Travel Savannakhet

Travel Savannakhet, the Laos border town you must try

When talking about Savannakhet, many may know it as the Laos border town opposite Mukdahan Province in Thailand, but for me, mr.hotsia, Savannakhet is not just an ordinary border crossing but a city full of life, authentic Lao lifestyle blended with travel convenience and fascinating attractions to explore.

Savannakhet is one of the most populous provinces in Laos and the hometown of Thao Kraison Phomvihane, well known to many. This city has the first bridge crossing the Mekong River connecting to Mukdahan, making it an important route linking Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and onward to Myanmar conveniently. I have crossed this bridge many times and can feel the economic and cultural significance of Savannakhet, which is no less than Vientiane.

Start your journey and experience life in Savannakhet

Traveling to Savannakhet is very easy because you can take a bus from Mukdahan Bus Station across the Mekong Bridge toSavannakhet Bus Stationevery hour from morning until evening. Or if you want a change of atmosphere, there is also a ferry service from Indo-China Market in Mukdahan to Savannakhet, which I really like because you get a close view of the Mekong River and enjoy the cool breeze and refreshing riverside atmosphere.

Upon arriving in Savannakhet, I recommend taking a morning walk along the riverbank. You will see Lao people exercising, making merit with alms, and daily life that remains simple yet very charming. If you want breakfast nearby, it’s not difficult; there are roadside eateries and fresh markets selling delicious local food to choose from.

Accommodation and convenient transportation in the city

I, mr.hotsia, have stayed several nights in Savannakhet Province and recommend a place calledXaysook Guesthousewhich is a wooden house owned by a kind owner. Room prices start at only 30,000 kip, about 120 baht. It’s clean and has a friendly atmosphere, perfect for travelers who want to experience simple and warm local hospitality.

For getting around the city and nearby areas, I recommend renting a motorcycle. There are only a few rental shops here, with prices around 80,000 kip (about 320 baht) per day, which is cheaper than hotel rentals that can cost up to 100,000 kip (400 baht). Having a motorcycle makes traveling more convenient and free, whether to see the Mekong River views or explore nearby attractions.

Popular tourist attractions in Savannakhet

If you like culture and history, I recommend paying respects toThat Ing Hang Stupalocated about 8 kilometers from the city center. It is an ancient stupa highly revered by Lao people. The top of the stupa is made of nearly half a kilogram of pure gold. Visiting and experiencing the atmosphere here gives a true sense of the sacredness and faith of the Lao people.

Before reaching That Ing Hang, there is a wide pond calledBueng Wawhich is a local relaxation spot on holidays. The surroundings have green rice fields and water buffaloes playing or swimming in the pond, creating a very impressive scene. I enjoy watching villagers herding buffaloes back from the pond with the cool breeze blowing occasionally, making me feel peaceful and relaxed.

If you want to travel a bit farther, a route I like and have noticed more foreigners enjoying is the path toHor Pha TripitakaMuang Phon, Dong Ling, Nong Pa Fa, and Bueng Sui, about 70 kilometers from Savannakhet city center. Renting a motorcycle makes traveling this route more convenient and enjoyable.

Night activities and social atmosphere

If you enjoy fun and socializing in a small town, Savannakhet will not disappoint. The locals are friendly and enjoy meeting and chatting. I have strolled along the Mekong River at night past food and beer stalls on the roadside. Here you can find grilled dishes and tasty smoothies to chill with while enjoying the beautiful view of the Mekong River on the Thai side.

For those who like to try their luck, Savannakhet also has a large casino called “Savannakhet Vegas,” popular with many Thai tourists. I have seen many cars with Thai license plates parked in the lot. It adds a lively vibe to the city at night.

Money and internet in Savannakhet

Savannakhet is special because many Thai tourists visit, so many shops accept both kip and baht without difficulty. However, if you go deeper into rural areas, you must use Lao kip only, which is not troublesome as Lao kip banknotes come in various denominations and are widely used.

Internet here is also very convenient. I used a Laos 3G SIM card costing only 200 baht per month for 1 GB of data, enough for checking emails and social media comfortably. Believe it or not, neighboring countries like Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar all have 3G now, while back home it is still only in trial in some areas.

If you want to continue traveling, don’t forget to stop by Mukdahan

From Savannakhet, you can easily cross over to Mukdahan on the Thai side, which is equally charming. The morning and night markets there are full of Vietnamese and Isan foods to try.Enjoy MukdahanI have stayed there and was very impressed with the diverse culture and food, as well as its convenience as a gateway to Vietnam for Southeast Asian travelers.

Summary

For me, mr.hotsia, Savannakhet is not just an ordinary border town but a city full of color, lovely lifestyles, and unique travel convenience. If you like cultural travel, riding a motorcycle to see the Mekong River views, or trying your luck at Savannakhet Vegas, this city will definitely meet your needs.