Savannakhet
Free Designed Vietnam Itinerary Now!Overview Savannakhet
Location
Located in the center of Laos, Savannakhet attracts tourists with its peaceful beauty and unique cultural features. This place is likened to "Paradise City" because of its charming natural landscape, ancient temples, and hospitable people.
To set foot in Savannakhet, international tourists can choose many different means of transportation. Airplanes are the fastest means, with direct flights from the capital Vientiane, or major cities in the region.
The road is also a popular choice, with a convenient transportation system connecting Savannakhet with neighboring provinces in Laos and Southeast Asian countries. Tourists who love to explore can experience traveling by bus or train, saving money, and seeing beautiful scenery along the way.
Savannakhet possesses a unique beauty, not as noisy and bustling as the capital Vientiane, nor too wild like Luang Prabang. Visitors here will be immersed in a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere, enjoying the tranquility of ancient temples and poetic natural scenery.
Savannakhet offers international visitors a completely new experience, where they can find peace of mind and wonderful moments of relaxation. Coming to Savannakhet, visitors will be welcomed by the gentle smiles and friendliness of local people, which are unforgettable images on your Laos tour.
The aerial view of Savannakhet, Laos
Best time to visit Savannakhet
Savannakhet not only has ancient temples and delicious food but also has an extremely interesting "weather schedule". Let's explore which season suits your preferences with Asia Links Travel!
Dry season (November to April)
When the last rains said goodbye, Savannakhet put on a fresh new coat. The air is cold and pleasant, and the average temperature is about 20-30°C, making it an ideal time to visit places in Savannakhet such as That Ing Hang, the ancient temple Wat Xayaphoum, or the Heuan Hinh stone house.
Visitors can freely participate in outdoor activities such as cycling, trekking, or simply stroll along the banks of the Mekong River, admiring the peaceful scenery of local people's lives.
Besides, traditional festivals are also often held in the dry season, providing a great opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Lao people.
Heuan Hinh stone house in Savannakhet
Rainy season (May to October)
Savannakhet enters the rainy season with sudden showers, bringing a cool and romantic green space. Although the weather is somewhat humid, the temperature is still quite pleasant, about 25-32°C.
This is the best time to visit Savannakhet for visitors to explore the rich local cuisine and enjoy hot dishes, rich in flavor. In addition, museums and shopping centers are also ideal places to avoid the rain and learn about Lao culture and history.
At the end of the day, visitors can relax at small cafes, sip a cup of Lao coffee, and watch the rain fall outside the window.
Savannakhet, with its two distinct seasons like a wonderful symphony, awaits you. Come and feel the unique sounds, colors, and flavors of this land in your Laos tour package!
Things to do in Savannakhet
Have you ever imagined yourself exploring a city rich in history, immersing yourself in the simple life of local people, and enjoying unique specialties? Savannakhet will bring you all of that. Let's explore with Asia Links Travel the most interesting places to visit in Savannakhet right now!
1. Wat Sainyaphum Temple
Places to visit in Savannakhet include this ancient temple, which possesses unique architecture, with intricate carvings on the walls and columns. In particular, the bronze Buddha statue located here is said to be one of the oldest Buddha statues in Laos.
Don't forget to take time to meditate or walk on the temple grounds to feel the purity and find balance in your soul.
2. Former French Concession
If you want to find a bit of a romantic French atmosphere in the heart of Savannakhet, come to the Former French Concession. This neighborhood was once home to the French community, and to this day still retains many typical French architectural features.
Ancient houses with pastel-painted walls, and narrow tree-lined streets, all create an extremely romantic and poetic scene. Take time to explore the beautiful little cafes, and unique souvenir shops and enjoy the fresh air here.
3. Savannakhet Provincial Museum
Savannakhet Provincial Museum is a must-visit among places to visit in Savannakhet to better understand the history and culture of the Lao people. The museum displays many precious artifacts, from ancient working tools to unique Buddha statues, traditional costumes, etc.
All of them tell a fascinating story about the formation process and development of this land. Coming here, you will have the opportunity to explore the unique features of Lao culture and better understand the lives of local people.
Savannakhet Provincial Museum
4. Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum
Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum is a unique destination in Laos, which displays valuable archaeological discoveries about dinosaurs that once lived in the land of a million elephants. This is the home of dinosaur fossil skeletons found since the 1930s, notably the skeleton of Tangvayosaurus hoffeti.
Although modest in scale compared to other dinosaur museums around the world, the Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum still offers visitors a rare opportunity to admire vivid evidence of a bygone era.
Through reconstructed fossil skeletons, visitors can imagine the size, shape, and life of the giant dinosaurs that once dominated our planet.
5. That Ing Hang Pagoda
That Ing Hang Pagoda, an essential stop among places to visit in Savannakhet, is an ancient and sacred Buddhist temple in Savannakhet province, Laos. Built in the 16th century, the pagoda is an important pilgrimage destination for locals and tourists alike.
Its unique architecture, featuring brick walls and thousands of terracotta Buddha statues, creates a sacred and peaceful atmosphere.
6. Dong Phu Vieng National Protected Area
This reserve, located in the northern highlands, is home to numerous unique flora and fauna species, including Indochina's indigenous species. With a diverse primary forest ecosystem, Dong Phu Vieng is an ideal place for those who love to explore wild nature.
