial character of tourist destinations such as Vang Vieng and Si Phan Don. Although there is a casino, Savannakhet has no night-life scene, and Savannakhet is not popular as a tourist destination among Western visitors.

The last two decades, dinosaurs have become a main theme of Savannakhet: The Dinosaur Museum and decorations in the streets reflect the history. Long after dinosaurs had left their last footprints, Savannakhet probably was founded in the 17th century by forty families who immigrated from Phonsim village (around 20 km to the east of the city). It is said that the settlement at the Mekong riverside was called Tahae village and researchers assume that Buddhist temple Vat Xaiyaphoum is a remainder of that era.

France expanded Indochina by obtaining the east bank of the Mekong after a border dispute in 1893. The French used the Mekong River as the main artery of transport. Not many years later, a network of water transportation, post, and telecommunication facilities and a railway were completed. Also a road, connecting Savannakhet with Quang Tri (Vietnam), was built. In the 1920s and 1930s Vietnamese and Chinese started to settle in Savannakhet. Nowadays, the Chinese and Vietnamese still live in the same parts of the city, while other parts are still redolent of the French administration that was centred in the south part of town.

The 1,600 m Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II was opened in January 2007, connecting Savannakhet (and Vietnam) to Mukdahan (Thailand). This bridge strengthens the reputation of Savannakhet as open for business. Foreign investors and NGO's are considered to be crucial for the development of the city and province.

If you want to dial Mukdahan, it is +66-42-xxxxxx, but if you want to dial Savannakhet, it is +856-41-xxxxxx.

PTD Savannakhet. The Tourist Information office is between the Mekong riverside and the "plaza", the central square of the French historical town. A must-visit for those wishing to see the city/area. The office offers many different local walking tours as well as a wide variety of eco tours. They also have a comprehensive free map of the city (extremely important). The staff are attentive and speak English well. Lin's Café (100 m north of the plaza) is connected to Tourist Information and offers the same service.

Get in

By plane Savannakhet has an not far from downtown. Lao Airlines and Lao Skyway both fly here to/from Vientiane.

There is bus service from Vientiane to Savannakhet. For the time being it is the only way to practically get to Savannakhet from the capital. It is a 9-hour bus journey on a newly paved road. While the journey is long, it is an excellent way to see the local villages and lush countryside of Laos. Buses from Vientiane to Pakse, often stop in Savannakhet. There are two different types of buses that service the route from/to Vientiane:

Local bus - These public bus leave Vientiane and Savannakhet throughout the morning, and make lots of stops to get passengers and goods. A genuine Lao experience. VIP Bus - much like the local bus, but there are fewer stops, assigned seats, there is a toilet and all-important air conditioning. This is a night bus. Travel time is approximately 8 hours as the bus doesn't exceed 65 km/h. There are two types of night buses: one with bunk beds (120,000 kip) and one with seats (110,000 kip). Each bunk bed accommodates two people. Highly recommended is that you buy the space next to you if you are travelling alone or are travelling in odd numbered groups as you will be sleeping next to a stranger in a twin-sized bed.

There are also local buses from and to: Tha Khaek (30,000 kip, 2-3 hours) Pakse (35,000 kip, 5 hours) Si Phan Don (75,000 kip, 7 hours) There are direct local buses from and to less travelled domestic destinations, such as Sekong (60,000 kip, 5 hours), Salavan (60,000 kip, 8 hours), Attapeu (70,000 kip, 10 hours) and Sepon (40,000 kip, 4-5 hours).

The Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge across the Mekong to Mukdahan, Thailand opened to the public in 2007. There is a regular bus service between Mukdahan and Savannakhet, with departures approximately once an hour. In case you have to process a visa at the Laos immigration, the bus driver will not wait unless you ask. Daily buses make the five hour trip (35,000 kip) from/to the Lao Bao border in Vietnam via Sepon. Local buses at 07:30, 09:00, and 12:00. VIP buses to Dong Ha in Vietnam go via Lao Bao, and are only available on weekdays at 10:00. Local buses leave every day at 22:00 (80,000 kip) and also take seven hours. VIP buses to Hue (Vietnam) leave on weekdays only at 10:00. Get information and your reservation at Savanbanhao Hotel (downtown). The local daily bus to Hue (leaving 22:00, 90,000 kip) is not recommended, as you need to wait at the border checkpoint from 03:00 until the checkpoints opens at 08:00, which will lead to insufficient night rest due to immigration officials, vendors and beggars trying to separate you from your money. For local buses to Danang (also Vietnam) the same details apply.

The is about 2 km north of the city centre. ~50 baht for a tuk-tuk into the city.

As of September 2019, Thai citizens can use their Thai ID (bat pratchachon) to apply for a border pass that is valid for 3 days. The border pass office, run by the Thai government, is next to the Thai passport control station at the Friendship Bridge, and is open starting from 08:00. The application fee is 50 baht. The border pass is valid only for crossing into Savannakhet, and is not valid for any other crossings.

