Located on the banks of the Mekong River, directly across from Mukdahan in Thailand, Savannakhet is the second-largest city in Laos, after Vientiane. And while it may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a trip to Laos, that’s exactly what makes it so special for me.
This laid-back city offers a charming mix of faded French colonial architecture, Buddhist temples, and a slow, unhurried pace of life that the Laotian people have perfected. It’s the kind of place where you can wander quiet streets, chat with friendly locals, and stumble upon hidden gems without the crowds.
From visiting the sacred That Ing Hang to hunting down beautiful French colonial buildings, here’s a complete travel guide to this wonderful off-the-beaten-path Lao city. Let’s get planning, shall we?
- Savannakhet Things to Do Map
- Where to Stay in Savannakhet?
-
10 Best Things to Do in Savannakhet
- Stroll Around the Naga Statue By the Mekong
- Go on a Half-Day Trip and visit That Ing Hang
- Check Out Theater “Lao Chaleun”
- Eat Your Way Through Lao Chaleun/Savan Mixay Night Market
- Track Down Beautiful French Colonial Buildings
- Drop By St. Teresa's Catholic Church
- Look Out For Cool Street Arts
- Stroll Around Wat Saynhaphum
- Visit Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum
- Check Out Savannakhet Museum
- What to Eat & Drink in Savannakhet?
- How to Get to Savannakhet?
- How to Get Around Savannakhet?
- What to Pack for Savannakhet?
- Further Reading for Laos
Savannakhet Things to Do Map
10 Best Things to Do in Savannakhet
1. Stroll Around the Naga Statue By the Mekong
We begin this list with one of my favorite things about Savannakhet: its beautiful laid-back vibe of the riverside promenade that runs along the Mekong River. Here you will find the beautiful Naga Statue, a massive white-and-gold serpent statue with its body and tail arching dramatically above walkers in the riverside park.
As some of you may know, the naga is a revered serpent deity, believed to be the guardian of the Mekong River and a symbol of prosperity and protection in local folklore. You will often see naga statues being worshipped in communities along the Mekong River. You can find one in Vientiane, as well as in many places in Thailand such as Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan.
At the naga statue, you can buy flowers and incense to pray for good fortune at a nearby shrine, or simply stroll along the lovely riverside promenade and admire the stunning view of Mukdahan, complete with its UFO-shaped observation tower and the white Buddha image on the mountain across the Mekong.
- xaythone guest house (Budget)
- Vanpila (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- Pilgrim's Kitchen & Inn (High-End)
I’ve been to both sides of the Mekong River, and to be honest, I prefer the greener, more relaxed vibe of the riverside park here in Savannakhet compared to Mukdahan, Thailand. In Mukdahan, there’s a bustling market, but little development has gone into creating a pleasant atmosphere for people like me who enjoy walking along the river.
I highly recommend coming here either in the early morning or late evening, when the heat is still bearable. In the morning, although there are many people exercising, it’s still quiet and relaxing to walk around. In the evening, a night market springs up at Theater “Lao Chaleun,” and you’ll see people shopping, socializing, and watching the sunset over the Mekong River. It’s like the opposite side of a coin, and I love both sides.
Where to Stay in Savannakhet?
2. Go on a Half-Day Trip and visit That Ing Hang
One of the oldest and most sacred religious sites in Southern Laos, second only to Wat Phou in Pakse, is That Ing Hang, an incredible stupa believed to be around 400–450 years old. While records date its construction to the 16th century, some of its Mon-inspired architectural features suggest it may have been built even earlier.
According to local legend, the Buddha once stopped here to rest, leaning against a “hang” tree, hence the name Ing Hang, meaning “leaning on hang tree.” The stupa features a Mon-style cubical base with three terraced layers leading up to a classic Lao-style spire, topped with a gilded umbrella reportedly weighing about 450 g. Inside is a hollow chamber containing Buddha images, though traditional customs may restrict women from entering.
The temple lies about a 30-minute drive from the city center, longer if you’re traveling by Sam Lor, which is extremely slow, and unfortunately, there aren’t many other transport options. The only motorbike rental place in Savannakhet has since closed, so I ended up hiring a Sam Lor driver I found along this road.
They initially asked for 500 THB (330,000 LAK) for the trip, which felt steep, so I negotiated down to 400 THB. Still expensive for the distance, but I didn’t have the energy to haggle further. If you plan to hire a Sam Lor, negotiate hard!
The Sam Lor ride to That Ing Hang and back should take about 2 to 3 hours. Along the way, you might spot other interesting stops such as Ban Bungva Reservoir. If you manage to find a motorbike rental, you could venture even further inland to places like the Hotay Pidok Library, Monkey Forest, Sui Lake, and Taleo Old Temple, turning it into a full-day trip.
