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Best Tourist Places to Visit in Savannakhet, Laos, Asia

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Savannakhet, Laos, Asia

Savannakhet is the capital city of Savannakhet Province located in Western Laos at the coordinates of 16°33′ N 104°45′ E. It is placed about 544 km southeast of national capital Vientiane and is the second biggest city of the country after Vientiane. The province of Savannakhet occupies an area of 21,774 sq. km. and is the birthplace of Lao’s former president Kaysone Phomvihane.

Savannakhet is home to worship places of different religions like Budhhist, Christians and Muslims and houses one huge 15th century Buddhist Temple. Savannakhet Province is the largest province and is one of the leading tobacco producing regions in Laos. Savannakhet is also known for its mining business and has rich mineral resources of copper and gold.

Geography and climate of Savannakhet:

Savannakhet experiences a tropical wet and dry climate and from April to October is wet season in Savannakhet. Savannakhet Province is bordered by Salavan Province in the south, Khammouan Province on the north, Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan provinces of Thailand in the west and Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue provinces of Vietnam towards east.

History of Savannakhet:

The literal meaning of Savannakhet in local language is “city of paradise” and the city was earlier known as Khanthabouli.

Cuisine, Culture and Shopping in Savannakhet:

The restaurants of Savannakhet offer Chinese, Thai, Indian and Japanese food. The best restaurants in Savannakhet include Lin’s Cafe, Cafe Chai Dee, Hanarhan J, Tonenam restaurant, Vasana restaurant and Sabaidee Restaurant and French Restaurant Dao Savanh. Laos coffee is very famous and available at two coffee centre of Savannakhet, one is located in front of the Catholic Church and another one near city bus station.

Savannakhet is home to different religions namely Christians, Muslims and Buddhists of Lao, Vietnamese and Chinese. The natives celebrate festivals like That Phon Festival, Heuan Hin Festival, Lao New Year Festival, Rocket Festival, Boat Racing Festival and Ing Hang Stupa Festival in the months of February and March with great enthusiasm.

Savannakhet houses several major banks and ATM centers as well. One District One Product, Savanxay Market and Dao Heuang Duty Free Shop are the major shops of the city with an ability to fulfill the requirements both local and foreign tourists.

Connectivity to Savannakhet:

Savannakhet is served by Savannakhet Airport with daily flights from and to national capital Vientiane and costs around $US110. It is good for Bangkok tourists, Lao Airlines provides weekly 3 time air services (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and it takes 2 hour 20 minutes, costs US$115.

Savannakhet is well connected with Vientiane, Pakse and other major cities of the country through roadways. There are two types of buses leave at Savannakhet City Bus Stand like VIP Bus and Local Bus and the ticket charge of VIP bus is high compared to Local Bus. Also the city has connectivity to Thailand and Vietnam through bus.

Tourist attractions in Savannakhet:

That Ing Hang Stupa:

That Ing Hang Stupa is the sixteenth century stupa and the major holy place of Laos Buddhists. It is located 13 kms away from Savannakhet City and December is the best time to visit this stupa.

Wat Xayaphoum:

Wat Xayaphoum is a very ancient temple placed on the banks of River Mekong in the heart of Savannakhet City. This 16^th century temple is very famous among the surrounding regions of Savannakhet.

Dinosaur Museum:

Dinosaur Museum has three different types of dinosaur bones like Pode, Iguanodon and Sauropode. The museum is open from 08:00 AM to 11:30 AM and afternoon from 1:30 to 4:30 daily.

Other tourist attractions near Savannakhet include:

Old French colonial buildings
UXO SVK
Kaysone Phomvihane’s House
Savannakhet Tennis Club

Ideal time to visit Savannakhet:

From December to March is the best time to visit Savannakhet.

Accommodation Options in Savannakhet:

The major hotels, resorts and guest houses in and around Savannakhet are as follows:

Nongsoda Guesthouse
Leena’s Guesthouse
Nongsoda Guesthouse
Xayamoungkhoun Guesthouse
Rattanasawan Hotel
Hoongthip Hotel
Savan Vegas & Casino
Dao Savanh Resort & Spa
Soulinsouk Hotel
Mukdahan Grand Hotel
Ploy Palace Hotel
Hotel Riveria

Saravane Tourist Places to Visit in Saravane, Laos, Asia

Saravane Tourist Places to Visit in Saravane, Laos, Asia

Saravane also called as Salavan is the capital city of Salavan Province in South Laos, about 654 southeast of national capital Vientiane. Salavan Province is spread over an area of 16,389 sq. km. placed between 15°43′ N latitude and 106°25′ E longitude.

The economy of Salavan is based on the agricultural activities, especially coffee production. Salavan is considered as one of the major coffee production centres of the country and Arabica coffee and coffee beans are very much popular at Salavan.