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 to a specific location quickly. Because the minor roads of the districts around Savannakhet are often badly paved, a reliable cheap motorbike for rent in Savannakhet town might be hard to find.

See

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. Two rooms. Information is all in Lao and French, no English.

Historic Downtown Exhibition. A private exhibition of the town's history, mainly focused on French colonial architecture of the downtown area.

Old French colonial buildings. 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 colonisation of Laos in the mid 20th century.

Co-Cathedral of St. Therese. Historic colonial cathedral built in 1920.

That Ing Hang Stupa. This 16th century stupa is one of the most revered in the country. Annually in December, Buddhists travel to this holy site for the annual "Boun Pha" ceremony. There are two roads that lead to the stupa: the first one is the busy main road to Seno. Far more recommended is the alternative road through the green rural outskirts, passing the Beung Va lake, which is best experienced by bicycle or motorbike.

Wat Sayaphoum. A 16th century temple in the centre of the city along the bank of the Mekong River. Now serving as both temple and high school for novice monks of Savannakhet. Pee Mai Lao (The Lao New Year celebration) and Boun Suang Huea (boat racing festival) following Buddhist Lent are held here.

Do

Dong Natad Forest. A "Provincial Protected Area" which extends to 8,300 hectares and hosts two tribal villages. There is a beautiful lake called Nong Lom in the centre of the forest where you can observe wild birds like teal, butterflies, and rare plants.

Savan Vegas Casino. More than 500 slots, 100 table games, and a sports book. On the 4,950 square metre (53,262 sq ft) main casino floor, the selection of table games includes midi-baccarat, mini-baccarat (Super Six), blackjack, Caribbean stud poker, fan-tan, roulette, sic-bo, money wheels, and tiger and dragon.

Teach English. Urban teenagers depend on foreigners to practice and improve their English. In Savannakhet, thresholds don't exist, so don't hesitate to visit a classroom and have a chat at either the Sangha High School at Wat Xayaphoum (city centre, riverside) or the TTC (Teacher Training College), which is a few kilometres out of the city on the road to Seno.

Vassana spa & beauty. Decent massage, a warm welcome, good atmosphere. Clean and nice environment.

That Phon Festival. A festival lasting three days and three nights, held on the full moon in February at That Phon, a sacred stupa in Phon Village. There are different exhibitions of traditional goods, sports, dance, songs. Local people offer rice balls to the stupa and local monks.

Heuan Hin Festival. A festival held at Heuan Hin ("Stone House") in the middle of March, another important sacred place, dating back to the Khmer Empire. This annual festival is organised to respect ancestors. As part of the ceremony, Buddhist monks make offerings to the persons that built the Stone House. Visitors enjoy shopping of local products. At night there is a traditional dance called lamvong, where men and women dance together in a big circle.

Lao New Year Festival. This festival is held all over Laos, from 14-16 April. It aims at seeing out the old year and welcoming the new year. The biggest festivals are held in the city. There is a Miss Lao New Year contest; the winner parades through the town on the back of an artificial animal. Some families organise baci ceremonies: big arches made of rice plants in order to show their respect to the earth and sky spirits which facilitate rice production. People splash or pour fragrant water with flowers on passersby, to wash bad things out of their bodies.

Rocket Festival. Bounpavet (Elephant Parade) and Boun Bangfai (Rocket Festival) are held in Champhone District at the end of April to early May. There are many activities including traditional dancing, artificial elephant and horse riding and men wearing traditional Lao women clothes and cosmetics. Each village prepares a rocket and a rocket competition is held. The village with the highest rocket launch, wins. This competition is held for showing appreciation to the Payathan, deities who give rain for successful agriculture.

Boat Racing Festival. Annually organised to express people's appreciation to the Mekong River as the source of life. It is held in mid-October, on the last full moon of Buddhist Lent (rains retreat). The ceremonies take place at the Mekong River bank and each temple. Vat Xayaphoum is the main temple. People make Kathin offerings to the temples and temple parades and traditional dances are being organized. Long boats, made out of bamboo and banana trees, are filled with offerings like cakes, foods, flowers and candles. On the first day around 11:00, a boat racing ceremony starts at the river bank. Prior to this race, Lao and Thai river banks welcome each other's boats.

Ing Hang Stupa Festival. In December, is visited by people from all over Laos and Thailand. This festival is organized to show respect to Buddha and the people who built the stupa. People make offerings, Khanmarkbeng, bringing flowers and small towers made of banana leaves. Nuns who are around the stupa are available to give blessings by tying cotton strings around visitor's wrists.

Buy

Most jewellery shops in Savannakhet, usually run by ethnic Vietnamese and Chinese, will exchange foreign currency. Vietnamese dong, US dollars, and Chinese yuan can also be exchanged.

Although most businesses and vendors in Savannakhet will accept Thai baht, you will get a much better deal if you pay in Lao kip. To get most out of your money, you can stock up on Thai baht in Thailand, exchange the Thai baht to Lao kip at any one of the jewellery shops in Savannakhet, and spend in Lao kip.

Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao. ATM outside of bank. It accepts most foreign ATM cards. To exchange foreign currency, go inside the bank. Bring identification.

Phongsavanh Bank ATM. An ATM with the same limit and fee (the highest building at the same main road just northern of the old market). Phongsavanh's ATM accepts Mastercard, Maestro and Cirrus.

Savanxay Market. The main market of Savannakhet City, also known as Singapore Market as it was started by an investor from Singapore. There is a wide variety of goods on sale, including local products as well as imported Thai and Vietnamese foods, along with a wide selection of souvenirs and a huge gold jewellery section upstairs. Be sure to try out the khao ji (Lao-style baguettes) sold at bakeries located just to the north of the market.

Eat

Budget There is a wide selection of small bars and cafes on the river front at the north end of town. For baguette (with jam, scrambled eggs or pâté) and roti (around 5,000 kip each) street vendors, head to Ratsavongseuk St.

Dolly's Café. Japanese, Lao, and Western food, with a unique selection of smoothies, tea and fresh juices. Good choice for vegetarians. Offers book exchange, guidebooks, Wi-Fi and handicrafts. English speaking staff.

Lin's Café. Local, Japanese, and Western food. Original organic Lao coffee (served hot or iced), fruit shakes, pastas, vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. Free Wi-Fi, free tourist information. Book exchange, bicycles for rent, handicraft souvenirs, Lao cooking classes (upon request). Quiet place, great service, friendly English speaking staff.

Sabaidee Restaurant. One of the bigger restaurants in town that serves a good mix of Lao and Western food. Very attentive staff. Popular place for local people to have dinner and a few Beerlaos. Can be quite busy and noisy.

Mid-range Head to just north of the concentration of guesthouses and find some great restaurants with fondue or hot pot, chili-basil frog, etc. (30,000-40,000 kip)

Dao Savanh. French cuisine. The 3 course "Menu Dejeuner" for lunch (around 65,000 kip) is absolutely scrumptious, and a larger dinner menu includes entrees from 100,000-300,000 kip. The staff are very attentive and all the dishes are presented in an excellent manner. Possibly the epitome of fine French dining in Laos.

Drink

Many local cafés serve traditional Laos coffee with condensed milk at the bottom and the coffee on top. For traditional cappuccino, latte or ice coffee, there are two Dao Heuang coffee shops, one in the courtyard in front of the Catholic church, the other on Sisavangong Rd (just down the road from the bus station).

Sleep

Budget Many suburban guest houses, that are not in the list below, rent rooms mainly to (young) Lao people for short adventures which they won't risk to experience at home. They also often involve in drugs abuse. These guesthouses are not recommended.

Leena's Guesthouse. Receives many foreigners. Service is so-so. Little bit far (but still within walking distance) from the historical centre and Mekong riverside. 38 clean rooms with one double

Joli Guesthouse. In the same block as Leena's Guesthouse, but access is from the opposite road. Very clean and the multi-floor house looks very modern. Breakfast included. Lovely owners who will provide you with umbrellas when the weather looks bad. The rooms are doubles for 100,000 kip, but you might get one for 80,000 kip when you are travelling alone in the low season and 60,000 kip for single room

Nongsoda Guesthouse. Eleven clean, though dingy air-con rooms with great Mekong views, but no TV and no restaurant.

Phoulavane Guesthouse. New, nice and affordable. Family-run. Extremely friendly and helpful staff. Frequented by many Lao nationals studying and/or visiting Savannakhet for a few nights.

Hoongthip Hotel. Within walking distance of the Thai consulate. The fee includes a modest breakfast; there's no buffet, but you can choose, e.g., a sandwich or a bowl of noodles from a menu. There's wireless Internet connection and three computers in the lobby. The Wi-Fi is free for guests, but a fee is charged for the hotel's computers. It also has a disco.

Dao Savanh Resort & Spa. On the Mekong, in the south of the city. All rooms offer privacy with spacious size and wooden Lao handicraft décor. There are 83 rooms, a swimming pool and a pool bar.

Savan Vegas & Casino. The hotel has 482 rooms, accessed by four glass elevators and features a spa offering massages and treatments. Rooms range from the affordable to the luxurious, complete with Jacuzzis and plasma televisions. There is a gift shop, bank, hair salon and coffee shop on-site. Open 24 hours a day and has more than 500 slot machines and 100 table games. There are several restaurants and bars available, including a buffet. Staff speak English, Thai, Lao and Vietnamese.

Talk

Lao is the main language spoken in Savannakhet. Thai is understood by almost everyone in Savannakhet, since Laotians are well-exposed to Thai media. The local Lao dialect spoken in Savannakhet differs from the Lao dialect spoken in Vientiane, although the two are mutually intelligible. Due to the large Vietnamese population in Savannakhet, Vietnamese is also spoken by some. French signage is common, but few people speak and understand French except for some older educated people.