Savannakhet Travel Guide - Immerse Yourself in Lao Culture and Heritage

Savannakhet, situated in the central part of Laos, is the second largest city in the country, following Vientiane. It holds the highest population among all cities in Laos, accounting for approximately 15% of the total populace.

Despite not being widely recognized as a favored tourist spot, Savannakhet boasts numerous attractions. These include a Buddhist temple, a Catholic cathedral, remnants of a former French Concession, tribal villages, a protected natural area, remnants from past battles, and even a dinosaur museum. 

In this comprehensive Savannakhet travel guide, we will unravel the top Savannakhet tourist spots of this wonderful place, provide insights into the weather conditions, and offer valuable travel tips. From exploring ancient temples to savoring authentic cuisine, this guide will ensure you make the most of your visit. Join us as we explore the essence of a remarkable city and guide you on a path of discovery.

Savannakhet travel guide - immerse yourself in Lao culture and heritage

Savannakhet Weather - Best Time To Experience Its Beauty

When planning a trip to Savannakhet, understanding the Savannakhet weather patterns can greatly enhance your travel experience. The region's climate is influenced by the tropical monsoon climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons.

Dry season in Savannakhet  (November to April)

The dry season is considered the peak tourist season in Savannakhet. During this period, the weather is generally dry with pleasant temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploration. Daytime temperatures range from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius (77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit), providing comfortable conditions for sightseeing, hiking, and other adventures. The skies are usually clear, allowing for breathtaking views of the landscapes.

This season is particularly popular for travelers looking to explore the natural beauty of Savannakhet, and the best time to visit is between October and February. You can visit national parks, such as the Xe Bang Nouan National Protected Area, where you'll be greeted by lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. This time also offers great opportunities for river cruises along the Mekong River, providing picturesque vistas of the surrounding countryside.

Wet season in Savannakhet (May to October)

The wet season in Savannakhet is characterized by occasional showers and higher humidity levels. While rainfall is more frequent during this time, it usually occurs in short bursts and periods of sunshine in between. The landscapes transform into vibrant shades of green, showcasing the region's natural beauty in full bloom.

Although outdoor activities may be affected by the occasional rain showers, the wet season offers its own unique charm. The countryside becomes alive with blooming flowers, and the waterfalls gain strength, creating a mesmerizing sight. The wet season is also a quieter time to visit, with fewer crowds and more opportunities to enjoy the attractions and activities without the hustle and bustle.

Read more: Discovering The Best Time To Visit Laos

Savannakhet weather - Best time to experience its beauty 

How To Travel To Savannakhet Province Laos

If you're planning a visit to Savannakhet Province Laos, you'll be pleased to know that reaching this captivating destination is easier than you might think. With well-connected transportation options, including routes from Vientiane, Thakhek, and Pakse, getting to Savannakhet is a seamless journey that sets the stage for your exciting adventure.      

How to get from Vientiane to Savannakhet

Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, serves as a popular starting point for travelers heading to Savannakhet. There are multiple transportation options available for this route. The most convenient and time-saving option is to take a domestic flight from Wattay International Airport in Vientiane to Savannakhet. The flight duration is approximately one hour, allowing you to reach your destination in no time.

Alternatively, if you prefer the Savannakhet attractions experience, you can opt for a bus or private car. The journey by road takes around 6-7 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions. Buses are available from the Northern Bus Station in Vientiane, offering a budget-friendly option for travelers. 

Private car hire is another viable choice, providing flexibility and convenience, especially for larger groups or those seeking a personalized itinerary. 

How to get from Thakhek to Savannakhet

For travelers coming from Thakhek, a town located to the west of Savannakhet, the journey can be easily accomplished by road. Buses and minivans operate regular services between Thakhek and Savannakhet, with a travel time of approximately 2-3 hours. This scenic route takes you through picturesque countryside landscapes, allowing you to soak in the natural beauty of the region.

How to get to Savannakhet province Laos

How to get from Pakse to Savannakhet

If you're in Pakse, another popular tourist destination in southern Laos, you can also make your way to Savannakhet conveniently. The most convenient option is to take a domestic flight from Pakse International Airport to Savannakhet Airport. Flight duration is approximately 40 minutes, providing a swift and hassle-free journey.

Savannakhet Tourism - Top Things To Do In Savannakhet

As a rising star in Savannakhet tourism, this province offers a wealth of experiences that will leave you enchanted. Immerse yourself in a world of cultural richness, scenic wonders, and warm hospitality as you explore the top attractions and hidden treasures it has to offer.

Join the Worshiping Ceremony at That Ing Hang

Begin your exploration by visiting the revered That Ing Hang Stupa, an iconic religious site that holds great significance in Savannakhet. This beautifully adorned stupa is believed to house a relic of Lord Buddha and serves as a spiritual center for devotees. 

Every December, devotees from Laos, Thailand, and other countries pay a visit to the pagoda with flowers and miniature pagodas fashioned of banana leaves as offerings to the Buddha. You can take in the serene atmosphere, witness local rituals, and marvel at the intricate architectural details.

Explore Savannakhet Provincial Museum

Savannakhet Provincial Museum is considered as one of the tourist attractions that you cannot ignore when coming to the province. It is the place for you if you enjoy history and want to learn more about local history.

The majority of the exhibits are dedicated to fighting; you can see fragments from the battlefield, weapons, and samples of unexploded explosives (UXO). More than 20,000 Lao have lost their lives to UXO since the war's end.