That Ing Hang is a beautiful temple and an excellent choice if you want to explore beyond Savannakhet’s city center and experience the city’s lush, hilly surroundings. The temple is open daily from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, and entry is free.
3. Check Out Theater “Lao Chaleun”
One of my favorite places to visit in Savannakhet City Center is Theater “Lao Chaleun”, an old movie theatre turned into a creative space with beautiful rustic features, brutalist decor, and charming cafes and an ice cream shop you can enjoy. There's just something about old, rustic buildings that always fascinates me.
Believed to have been built in the 1930s during the French colonial era, this Art Deco-style theater once served as the city’s only theater. It had fallen into disrepair for many years until locals breathed new life into it, transforming it into the vibrant cultural venue you see today.
Despite its partially dilapidated state, the building's distinctive façade and architectural features are still being preserved in their old, rustic condition, which gives this place its unique charm. With its green peeling paint and old wooden tables and chairs, you can't help but grab a coffee and enjoy the quiet, peaceful morning atmosphere here.
In the evening, the whole area comes alive with bustling night markets, crowds of people, and music blasting from venues behind the building, stretching all the way to the Mekong River. This place truly serves as the beating heart of Savannakhet's community.
4. Eat Your Way Through Lao Chaleun/Savan Mixay Night Market
As mentioned earlier, every evening, the square behind Theater "Lao Chaleun" transforms from a quiet, empty space into the bustling Lao Chaleun Night Market, filled with people, street food stalls, and places to drink, perfect for those who are looking for a place to hang out in this laid-back city after sundown.
The night market, also known as Savan Mixay Night Market, stretches from behind Theater "Lao Chaleun" all the way to the bank of the Mekong River. Here, you will find not just street food stalls, but all kinds of entertainment for kids, such as bouncing castles and rental carts, that bring the whole area to life.
Every evening, almost as a ritual, I come here to hang out and explore the night market for something to eat. I usually grab a bunch of my favorite snacks, then take them to a bench by the Mekong River to watch the sunset while enjoying the meal. There's nothing more laid-back than that!
If you're looking for a fun and lively spot in the evening or want to enjoy affordable and delicious street food in Savannakhet, be sure to check out Lao Chaleun Night Market. The market runs daily from 4 PM to 10:30 PM.
5. Track Down Beautiful French Colonial Buildings
Savannakhet is home to some truly stunning and well-preserved French colonial buildings, which are increasingly rare in other cities in Laos. Many of them are concentrated around the Old Quarter along this road, stretching all the way to St. Theresa's Catholic Church.
In this area, you’ll find a mix of colonial buildings, some newly renovated, others maintaining a rustic, atmospheric exterior while their interiors have been converted into bars, cafes, or restaurants. I particularly enjoy the buildings around Sooksavan Cafe & Bistro, with its yellow-painted café, and the old theater opposite, featuring a striking brutalist-style façade.
More colonial gems can be found near St. Theresa's Catholic Church and the central plaza, many of which have been repurposed into cafes or restaurants. These buildings aren’t limited to the Old Quarter, though, and you’ll discover quite a few scattered throughout the city. Take your time exploring Savannakhet’s streets and don't forget to keep an eye out for them while here.
6. Drop By St. Teresa's Catholic Church
Right in the center of the Old Quarter, you will find St. Teresa's Catholic Church, one of the most prominent landmarks in the city and a must-see while exploring Savannakhet.
Built in the 1920s during the French colonial era, the church is one of the oldest in the city and played an important role in spreading Catholicism in Laos during that period. The building showcases a beautiful blend of European and Lao architectural styles, which goes to show how much of an impact the French had on not only the culture of the city but also its cityscape.
The church is painted a lovely pastel yellow both inside and out, making it stand out among the surrounding buildings. Inside, the interior is cool and inviting, with modest yet elegant décor and a simple altar topped with a cross at the center. If you are exploring Savannakhet, be sure to visit St. Teresa's Catholic Church. It is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, and entry is free.
7. Look Out For Cool Street Arts
While there are no specific spots dedicated to street art in Savannakhet, you can often find many murals across the city, with some tucked away in the quieter corners of the city, waiting for you to discover them.
The street art here is very similar to the ones you see in Penang, Malaysia, which often depict everyday activities of the local people living here. In one corner, you might see a mural of a child shooting a slingshot into the sky, while in another, a group of children are running around with kites in hand, showcasing how kids here used to spend their time.
It’s a clever way to give abandoned buildings a facelift and make them visually interesting for us tourists to see and explore. If you enjoy street art or are looking for a reason to explore the city on foot, be sure to keep an eye out for these creative murals while in Savannakhet.
