Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SAVANNAKHET ACTIVITIES AND TRIPS
Savannakhet Province is packed with options for environmentally sensitive trekking, cyc-
ling and wildlife tours - many of them still in their infancy. Staff at the Eco Guide Unit
on Latsaphanit Road (Mon-Fri 8-11.30am & 1.30-4pm; 041 214203, savannakhet-
trekking.com ) can offer advice on what's available and find you an English-speaking guide.
The exceptionally helpful team here can organize a range of one- to five-day community-
based treks, as well as guided cycling tours. Options for two-wheeled exploration include
a one-day cycling tour to That Ing Hang with stops along the way to see weavers at work
(around 200,0000 per person), and a longer two-day cycling trip with the chance to stay
in a Lao home overnight (around 500,000K per person). The three-day “Katang Trail” trek
(Nov-May only) is more focused on local culture and wildlife, with a good chance of spot-
ting hornbills and monkeys in the Dong Phu Vieng protected area (around 1,500,000K per
person). Prices are dependent on the number of people taking part.
If you'd rather save cash, a self-guided tour is a practical alternative. The main tourist
office has an excellent series of free leaflets providing information on local street food (in-
cluding prices and descriptions) and the locations of historic buildings, allowing you to ex-
plore the city at your own pace. A bike or motorbike ride in any direction from the centre
gives an opportunity to view the difference in lifestyles between the ethnic Vietnamese of
the town and the ethnic Lao in the countryside. As you head out, brick and stucco give
way to teak and bamboo, while rows of shade trees come to an abrupt halt and fruit trees -
mango, guava and papaya - begin to appear in every yard.
GETTING AROUND
Tuk-tuks As Savannakhet is incredibly spread out, you may find tuk-tuks easier than trying
to walk the long blocks outside the old quarter, especially on hot days. Tuk-tuks can be
flagged down around town and cost 10,000K for short distances within the centre.
Bikerental Bicycles are another excellent way of seeing the town and can be rented at hotels
and guesthouses around town, including Leena Guesthouse (10,000K/day).
ACCOMMODATION
Savannakhet has a very good range of accommodation , including family-run guesthouses,
business hotels and even a Vegas-style casino. Generally, the most atmospheric and conveni-
ent area to stay is in the old city, but don't expect to find charming guesthouses in colonial
buildings as in Luang Prabang. Most of the best modern options are scattered on the wide
streets outside the immediate vicinity of the old city, but these places can be inconvenient if
you don't have your own transport.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search