Enjoy Scenic Boat Trips on the Mekong River

One of the top things to do in Savannakhet provine is to embark on a scenic boat trip along the mighty Mekong River. As you cruise along the Mekong, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of lush green landscapes, charming riverside villages, and serene temples dotting the riverbanks. The tranquil ambiance and gentle breeze create a sense of tranquility, allowing you to unwind and connect with nature.

As you glide along the river, your boat may make stops at key landmarks and attractions along the way. You might have the opportunity to visit sacred temples, such as Wat Xayaphoum, which showcases beautiful Lao architecture and offers panoramic views of the river.

You can see more information about Laos Mekong River Trip Offers Visitors Fantastic Adventure

Wander through Savannakhet City

Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Savannakhet City, where French colonial architecture blends harmoniously with Lao elements. Admire the well-preserved buildings, browse through local shops and markets, and savor delicious Lao cuisine at traditional restaurants. Don't miss the opportunity to try local specialties like khao piak sen (noodle soup) and sai oua (Lao sausage).

Wander through Savannakhet City

Unwind in Dong Natad National Protected Area

Dong Natad, situated at a distance of 15 kilometers from the city, serves as a nature reserve.

Hiking is the greatest way to take in this natural region, and if you're lucky, you might see some uncommon plants and animals. The area's center is a lovely lake where you can take pictures of the local wildlife.

Within the vicinity, you'll find two small tribal villages that have coexisted harmoniously with the forest for over four centuries. Depending on the season of your visit, you might observe the villagers gathering insects, honey, wild fruits, mushrooms, and other edibles.

Walk Around the Former French Concession

The area around the center of Savannakhet used to be a French Concession. Some French architecture was devastated after most of the colonists left in the mid-20th century.

The Co-Cathedral of St. Therese is one exception, well-preserved and reassuring, painted white. The cathedral embodies Laos' religious freedom policy. If you're Catholic, don't skip.

Visit Wat Sainyaphum and Wat Rattanalangsi

Wat Sainyaphum is one of the largest and oldest Buddhist temples in Laos, built in the 15th and 16th centuries. Near the river is a workshop with a small Buddhist production line finished in real gold paint.

The temple is also the venue for Laotian New Year celebrations in mid-April and boat racing festivals in mid-October.

If you are interested in Buddhist culture, visit Wat Ratanalangsi, too. Built-in 1951, the temple is not only a place of prayer but also an elementary school for local young monks. The modern Buddhist sanctuary and the 15-meter-long Buddha statue are worth visiting.

Visit the Dinosaur Museum with the Children

Does your child like to visit Buddhist temples and ancient buildings? Otherwise, the Dinosaur Museum, which displays real dinosaur fossils excavated in Laos, may delight the eyes!

Since the 1930 s, the museum has exhibited fossils found around Savannaket, including skeletal remains of four dinosaurs, prehistoric mammal remains, and meteorite fragments.

The explanation is in Lao and French, but it provides an easy-to-understand explanation for English-speaking staff.

What To Eat in Savannakhet

Grilled chicken

The taste of Savannakhet grilled chicken is well-known. After being washed, the chicken is rubbed with local spices and hung from a bamboo stick. It is roasted over red coals until well done. The scent of delectable spices and the scorching skin from the charcoal barbecue make the chicken even more enticing. Savannakhet chicken is served with sticky rice balls and "jaew boong" sauce. It costs around 50,000 kips.

Khao Jee Pate

Khao Jee Paté is similar to “bánh mì” from Vietnam.  This is a well-known street meal in Savannakhet. When Laos was part of French Indochina, baguette, or French bread, was introduced. The baguette is split lengthwise and packed with pig sausage or Lao sausage, sliced papaya, carrots, shallots or onion, cucumber, cilantro, and occasionally Jaew boong or chili sauce.

Khao Soi

This is a curry noodle soup that is popular all over Laos. It is made with egg noodles, chicken or beef, and a curry sauce.

Bun Khao

It is a noodle soup made by boiling noodles and vegetables in pork or beef broth. It is often topped with crispy fried shallots.

Savannakhet Travel Tips 

Here are some guides you'll need for your journey to Savannakhet:

• ATMs are located across the city. Visa and Mastercard are often accepted. The charge is 20,000 kips each transaction, with a maximum of 500,000 kips.
• The traffic situation has greatly improved over the last two decades, but it is still rather dangerous because locals frequently do not wear helmets and do not follow traffic regulations.
• As a pedestrian, you must exercise caution since there are several holes in the sidewalk.
• When walking alone in Savannakhet, be cautious and keep your distance from the violent dogs.
• Take no shots of the military facility in Seno (35 kilometers northeast of Savannakhet), even if there are no signs saying that doing so is banned.
• Dress appropriately in sacred venues such as temples or museums. Always keep your shoulders and legs covered.

Useful Information About Savannakhet Tourism

Savannakhet Province in Laos is a haven for travelers seeking captivating tourist spots. Explore vibrant local markets, indulge in delectable cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Savannakhet Province tourist spots. 

However, to enter Laos legally, you need a visa. But don't worry about anything. At Laos Immigration Services, we provide a user-friendly system that allows travelers to apply for a Laos visa anywhere with just a smart device with a strong network connection. From there, tourists can save time and effort. Contact us now and plan your visit to Savannakhet Province Laos.