Home › Destinations › Savannakhet
Savannakhet, ປະເທດລາວ - Things to Do in Savannakhet

Things to Do in Savannakhet

Savannakhet, ປະເທດລາວ - Complete Travel Guide

Savannakhet, Laos's second-largest city, sits gracefully along the banks of the mighty Mekong River in the country's central region. This charming provincial capital offers visitors an authentic glimpse into traditional Lao life, with its well-preserved French colonial architecture, ancient temples, and vibrant local markets creating a captivating blend of old and new. The city serves as an important commercial hub and gateway to Vietnam via the Second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, making it a natural stopping point for travelers exploring mainland Southeast Asia. Unlike the more touristy destinations in northern Laos, Savannakhet maintains a refreshingly genuine atmosphere where daily life unfolds at a leisurely pace. Visitors can explore the historic old quarter with its crumbling colonial mansions, visit significant Buddhist temples like Wat Sainyaphum, and experience the famous That Ing Hang stupa, one of Laos's most sacred religious sites. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities to discover traditional villages, ancient Khmer ruins, and the unique ecosystem of the Mekong floodplains, making Savannakhet an ideal base for cultural immersion and rural exploration.

Top Things to Do in Savannakhet

Explore That Ing Hang Stupa

Visit one of Laos's most revered Buddhist monuments, located about 15km northeast of the city center. This 16th-century golden stupa is considered one of the most sacred sites in southern Laos and attracts pilgrims from across the region. The complex features beautiful temple buildings, ancient artifacts, and peaceful gardens perfect for contemplation.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required - entry costs around 10,000 LAK ($1). Visit early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) for the best light and cooler temperatures. Hire a tuk-tuk for around 80,000-100,000 LAK ($8-10) round trip including waiting time.

Discover French Colonial Architecture

Wander through Savannakhet's atmospheric old quarter to admire some of Southeast Asia's best-preserved French colonial buildings. The historic district features elegant mansions, administrative buildings, and shophouses that tell the story of French Indochina. Many buildings show beautiful decay that creates a romantic, nostalgic atmosphere perfect for photography.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free and best done on foot during cooler morning hours (6-9 AM). Consider hiring a local guide for 150,000-200,000 LAK ($15-20) for half-day to learn historical context. Look for guides at the tourist information center or major hotels.

Visit Wat Sainyaphum Temple

Explore Savannakhet's most important Buddhist temple, known for its impressive ordination hall and beautiful murals depicting Buddhist stories. This active monastery offers insight into contemporary Lao Buddhist practice and features traditional Lao architecture with intricate wood carvings and golden decorations. The temple grounds provide a peaceful retreat from the city's bustle.

Booking Tip: Free to visit, but donations appreciated (20,000-50,000 LAK/$2-5). Best visited early morning (6-8 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) when monks are most active. Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering temple buildings.

Experience Dong Natad National Protected Area

Venture into this biodiverse wetland ecosystem about 30km from Savannakhet, home to rare wildlife including the endangered Siamese crocodile. The protected area features seasonal flooding that creates unique habitats for waterbirds, fish, and other aquatic species. Guided tours offer opportunities for birdwatching, nature photography, and learning about conservation efforts.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local tour operators for $25-40 per person including transport and guide. Best visited during dry season (November-April) when wildlife is more concentrated. Book through Savannakhet Tourism Office or established eco-tour companies for responsible wildlife viewing.

Cruise the Mekong River at Sunset

Take a peaceful boat trip along the Mekong River to witness spectacular sunsets and observe daily life along the riverbanks. These leisurely cruises offer views of fishing villages, traditional boats, and the changing colors of the sky reflected in the water. Some tours include stops at riverside communities or floating markets depending on the season.

Booking Tip: Book sunset cruises for $15-25 per person through hotels or riverside restaurants. Tours typically last 1.5-2 hours departing around 4:30 PM. Choose operators with life jackets and well-maintained boats - ask to see the vessel before booking.

Getting There

Savannakhet is accessible by multiple transportation modes, with most international travelers arriving via the Second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge from Mukdahan, Thailand, just 10km away. Regular buses connect the city to Vientiane (8-9 hours), Pakse (4-5 hours), and other major Lao destinations, while VIP buses and minivans offer more comfortable options. The city has a small airport with limited domestic flights, and overland routes from Vietnam through the Lao Bao border crossing (2 hours) make it a popular stop on the Southeast Asian overland trail.

Getting Around

Savannakhet is easily navigable by bicycle, which can be rented from guesthouses for around 20,000-30,000 LAK ($2-3) per day, making it ideal for exploring the compact city center and nearby attractions. Tuk-tuks are readily available for longer distances or temple visits, with short rides costing 15,000-20,000 LAK and day trips ranging from 100,000-200,000 LAK depending on destinations. Motorbike taxis offer quick transport around town for 10,000-15,000 LAK per trip, while car rentals and private drivers can be arranged through hotels for exploring the wider province.

Where to Stay

City Center near Wat Sainyaphum
Mekong Riverfront area
Old Quarter colonial district
Near the central market
Friendship Bridge vicinity
Quiet residential neighborhoods

Food & Dining

Savannakhet's dining scene centers around authentic Lao cuisine served at local restaurants and street food stalls throughout the city. The central market area offers excellent morning pho, fresh spring rolls, and grilled meats, while riverside restaurants specialize in Mekong fish dishes and traditional lap salads. French colonial influence remains evident in several bakeries serving fresh baguettes and pastries, and the night market provides an atmospheric setting for sampling regional specialties like som tam papaya salad, sticky rice, and local beer. International options are limited but adequate, with a few Thai, Vietnamese, and Western restaurants catering to travelers.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Laos

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Popolo Restaurant

4.6 /5
(1325 reviews) 2
bar

PDR - Pizza da Roby

4.7 /5
(1197 reviews) 1

Dok Mai Lao Trattoria

4.6 /5
(890 reviews) 2

The Italian Job

4.6 /5
(481 reviews) 2

525 Eat & Drink

4.8 /5
(449 reviews)
bar cafe

Soul Kitchen

4.5 /5
(394 reviews) 2
all dining options →

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Savannakhet is during the cool, dry season from November to February when temperatures are comfortable (20-30°C/68-86°F) and rainfall is minimal, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. March to May brings hot, dry weather that can be challenging for extensive exploration, though early morning and evening activities remain pleasant. The rainy season from June to October sees heavy downpours and high humidity, but also lush green landscapes and fewer crowds - this period can be rewarding for travelers who don't mind occasional weather delays and want to experience the region's agricultural rhythms.

Insider Tips

Visit the morning market by 7 AM for the freshest ingredients and most authentic local atmosphere before the heat sets in
Many temples and historical sites have no entrance fees but appreciate small donations - carrying small bills (10,000-20,000 LAK notes) shows respect
The city practically shuts down during the midday heat (11 AM-3 PM), so plan indoor activities or rest during these hours and save sightseeing for early morning and late afternoon

Explore Activities in Savannakhet