Location: Savannakhet
Top Things to do in Savannakhet
Countries
10 Things to Do in Savannakhet That You Shouldn't Miss
Savannakhet, officially named Kaysone Phomvihane (Lao: ໄກສອນ ພົມວິຫານ; Thai: ไกสอน พมวิหาน) and previously known as Khanthabouli (ຄັນທະບູລີ), is a city in western Laos and the capital of the Savannakhet Province. With a population of 120,000 (undated), it is the second-largest city in Laos, after Vientiane. The city is the birthplace of Kaysone Phomvihane, the first leader of Laos from independence in 1975 to 1992, and was named after him in 2005. Although the old French colonial quarter of the town, along the Mekong River-front, is depressed and crumbling, the town's proximity to Thailand's booming economy has brought about new commercial development in the northern part of the town, near both the river crossing and the bus terminal.
Restaurants in Savannakhet
1. The Bored Room Movie Theater
Overall Ratings
5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Sander W
We got lots of help from Dave. He knows Savannakhet very well and he is always prepared to give you information. The bicycles we rented were in very good condition. If you’re in Savannakhet, you should definately visit the bored room and have a talk with Dave.
2. That Ing Hang
Overall Ratings
4 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By Luke M - Greater London, United Kingdom
Travelled here from Savannakhet by scooter via the lake roads, passable but very bumpy at times. We returned via the main road (so did it in a loop) which was much smoother and quicker, albeit less rural and natural.
The temple itself isnt anything amazing and the whole site takes less than 20 minutes to take in. However, the grounds are nice and it isnt swarming with visitors so feels very calm.
Dress appropriately or go opposite to the changing area and borrow a lao dress from a very grumpy lady for a small contribution.
3. The Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By LaurianK - Leuven, Belgium
The museum isnt very large but they maximise the space they have. The guide was lovely and informative. The dinosaur bone collection isnt that large but there's plenty of interesting information about the history of the area. No one could tell us where it was so make sure you have a good map and look out for the signs around town.
4. Bungva lake
Overall Ratings
4 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Kane F - Sydney, Australia
this is a really good way to spend a few hours. We combined it with a trip to the stupa. Both were nice if not remarkable. It was dry season, so the lake was small, but it is cool ,relaxing, restaurants are nice, buffalo walking around, people fishing. Bust a relaxing way to see a bit of Laos countryside. Recommend.
5. Eglise Sainte Therese
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By EvaSC - Silver Spring MD
A church just like this sits in the middle of Vientiane, but it's not nearly as nice. Saint Theresa Church has beautifully maintained landscaping that accents the little religious nooks and the rectory. I got there as mass was ending on Sunday morning. Parishioners mingled happily with the old priest and the nuns. Children and families gathered around a table outside where they sold what looked like Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches. I was surprised when someone offered me one! Inside was cool and quiet, a tranquil place to sit and meditate. There's not much else for a tourist to see or do here, but it's worth a trip. The French colonial architecture is a lovely reminder of an era when things moved a more leisurely pace. So slow down and enjoy it!
6. Wat Xayaphoum Temple
Overall Ratings
4 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By pierremichelshanghai - Shanghai, China
Wat Xayaphoum is located in the city centre, along the Mekong river. It was erected in 1542 and is a classical example of the traditional Savannakhet architecture. The temple compound is quite big, including a Buddhist monk school and a facility producing Buddhist handicrafts. The whole atmosphere is very peaceful and the compound has several century old trees.
7. Vassana spa & beauty
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Vassana spa & beauty, lay down and let us take care! Come in and enjoy our different kinds of massage. Our friendly and well trained staff will welcome you with a Lao smile. Come and visit us in Savannakhet!
Reviewed By Phengma
Like this massage, good for body and mind.... Represent Savannakhet very good, experienced masseuses and relax time in there, love to go back soon...... Kopchai deuDear Mrs. Thank you for your support, kind words and choosing our massage parlor. It's good to hear you liked your massage and we're looking forward to welcome you back anytime. Kind regards, Richard Lamain PR and social media
8. Lao House Shopping Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 11 reviews
Lao House has all of handicraft product from Laos. Our company are very proud to show Lao culture via feature of product. Come here to find different culture.
Reviewed By Steve W - Norwich, United Kingdom
Equivalent of Thai OTOP shops selling local produce - we were told - there was a wide range of reasonably priced and good quality handicrafts. My good lady stocked up on locally woven cloth for dress making. We finished off our visit with iced chocolate and sandwiches in the adjacent cafe - most enjoyable.
9. Savanakhet
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By purpleboots - wales
My perfect Laotian town to date - sleepy (the first Lao post office I've seen without queues - the guy took time out to go over all their fancy stamps and help me write all those country names in Lao script) - developed bit tucked away from the mekong to protect from prying thai eyes in the old days I guess - good food tonne had - lovely people and ......... dogs
I confess I'm dog-phobic but with so many dogs in Laos I'd rather forgotten them but a guy in the van into Savanakhet waned me that there are packs of them on the street and to be careful & it's true! Even checked with the tourist office who begged me to be careful if I was walking around - so despite their loveliness (& dinosaur and town museums ) dog phobics may find getting about a little more energetic (lots of weaving from one side of the road to the other)
Just thought I'd mention it!
10. Heuan Hinh (Stone House)
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By susuder - Tokyo, Japan
"Stone house is believed to have been one of 121 rest houses constructed by Jayavarman VII (1181-1218) along the roads which once connected every corner of the Khmer empire. Therefore, it shares similar characteristics with Wat Phou in Champasak, Phimai Temple in Thailand, etc. The stone house is build on the river side and you can imagine the days when Khmer people frequently traveled up and down the Mekong River. An annual festival is held in the full moon night during April."
(Reprinted by Official guide map, Mekong River South)
Stone House is located 1.5h from downtown of Savannakhet by car.
Very Very Nice Place !
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