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Savannakhet

Laos · City · LAK · 16.570300, 104.762200
Family friendly 6.7/10 · Rank 1024 of 2 709
Best season: November-February

Best for

Suitable for history lovers, Buddhist monument enthusiasts, quiet holidays, and those traveling through southern Laos

Best season

November-February

Daily budget
$31.00 (≈ 2 602 ₽)
For 7 days
$217.00 (≈ 18 211 ₽)
Savannakhet is the second-largest city in Laos, located on the Mekong River at the border with Thailand, preserving the spirit of French Indochina. The architecture of the center has hardly changed, with streets lined with colonial buildings mixed with Lao and Vietnamese influences. Here you should visit the That Ing Hang Stupa and the Dinosaur Museum, as well as stroll through the colorful markets. Savannakhet is a place where time has stood still, offering travelers an authentic atmosphere.
Summer
35.0°C
Winter
16.9°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Friendly, traditional, with rich cultural heritage and respect for Buddhist traditions

Pros and cons

Pros

  • That Ing Hang Stupa — important Buddhist monument
  • Dinosaur Museum
  • Rich history and culture
  • Affordable prices
  • Visa-free entry for Russians up to 30 days
  • Scenic Mekong waterfront

Cons

  • No direct flights from Moscow
  • Rainy season from May to October
  • Limited nightlife
  • Few hotels and restaurants
  • Swimming in Mekong not recommended
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
28.4°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
32.2°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
35.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
22.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
28.6°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
16.9°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
May-October
Attractions

That Ing Hang Stupa

One of the most revered Buddhist stupas in Laos, built in 1560 by King Setthathirath, pilgrimage site

Dinosaur Museum

Museum with dinosaur fossils found in Savannakhet province

Wat Sainyaphum Temple

One of the largest and oldest Buddhist temples in Laos, founded in the 15th-16th centuries

Ho Tay Pidok Library

Historic library of Buddhist manuscripts, recognized as national heritage

Taleo Temple

Ancient temple recognized as national heritage, with rich history

Mekong Waterfront

Scenic waterfront with views of the river and Thailand, popular walking spot

Best areas

Savannakhet Center

Main area with hotels, restaurants, markets, and temples, all walkable

Mekong Waterfront

Scenic riverside area with hotels, restaurants, and night market

That Ing Hang Area

Area around the main stupa with hotels and restaurants

Must-try food

Laap

National dish of Laos, spicy minced meat salad with herbs, lime, and rice

Khao Niaw

Sticky rice, staple of Lao cuisine, served in woven baskets

Tam Mak Hung

Spicy green papaya salad with tomatoes, peanuts, and fish sauce

Mok Pa

Fish steamed in banana leaves with herbs and spices

Kaeng No Mai

Bamboo soup with herbs and vegetables, traditional dish

Ping Pa

Grilled fish seasoned with herbs and spices

Beerlao

Laos national beer, popular drink

Where to go next

That Ing Hang Stupa

One of the most revered stupas in Laos, 15 km from Savannakhet

Dong Natad National Protected Area

Reserve with forests and wildlife, 30 km from Savannakhet

Taleo Temple

Ancient temple, national heritage, 10 km from Savannakhet

Tad Phalong Waterfall

Scenic waterfall, 40 km from Savannakhet

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Savannakhet Airport (ZVK).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required (up to 30 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
November-February
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$21.00
≈ 1 762 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.30
≈ 25 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Savannakhet: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is November-February. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Savannakhet: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +35.0°C, during the day — up to +32.2°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Savannakhet: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +16.9°C, during the day — up to +28.6°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Savannakhet: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on May-October. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Savannakhet: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $31.00 (≈ 2 602 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Savannakhet: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $6.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $21.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $40.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $80.00 per night, an apartment — $25.00 per night, a villa — $60.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Savannakhet: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $3.00, dinner at a restaurant — $6.00, a cup of cappuccino — $1.50, a 0.5L beer — $1.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Savannakhet: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $5.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.30, a short taxi ride — $2.00, car rental — $40.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Savannakhet: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: That Ing Hang Stupa — One of the most revered Buddhist stupas in Laos, built in 1560 by King Setthathirath, pilgrimage site; Dinosaur Museum — Museum with dinosaur fossils found in Savannakhet province; Wat Sainyaphum Temple — One of the largest and oldest Buddhist temples in Laos, founded in the 15th-16th centuries; Ho Tay Pidok Library — Historic library of Buddhist manuscripts, recognized as national heritage; Taleo Temple — Ancient temple recognized as national heritage, with rich history. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Savannakhet: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Laap — National dish of Laos, spicy minced meat salad with herbs, lime, and rice; Khao Niaw — Sticky rice, staple of Lao cuisine, served in woven baskets; Tam Mak Hung — Spicy green papaya salad with tomatoes, peanuts, and fish sauce; Mok Pa — Fish steamed in banana leaves with herbs and spices; Kaeng No Mai — Bamboo soup with herbs and vegetables, traditional dish; Ping Pa — Grilled fish seasoned with herbs and spices; Beerlao — Laos national beer, popular drink. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Savannakhet: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Savannakhet Center — Main area with hotels, restaurants, markets, and temples, all walkable; Mekong Waterfront — Scenic riverside area with hotels, restaurants, and night market; That Ing Hang Area — Area around the main stupa with hotels and restaurants. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Savannakhet: is a visa required?
Visa: not required (up to 30 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Savannakhet: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Savannakhet Airport (code ZVK). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $5.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Savannakhet: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — LAK. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $31.00 (≈ 2 602 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Savannakhet: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Savannakhet: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Savannakhet: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: That Ing Hang Stupa — One of the most revered stupas in Laos, 15 km from Savannakhet; Dong Natad National Protected Area — Reserve with forests and wildlife, 30 km from Savannakhet; Taleo Temple — Ancient temple, national heritage, 10 km from Savannakhet; Tad Phalong Waterfall — Scenic waterfall, 40 km from Savannakhet. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

6.7/10
Overall rank: 1024 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 317