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).
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
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.
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. Be cautious about the fee for the tuk-tuk and always set the price before the ride. 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.
1 Dinosaur Museum. Daily, 08:00-11:30 and 13:30-16:30. 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. 10,000 kip. 2 Historic Downtown Exhibition, Latsaphanit Rd (Second floor, Lin's Café), ☏ +856 20 9988 1630. 08:30-20:00. A private exhibition of the town's history, mainly focused on French colonial architecture of the downtown area. Free. 3 Old French colonial buildings.
1 Dong Natad Forest (The entrance is very close to the That Ing Hang stupa). 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. 2 Savan Vegas Casino, Nongdeune Village, Kaishonephomvihan District, ☏ +856 41 252 200. 24/7. More than 500 slots, 100 table games, and a sports book.
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. 1 Dolly's Café (formerly Cafe Anakot, Cafe Chai Dee), Ratsavongseuk Rd (Near the Catholic church). 08:30-21:00. 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. 5,000-37,000 kip. 2 Lin's Café, Latsaphanit rd (100 m north of Plaza (old central square)), ☏ +856 20 99881630. 08:30-20:00. Local, Japanese, and Western food.
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).
As a pedestrian, watch where you walk in Savannakhet. There are many holes in the pavement which could lead to a fall into the sewer system. Also be careful at night by staying on main roads that are well lit. Don't wander down dark alleys and beware of dogs. Watch the traffic as well. The traffic situation has rapidly changed during the past two decades, from slow dusty streets filled with bicycles to concrete roads with speeding teenagers on motorbikes, overtaking both left and right, not wearing helmets and not respecting any traffic rules. Speeding is easy as the roads are straight, there is not much policing, and there is a lack of speed bumps and roundabouts.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Oct, Savannakhet typically sees ~31°C daytime highs and 18 rainy days.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-10-24. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
stayonomy