Asia

Sabai dee and welcome to this guide to Travel in Laos. Laos is a small country in South-East Asia, somewhat overshadowed by its neighbours Thailand and Cambodia, which has managed to develop without becoming tourism-dependent. This doesn’t in any way mean that it’s not worth visiting! Picture a landscape of rice paddies as far as the eye can see, where it’s not unusual to see water buffalo working the land. It’s a country where the beauty of the stormy skies mingles perfectly with the waters of the rivers. The people are unbelievably kind. Buddhism is omnipresent and governs every stage of life. It’s a country where you can switch off from normal life, chill out, take your time and just listen to the rice grow. It’s a country that’s simply a delight to travel in. You’re not imagining it: a stay in Laos is an exquisite and timeless experience. You will be charmed by the sublime Luang Prabang. The former capital houses magnificent temples and monasteries, interspersed with a wonderful natural landscape of hills and the waters of the Mekong. The Mekong, or ‘mother of water’ is sure to be the common thread that runs through your trip to Laos, as you follow its winding course by bus, by car and above all by boat, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the ancient kingdom of a million elephants…

Laos

Xiengkhouang

Being on the other side of the Mekong than Pakse, it's a great departure point if you're heading to Wat Phou Champassak. The village itself is not void of interest, and you'll be enchanted by a short stay here.

Champassak

Khong

Muang Sing is a pretty village miles from anywhere, about 2 hours from Luang Nam Tha and lost in the countryside of northern Laos. 

Muang Sing

Savannakhet is the second biggest town in Laos. It is very quiet and is mainly a destination for tourists who want to get a visa for Thailand quickly.

Savannakhét

Kazakhstan

Taiwan

Tajikistan

Turkmenistan

Europe

Central America

Africa

North America

South America

Middle East

Oceania

I originally went to Savannakhet to renew a visa for Thailand but as I was curious about it I wanted to stay at least one night there and visit the surroundings. I don't regret it because there are few tourists in Savannakhet  and even though there isn't much to see, I loved the friendliness of the Laotians and the feeling of being <a data-mce-href="https://www.evaneos.fr/ou-partir/idee-voyage-hors-des-sentiers-battus/" href="https://www.evaneos.fr/ou-partir/idee-voyage-hors-des-sentiers-battus/" target="_blank">off the beaten path</a>. First I went to see one lake and then another. In both places we were alone, apart from a few buffalo and a village fete in the distance...I got lost looking for the ruins of a temple that is apparently untraceable without a guide, but it doesn't matter. You meet smiling people. It was a shame that the rice paddies were dry when we were visiting or it could have been even more beautiful. Savannakhet  is a sleepy country town, but the surrounding area is worth a visit for those who love a country atmosphere and meeting friendly local people.

The second largest town in Laos after Vientiane, Savannakhet promises several pleasant surprises that visitors can enjoy if staying there for a few days during a <a href="/laos/">trip to Laos</a>. Situated by the Mekong, which separates the town from Thailand, it's as quiet as its Thai sistertown is modern and buzzing! The town still has old colonial buildings albeit a bit shabby and unkempt. However the town's former splendour can be seen at a superb exhibition at Lin's Cafe in the town centre! Lin also offers a Walking History Tour around town where you can explore its rich architectural heritage. And whilst you're touring, take the time to chat with the locals - they're a smiley lot! After my walk I decided to visit the town's many religious sites. The Vietnamese Temple is certainly one of the most sumptuous and the monks were really welcoming
. Early in the morning the Buddhist monks walk the streets begging for alms. It's an emblematic sight you also see at Luang Prabang and a moving experience. Whereas Luang Prabang attracts hoards of tourists clicking their cameras, Savannakhet has managed to remain modest and discreet in comparison. The procession is not one to miss!

A former colonial town, Savannakhet is a quiet retreat by the River Mekong. Let yourself be seduced by its history and people!

Savannakhét Vacations

Savannakhét: How to get there?

Savannakhét: See when to go ?

Savannakhét: For how long?

Savannakhét: What to see nearby?