About
Savannakhet is the second-largest city in Laos, set in Savannakhet Province in the south-central part of the country. It is a city of old streets and colonial-era buildings, and it is also known by the names Kaysone Phomvihane and Savan.
What to see
The city is known for its French colonial architecture, and numerous historic buildings line its streets. Visitors who enjoy wandering on foot will find much to notice in the older quarters, where facades and façades from the colonial period still stand. Temples are also part of the city's character, adding a second layer of history and everyday religious life to a walk around town.
Why it makes a good stop
Savannakhet has long served as a stopping point on the overland route between Thailand and Vietnam. Travellers crossing the region by road often break their journey here, so the city suits a visit of a day or two as part of a longer trip through Laos rather than a destination reached only for its own sake.
A visit suits those interested in architecture, in Southeast Asian temples, and in the slower pace of a provincial city. Its streets reward unhurried exploration, and the historic buildings give the centre a distinct feel that sets it apart from other stops along the route.
