Savannakhet, a multicultural provincial capital
Officially known as Muang Khantabouli (also called Muang Savan), it is also the capital of the province of the same name. Built in 1894 by the French, it is a very active economic center in southern Laos, at the crossroads of two major road axes: from north to south, the Vientiane-Pakse road, from east to west, the Vietnam (Da Nang)-Thailand road. Colonial buildings are still very present and recall the important administrative and commercial role the city had for the French.
Savannakhet: ສະຫວັນນະເຂດ
What to do in Savannakhet?
There is an important Buddhist temple dating from the 15th century, Vat Sayaphoum, a Chinese temple, a Catholic church and a mosque. Savannakhet also has a small Dinosaur Museum, built with the help of the National Museum of Natural History in Paris. There is also a casino, Lao Vegas, intended primarily for cross-border clientele (gambling is prohibited in Thailand). The Savannakhet market, the “Talat Savan Xai”, is somewhat the commercial heart of the city. This market is interesting for its diversity, including Laotians, Vietnamese, Thais and a few representatives of small local ethnic groups. The charm of the city is discovered along peaceful streets, between old and recent buildings. If you’re feeling homesick, a game of pétanque with the elders might lift your spirits! A little outside the city is That Ing Hang, which is the second most sacred religious edifice in southern Laos, after the pre-Angkorian site of Vat Phou in Champassak.
What to see around Savannakhet?
Savannakhet is located halfway between Thakhek and Pakse. It is the second most populated city in Laos, after Vientiane the capital, and one of the most important for the economy. It also gives its name to the province in which it is located. Savannakhet is the ideal starting point to explore the Bolaven Plateau, renowned for its waterfalls and tea and coffee plantations. Heading north towards the capital Vientiane, you will pass through Thakhek, a former port of call for foreign merchants located in the Khammouane region. This region is home to the Phou Hin Boun protected national park, known for the richness of its fauna and flora and its exceptional karst landscapes. During your excursion in the Khammouane region, be sure to explore the unmissable Kong Lor underground cave!
Visit Savannakhet with Asia Safari Laos
Because every trip to Laos must be unique, our team of French-speaking advisors is at your service to organize your stay in Savannakhet. We assist you in choosing your accommodations, transportation and activities that best match your expectations. Our services allow you to discover the Savannakhet region differently, off the beaten path.Savannakhet: Our tailor-made travel ideas
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Why choose Asia Safari for your trip to Laos?
Asia Safari is not a generalist tour operator based in France. We have been on site, in Vientiane, for over 25 years. Our guides are Lao, our accommodations are hand-picked, and each itinerary is tailor-made. The result: a vibrant, fair trip, without unnecessary frills.
- Local French-speaking agency: we speak your language and know the country from the inside
- Zero intermediaries: you deal directly with the local team
- Truly tailor-made: no fixed catalog — each trip is unique
- 25+ years of experience: founded in 2002, Asia Safari assists hundreds of French-speaking travelers every year
How does our tailor-made service work?
1. You send us your request (dates, budget, desires, profile)
2. We build a proposal within 48 hours — day-by-day itinerary, accommodations, all-inclusive price
3. You refine it with us until the trip is perfect
4. We manage everything on site: guides, transport, hotels, activities
When to visit Laos?
The best period is October to April — dry season, pleasant temperatures. The rainy season (May to September) is also possible: lush landscapes and fewer tourists, but some roads can be difficult. Asia Safari advises you according to the region and type of trip.
Laos, the heart of your Indochina tour
Laos is often the surprise of a trip: uncrowded, authentic, with a quiet beauty. Asia Safari makes Laos much more than a stopover — we make it the central experience of your stay, before or after Vietnam, Cambodia, or Thailand.
Our most requested Indochina combinations
Laos + Cambodia: A classic — temples of Luang Prabang and Angkor Wat, Mekong and Tonlé Sap. 15 days minimum recommended.
Laos + Vietnam: Two contrasting countries — the calm of Laos and the energy of Vietnam. From Hanoi to Vientiane or vice versa.
Northern Laos + Yunnan: For travelers seeking originality — travel from Yunnan to Laos via the Laos-China railway (inaugurated 2021).
Grand Indochina Tour (40 days): Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand — a memorable trip for life.
Tips for preparing your multi-country tour
Visas: each country has its own rules — Asia Safari guides you through all procedures.
Ideal duration: allow a minimum of 12 to 15 days for a 2-country combination.
Seasons: seasons vary by country — we help you choose the best window.
Budget: prices vary greatly by country. Laos is cheaper than Vietnam or Thailand.
Our Story
Jean-Paul Duvergé arrived in Laos at the turn of the 2000s, fell in love with the country, and decided to stay. In 2002, he founded Asia Safari with a simple idea: to offer French-speaking travelers direct access to authentic Lao life, without the filter of large Parisian agencies. Since then, the agency has assisted thousands of travelers, built a network of trusted guides and partners, and refined its philosophy: rigorous tailor-made travel, serving authenticity.
What sets us apart
We are on site: Our team works from Vientiane. We know the roads, seasons, accommodations, guides — and what changed last week. No outdated brochures.
We speak your language: Asia Safari is a 100% French-speaking agency. All our communications, proposals, and guides speak French.
Zero intermediaries: You work directly with us. No central purchasing, no Parisian subcontractors. Fairer prices and higher service quality.
Tailor-made as our only model: We do not have standardized tours. Each trip is designed from scratch, according to your dates, budget, desires, and traveler profile.
Our commitment
Asia Safari actively supports responsible tourism in Laos: prioritizing local accommodations, tours that benefit village communities, respect for cultural and natural sites.
Laos in figures
Area: 236,800 km² | Population: approximately 7.5 million inhabitants | Capital: Vientiane | Official language: Lao | Religion: Theravada Buddhism (65% of the population) | Currency: Lao Kip (LAK) | Time zone: UTC+7
Laos must-sees
Luang Prabang: Former royal capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site, its golden temples, French colonial houses, and gentle way of life make it an undeniable favorite.
Vientiane: The human-sized capital — That Luang, Patuxai, and the banks of the Mekong are worth a visit.
Vang Vieng: Surrounded by limestone karsts, ideal for kayaking, caving, and hiking.
Southern Laos and 4000 Islands: Champassak, the Vat Phou temples (UNESCO), the Bolaven Plateau, and the Mekong islands.
Lao culture
Theravada Buddhism permeates all of Lao life. The alms giving (offerings to monks at dawn) in Luang Prabang is a daily ritual of great beauty. Lao festivals — Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year in April), Boun Ok Phansa (Festival of Lights) — are exceptional times to travel.
Nature and biodiversity
Laos is 70% covered by forests. Its protected areas are home to rare species: Asian elephants, gibbons, sun bears. The rivers and plateaus offer natural settings of rare purity in Asia.