Geography and climate of Salavan:

Salavan Province is bounded by Vietnam in the east, Savannakhét Province on the north, Xekong Province towards southeast, Thailand in the west and Champasak Province towards south.

History of Salavan:

In previous, Salavan was one of the divisions of Champasak Kingdom. Salavan was earlier known as Saravane renamed in the year 1828 by Thai.

Culture, Shopping and food in Salavan:

The population of Salavan comprises of higher majority of Buddhists along with less percentage of Christian communities. Lao dance and Lam Saravane (folksong) originated in Salavan and now these are very popular all around the country. Lao language is the official language as well as widely spoken language all over the country including Salavan. Some educated people use French language for official purpose.

Salavan is one of the developing cities of the country in all major sectors, especially in shopping. In recent years, because of the increasing tourists invasion, there are plenty of modern and ancient style shops set up all over the city to gain the advantage of tourism. The handicraft products of wood and jewelry shops placed in the centre of the city.

Rice is the generally used staple food in the regions of Salavan Province. Other than rice, maize, wheat and corn are common in the routine diet of Salavan natives. khao piak sen, ping moo, or lam, larb, som moo, Lao sausage, Jaew Mak Khu , Jaew Padeak and Jaew Mak Len are popular food items of Salavan. The city houses Indian, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese style hotels along with local food corners.

Connectivity to Salavan:

Salavan is well connected with its nearby regions and the major cities of the country by both road and air transports. There are frequent buses plying between Salavan and the main cities like Vientiane, Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Pakse and Attopeu.

Salavan has its own airport named as ‘Saravane Airport’ situated 22 kms away from the city. Also one can board flights of major cities at Khong Airport (88 km) and Pakxe Airport (136 kms).

Tourist Attractions in Salavan:

Katang:

Katang is village located in Toomlarn District of Salavan Province well known for silk weaving and the famous festival ‘Lapup Festival’ organized in the end of February every year in Katang.

Khone Phapheng Falls:

Khone Phapheng Falls is the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia and the most important one of Laos located in Champasak Province, about 130 kms from Salavan. Tourists can come across the world’s longest freshwater fish ‘plabuck’ in the fall.

Champasak Palace:

Champasak Palace was the residence of Chao Boun Oum, the Prince of Champasak and this has been now converted into a luxury hotel.

Other tourist attractions near Salavan include:

Vat Phou
Si Phan Don
Champasak Provincial Museum

Best time to visit Salavan:

The best time to travel Salavan is between the months of November and February.

Accommodation Options in Salavan:

The prominent hotels in Salavan and Champasak are listed here below:

Silsamay Guest House 2
Saise Guesthouse and Hotel
Tad Lo Lodge
Say Kham Guest House
Chindavone Guest House
Thipphapone Guesthouse
Ban Pak Gaeopansavanh
Miss Asim Guest House
Champasak Palace Hotel
Champa Residence
Lankham Hotel
Tad Fane Resort
Khamchalaen Hotel
Champasack Grand Hotel

Tourist Places to Visit in Sam Neua, Laos, Asia

Tourist Places to Visit in Sam Neua, Laos, Asia

Sam Neua also spelled as Xam Neua is the capital city of Houaphan Province in Northeast Laos, situated about 631 kms northeast of national capital Vientiane and is located between 20.4133° north latitude and 104.0481° east longitude. The adjoining regions of Sam Neua include Muong U, Houamuang, Chomsan, Muang Pan, Muang Hom, Muang Peu, Muang Xon, Ban Muang-Et, Ban Nampang and Muong Vene.

Sam Neua is home to few educational institutions and health centres with poor road infrastructure. The tourist attractions located near Sam Neua include Hintang Archaeological Park, Pathet Lao Caves and Namnoua waterfall.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Sam Neua:

More than 95% of Sam Neua citizens are Buddhists and less percentage of Christians and Hindus are also inhabited in Sam Neua. The population includes the people from Lao, Vietnamese, Hmong, Tai Dam, Tai Daeng and Tai Lu. The natives speak Lao, Vietnamese and Hmong along with French.

Sam Neua houses plenty of food corners serving Laos, Chinese and Vietnamese style. Dan Nao Meuang Xam Restaurant is the well known food centre just away from Boun Home Guesthouse. Tourists can get noodles soup, fried rice for 12,000 kip and French Fries for 20,000 kip. All the restaurants are open till 9 PM only.

One can pick colorful handicrafts in Sam Neua City in day times only and the city hosts several modern cloth centres and shopping malls other than handicraft shops. The products like cloth and footwear are available at affordable cost compared to other regions of the province in Sam Neua. The major banks of Sam Neua offer currency exchange service for tourists.

Connectivity to Sam Neua:

Sam Neua has one airport named as Nathong Airport well connected with national capital Vientiane. Other nearest airports accessible to Sam Neua are Oudomxay Airport and Houeisay Airport.