8. Stroll Around Wat Saynhaphum
Wat Saynhaphum is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Savannakhet, dating back to the mid-16th century. It is located near the Mekong River, directly across the road from the Naga Statue by the riverbank, which makes for a great place to drop by as you stroll along the beautiful Savannakhet's riverside promenade.
Wat Sainyaphum's architecture reflects the typical traditional Lao design, with its sweeping roofs adorned with gold trim and intricate carvings. The temple complex has several structures worth seeing, like the main ordination hall, and several smaller shrines and stupas in different colors and shapes, all surrounded by a decorative wall.
I especially like all the different stupas and shrines behind the main ordination hall, with some painted in white, some in gold, and another left in its old rustic condition. It's very interesting to see, so when you are exploring Savannakhet's riverside, be sure to drop by and check out Wat Saynhaphum. The temple is open from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily, and entry is free.
9. Visit Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum
Much like many provinces in this region of Thailand, Savannakhet has also discovered dinosaur fossils, many of which are housed in the Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum. If you’ve visited dinosaur museums in Thailand, this one may seem small and modestly presented, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth a visit.
The museum is located in an old government building with three sections featuring a variety of fossils, including dinosaur bones and fragments of a meteorite that fell over 100 million years ago. It isn't air-conditioned and can be explored in 5 to 10 minutes, but what made it memorable for me was the friendly security guard who happily showed me around.
As a Thai, I could communicate with him easily, and he was genuinely excited to share all the fascinating fossils on display. While the museum itself is not particularly impressive and lacks detailed information, his enthusiasm made the visit enjoyable and informative. He even showed me some hidden dinosaur bones inside a staff-access-only drawer 😂.
If you're looking for a way to spend some time in Savannakhet, be sure to stop by the Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum. It is open from 8 AM to 4 PM on weekdays, with a lunch break between 11:30 AM and 1 PM. Entry costs 10,000 LAK (approximately $0.50 USD).
10. Check Out Savannakhet Museum
If you want to learn more about Savannakhet and the history of its people, you can come and check out Savannakhet Museum, where you will find a diverse collection of artifacts, including archaeological remains, traditional crafts, and items related to significant historical events.
The museum itself is housed in a beautifully well-preserved French colonial-era structure, which is worth seeing in and of itself. Unfortunately, the interior was being renovated when I was there. Apparently, the renovation began in 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2027.
That said, you can still come and check out the building of the museum as well as another cool old government French colonial building on the opposite side of the road. When it opens, the museum should be operational from 8 AM to 4 PM with a lunch break of 11:30 AM to 1 PM, on the weekdays, and the entry should be 10,000 LAK (approximately $0.50 USD) per person.
What to Eat & Drink in Savannakhet?
1. Eat Noodles at Peayo Mi Kiao
I got tipped by my local host in Savannkhet to try some noodles from Peayo Mi Kiao, which has been in operation since she was a kid, so I decided to check the place out, and it was totally worth it!
Peayo Mi Kiao is a small local restaurant located in the old quarter of the city, and the place is housed in this old single-floor shop house with beautiful vintage decor. They serve egg noodles with a healthy portion of a mix of meat and vegetables, and it was delicious.
They are only open from 7 AM to 11:30 AM and again from 5 PM to 9:30 PM every day except on Sundays when they are only open from 7 AM to 11:30 AM, essentially opening only at lunch and dinner time, so be sure to plan your meal carefully. It's one of the best noodles I have had here and they are very affordable. You have to try it!
2. Stop For Coffee at Lin's Cafe
If you are looking for a nice air-conditioned café to escape the heat while enjoying breakfast or a coffee as you explore Savannakhet, Lin's Cafe is where you want to be. It is one of the most popular spots for tourists to relax and enjoy delicious coffee and breakfast while watching the city go by.
They serve a healthy breakfast as well as Western dishes for those craving something familiar in Savannakhet. Prices are on the higher side relative to local standards, but many dishes are priced around 45,000 LAK (approximately 2 USD) each, making it quite reasonable.
There’s no shame in craving Western food while traveling in places like Laos. I do it myself from time to time when abroad for long periods. So if you’re looking for some Western comfort food in Savannakhet, be sure to check out Lin's Cafe. They are open daily from 8:30 AM to 10 PM, except on Sundays.
How to Get to Savannakhet?
Getting to Savannakhet, Laos depends on where you're starting from; the most common entry points are from Thailand or Vientiane.
From Thailand (via Mukdahan): Travel to Mukdahan by bus from Bangkok, and other big cities in Isaan like Khon Kaen or Udon Thani. From Bangkok, the bus should take about 10 hours so it's best to do it overnight. You can check the bus schedule and book online here. Once you arrive at Mukdahan Bus Station, you can buy the bus ticket to Savannakhet right at the bus station.
