Savannakhet
is historic architecture
Welcome to Savannakhet
Languid, time-trapped and somnolent during the sweltering days that batter the old city's plasterwork, Savannakhet (ສະຫວັນນະເຂດ) is an attractive blend of past and present Laos. The highlight is the historic quarter with its impressive display of decaying early-20th-century architecture. Leprous and listing, these grand old villas of Indochina's heyday now lie unwanted like aged dames crying out for a makeover. There's little to do in town but wander the riverfront and cool off in one of a clutch of stylish restaurants and bijou cafes that are steadily growing in number.
Top experiences in Savannakhet
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Savannakhet activities
Half Day Cycling Tour
This 5 hour cycling tour leaves from Marvelaos Tour & Travel Office (Ban Xayaphoum, Savannakhet). The tour will stop intermittently for brief rest and water breaks, and you will have the opportunity to view the old Kaysone Phomvihane Statue & Park along the way, as well as learning about Lao farming practices as you cycle past rice fields in the countryside. You will pass Bung Va Lake on the way to That Ing Hang. At That Ing Hang, you will enter the stupa grounds and learn about Buddhist religious practices before turning back to Bung Va where you will take a longer rest, and eat lunch, followed by a telling of a traditional Lao folk tale.
Overnight Cycling Tour
This 2 day cycling tour leaves from Marvelaos Tour & Travel Office (Ban Xayaphoum, Savannakhet). The tour will stop intermittently for brief rest and water breaks, and you will have the opportunity to view the old Kaysone Phomvihane Statue & Park along the way, as well as learning about Lao farming practices as you cycle past rice fields in the countryside. You will eat lunch at Bung Va Lake where you will take a longer rest followed by a telling of a traditional Lao folk tale. Next, cycle to That Ing Hang, where you will enter the stupa grounds and learn about Buddhist religious practices. Your guide will then take you through the Dong Natad Protected Forest, discuss about Lao jungle wildlife (plants and animals) before landing at Nong Lom, a small jungle lake. The first day ends in a comfortable village homestay experience. The villagers will bless you with a Baci ceremony (said to bring good luck and health), and local school children will perform traditional Lao dance. In the morning, after breakfast, you'll take a tractor ride to Turtle Lake and the original foundations of Old Savannakhet Village. Finally, you'll cycle back to the Marvelaos Office (by way of Bung Va, where you'll be treated to lunch).