Visitors may go walking, camping, seeing animals, and discovering intriguing caverns. Coming to Dong Phu Vieng, visitors will not only enjoy fresh air but also contribute to protecting the environment and preserving biodiversity.
As one of the places to visit in Savannakhet, Dong Phu Vieng offers a chance to immerse yourself in Laos' natural beauty.
7. Old battlefield at Sepon
Coming here, you have the opportunity to learn about the heroic history of Laos at the old battlefield in Sepon. This place was once one of the fiercest battlefields in Laos' war of resistance against the US to save the country.
Today, visitors can visit historical sites, hear stories about fallen soldiers, and gain a deep sense of the meaning of peace. This is a highly educational destination, helping visitors better understand the history and culture of Laos.
Don't miss out on exploring the other places to visit in Savannakhet, a charming city with a rich past.
8. St Teresa's Church
St Teresa's Church, a must-see on your list of places to visit in Savannakhet, is one of the most ancient and beautiful French architectural works in the city. This church was built in the early twentieth century and has a Gothic architectural style.
With red brick walls, soaring domes, and stained glass windows, St Teresa's church is like a beautiful picture amid the lush green landscape. Coming here, you will have the opportunity to explore part of the history and culture of the French community in Laos.
Bungva Lake in Savannakhet
9. Bungva Lake
After long walks and historical tours, you can relax at Bungva Lake. Bungva Lake is a large artificial lake, located right in the heart of Savannakhet city. This is an ideal destination for you to walk, cycle, or simply sit by the lake, admiring the scenery and enjoying the fresh air.
In the late afternoons, Bungva Lake becomes more sparkling than ever when the sunlight shines on the water, creating a romantic and poetic scene. Bungva Lake is just one of the many beautiful places to visit in Savannakhet that offers a chance to unwind and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
10. Tribal Villages in Dong Natad Forest
Hidden deep in the primeval forest of Dong Nata, Savannakhet province, are villages of Lao ethnic minorities. Their life still retains its rustic character, linked to nature. People here mainly make a living by farming, hunting, and gathering.
Traditional stilt houses are built with natural materials, creating a unique living space close to nature. Visiting these villages, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the unique culture and customs of ethnic minorities, enjoy specialty dishes, and explore the wild beauty of the mountains and forests.
Savannakhet is just one of Laos' attractive destinations. If you have fully explored this city, continue your journey to discover new lands in the country of a million elephants.
Things to buy in Savannakhet
Savannakhet brings you a simple and enjoyable shopping experience. Walking on the bustling streets, visitors seem lost in the world of handicrafts, cuisine, and local specialties, where each item contains its own story about the land and people here.
1. Lao Coffee
Savannakhet is famous for high-quality Arabica coffee beans, with rich and aromatic flavor. Each cup of Lao coffee is a journey to discover the unique flavors of this land. You can buy pure coffee, roasted and ground coffee, or processed coffee products such as instant coffee, and milk coffee.
Famous Lao Coffee
2. Lao Khao Wine
This is a traditional Lao rice wine, naturally fermented from sticky rice. Lao Khao wine has a light sweet taste, and strong aroma and is often stored in exquisite handmade ceramic jars. This gift not only brings a special taste but is also a small work of art.
3. Brocade
Handicraft products from brocade are one of the characteristics of Lao culture. Brocade fabrics are handwoven with sophisticated patterns, imbued with national identity. You can find scarves, handbags, wallets, or home decoration items made from brocade.
4. Fine-art Wooden Furniture
Savannakhet has a tradition of making fine-art wooden furniture with sophisticated, meticulously carved products. You can buy beautiful small wooden items such as jewelry boxes, wooden statues, or wooden tables and chairs to decorate your home.
5. Herbal Tea
Herbal tea is a popular drink in Laos, produced from natural herbs. Herbal tea not only tastes good, but it also offers several health advantages. Herbal teas include artichoke tea, mint tea, ginger tea, etc.
6. Local Specialties
Don't forget to enjoy and buy local specialties such as Savannakhet grilled chicken, Pa Nang bread, or fresh fruits. Grilled chicken with firm, fragrant meat and richly marinated with spices will be a great culinary gift for loved ones.
Bringing home souvenirs from Savannakhet is not only about owning ordinary items but also about keeping beautiful memories of the journey to discover the beautiful land of a Million Elephants.
Each gift is a goodbye, promising one-day reunion with Savannakhet in a Laos package tour - where the traveler's heart always looks forward to returning.
Savannakhet grilled chicken
Dos and don'ts
Dos
- Learn about the culture, customs, and practices of the local people to avoid causing offense or misunderstanding.
- Respect and comply with local regulations and laws, especially when visiting historical sites and temples.
- Wear polite, discreet clothing when participating in community activities.
- Ask permission and follow the instructions of your tour guide or local people when you want to take photos.
- Learn about local cuisine and enjoy it with an open mind.
- Use English or Lao to communicate with locals.
- Participate in local cultural activities and traditional festivals if possible.
Don'ts
- Pointing or laughing at the customs and practices of local people.
- Wear revealing, offensive clothing when participating in community activities.
- Taking photos without permission or affecting people's daily activities.
- Making disrespectful comments or remarks about historical or religious relics.
- Using rude gestures and language when communicating with local people.
- Voluntarily touching religious objects and symbols.
- Consuming drugs, narcotics, or engaging in other illegal activities.
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