For this leg, buses run almost every hour from 6:15 AM to 5:00 PM daily, so there’s no need to book in advance unless you’re traveling during major holidays like New Year’s or Songkran. The fare is around 50 THB per person and includes the border crossing, taking about one hour in total. Super easy and fast!
Once you arrive at Savannakhet Bus Station, it should take about 30 minutes to walk to the riverside area where most accommodations are located. This is probably one of the fastest border crossings between Thailand and Laos.
Just make sure to bring a few hundred-baht banknotes when you cross, as the Lao immigration may sometimes ask for small “random” fees, usually no more than 200 THB. To be safe, carry at least three or four 100 THB banknotes with you.
From Vientiane (Laos): You can take a long-distance sleeper bus to Savannakhet which will take about 10 - 12 hours and cost around 600 - 1,000 THB. The bus often leaves around 8 PM and you should arrive in Savannakhet in the early morning. You can book the bus ticket here.
You can also fly, which is much faster, taking only about 45 minutes, but it will be quite expensive at around 65 USD for a flight. It leaves at 2:45 PM every day and arrives around 3:30 PM. You can browse more flights via Skyscanner.
From Pakse (Southern Laos): You can take a minibus from Pakse to Savannakhet. It should take about 5 - 6 hours. They should have buses running between 7:30 AM until 3 PM daily, leaving almost every hour and it should cost around 16 - 22 USD per person. You will have to get the bus ticket from the bus station for this one as there is no online booking at the moment of writing.
How to Get Around Savannakhet?
By Walking: Pretty much, all of the main tourist attractions in Savannakhet are easily accessible on foot as they are often concentrated in and around the bank of the Mekong River, so you can easily explore the city without having to rent a vehicle.
By Sam Lor: If you want to go further, for example to visit That Ing Hang, you’ll need to hire a sam-lor driver to take you there. You can often find them along this road, sitting under the trees, and they will likely ask for around 500 THB or 333,000 LAK for a round trip, which is quite expensive.
Try negotiating it down to just over half that amount. I managed to get it down to 400 THB, but you can probably do better if you bargain harder. If they don’t agree, simply walk away and find another driver.
By Motorbike/Bike: You used to be able to rent a motorbike at Marvelao Tourist Agency, but they’ve been permanently closed for quite some time, and I couldn’t find anywhere else offering rentals anywhere in the city. Your accommodation might have bicycles available, but a motorbike is unlikely. So, if you want to go further, you’ll have to rely on a sam-lor for now... at least until someone opens a new motorbike rental shop here.
What to Pack for Savannakhet?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Savannakhet, Laos:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Savannakhet, Laos in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Laos
Looking for more information for your trip to Laos? Here is a selection of articles that might help you with your trip planning:
- Have more days to spend in Laos and want to thoroughly explore the country from north to south? Check out: 2 Weeks Backpacking Laos Itinerary.
- For a complete Laos backpacking itinerary, check out: 7 Days Backpacking Laos Itinerary By Train.
- Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
- Looking to spend some time in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos? Be sure to check out: 10 Best Things to Do in Vientiane.
- Vang Vieng, the adventure hub of Laos, has much to offer to those seeking adrenaline-rush activities. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Vang Vieng.
- Luang Prabang is my favorite city in Laos and is a place not to be missed. Here are the 12 Best Things to Do in Luang Prabang.
- Want to visit Southern Laos? Pakse is a great base for exploring the natural and historical wonders of Champasak Province. For a complete guide to Pakse, check out: Exploring Pakse: 10 Best Things to Do and More.
- Looking to cross the border from Pakse in Southern Laos to Thailand? Check out: How to Get From Bangkok/Ubon Ratchathani to Pakse, Laos, and Vice Versa.
- Want to travel from Thailand to Vientiane, Laos? Check this guide out: How to Get From Thailand to Vientiane, Laos & Vice Versa.
- Looking to cross the border from Thailand to Pakse in Southern Laos? Check out: How to Get From Bangkok/Ubon Ratchathani to Pakse, Laos, and Vice Versa.
- Want to cross the border from Mukdahan to Savannakhet in Laos and vice versa? Check out: How to Get From Bangkok/Mukdahan to Savannakhet, Laos & Vice Versa.
- Packing for a trip to visit a place as big as Southeast Asia is extremely daunting. Here's a packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Southeast Asia - The Essential Packing List.
- Not convinced by my words about Southeast Asia? Here are 64 photos that will inspire you to visit Southeast Asia now.
- You can also watch my travel video about Southeast Asia here: Watch the "Asia Alive" travel video.
- You can see all my Laos-related articles on my Laos Travel Guide page.
- For more Southeast Asia-related articles, check out my Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.