There are daily buses accessible from Sam Neua to Phonsavan (8 hour) and Luang Prabang (15 hour) at a cost of 130,000 kip. Other than buses, Taxis and Jeeps are also available to travel in Sam Neua.

Places to see in Sam Neua:

Viengxay Caves:

Viengxay Caves are very famous caves located in Houaphanh Province. It witnessed Second Indochina War and houses a hospital, a school, Pathet Lao offices, bakeries, shops, and a theatre. Viengxay Cave is one of the must visit tourist destination in Laos.

Wat Pho Xai:

Wat Pho Xai is the important landmark and the major tourist destination of Sam Neua. It is surrounded by several hotels and other tourist destinations as well.

Nameuang Hot Springs:

Nameuang Hot Springs is situated near the valley of paddy fields located in the vicinity Houaiyad waterfall.

Hintang Archaeological Park:

Hintang Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered as one of the major historical sites of northern Laos.

The list of other tourist attractions near Sam Neua is as follows:

Ban Tham Buddha Cave
Tat Saloei Waterfall
Xanglot Cave
Prince Souphanouvong’s Cave

Best time to visit Sam Neua:

From November to February is the ideal time to holiday Sam Neua.

Accommodation Options in Sam Neua:

Most of the hotels located at Sam Neua offers internet connectivity, hot water bath facility and host of other facilities. The prominent budgeted guest houses and luxury hotels in and around Sam Neua are:

Long Ma Guesthouse
Shuliy Guesthouse
Bounhome Guesthouse
Sam Neua Hotel
Viengxai Hotel
Mai Chau Lodge
Ha Noi hotel
Huong Sen Yen Chau Trading Hotels Corporation
Sao Xanh Hotel
Nam La Hotel

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Phonsavan, Laos, Asia

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Phonsavan, Laos, Asia

Phonsavan is the capital city of Xieng Khouang Province in Northeast Laos is located about 389 km northeast of Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Phonsavan area code is 061.

The economy of Phonsavan is based on agricultural activities like Cattle rearing, mining and tourism. Colorful wooden houses and Plain of Jars are the main tourist attractions of Phonsavan.

Geography and climate in Phonsavan:

Phonsavan is located at an elevation of 1,100 meters at the coordinates of 19°25′ N 103°10′ E. Phonsavan features a humid subtropical climate and December is the coldest month in Phonsavan.

History of Phonsavan:

The literal meaning of Phonsavan in local language is “hills of paradise” and Phonsavan was formed in the year 1970.

Cuisine, Culture and shopping in Phonsavan:

Phonsavan houses the population of different communities such as Tai Dam, Tai Daeng, Phuan, Khmu and Hmong along with lower majority of Laotian Chinese and Vietnamese. The traditional clothes of the women’s of Phonsavan include saree and blouse and the men’s dress consists of shirt and pant. The bullfights during Hmong New Year are the main attractions of Phonsavan

The diet of Phonsavan contain the fruits like Chinese pear, passion fruit, peach, plum and mushrooms commonly. The city of Phonsavan houses the food corners of Chinese, Vietnamese and Indian. Nisha is the popular Indian restaurant serving Indian and Laos food of both vegetarian and non vegetarian. Nirvana is a well known bamboo fashion bar and restaurant that serves customers with Western and local Food. Other famous food corners in Phonsavan include Sangha Restaurant, Vasana Hotel and Bamboozle.

The natives of Phonsavan are very popular in producing traditional handicraft products of natural dyes and textiles like mulberry paper umbrella and Hmong embroidery. Navang Craft Center, Hmong Craft Center and The Mulberry Silk Farm are best to purchase handicraft products.

Connectivity to Phonsavan:

Phonsavan has a good connectivity with national capital Vientiane and Hanoi in Vietnam. It takes about 10 hours to reach Vientiane and 12 hours to Hanoi and buses are easily accessible at northern bus terminal. Phonsavan is served by Muang Phonsavan Airport with weekly six flights catered by Lao Airlines, located 5 km away from the centre of the city. One can also hire minivans to reach airport other than buses.

Places to see in Phonsavan:

Plain of Jars:

The Plain of Jars is the big rocks historical landscape in Phonsavan of Xieng Khouang. It has been designated for UNESCO World Heritage grade.

Ancient Cemetery and Jao Supanouvong Lake:

The cemetery situated on a beautiful hill 1 km away from Phonsavan City and is the best spot for sun set view. Jao Supanouvong Lake named after the first president of the Laos PDR Prince Supanouvong, located 3 km from the city centre.

Nong Tang Lake:

Nong Tang Lake is one of the favorite picnic spots placed 48 kms far from Phonsavan. It is surrounded by several ruined ancient temples such as Wat Pong, Wat Xiengna and Mang Stupa. Another prime attraction ‘The Tham Pa Buddha Cave’ is located in the vicinity of Nong Tang Lake.

Other tourist attractions near Phonsavan include: