Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Chanmany 2
East of the market, just off Chaimuang Rd 041 213992.
Not really geared
towards Western backpackers, but a great budget choice all the same, Chanm
any 2 h
as fresh
en-suite doubles in two quiet, peach-coloured buildings. No English spoken.
60,000K
Daosavanh Resort & Spa
Tha He Rd, south of the hospital 041 252188,
daosavanh.com
.
The most luxurious and best-equipped hotel in Savannakhet sprawls along-
side the main river road. Many of the rooms and suites face the hotel's glistening blue pool,
which is surrounded by mature fruit trees. The resort
has its o
wn spa, gym and restaurant, and
non-guests can pay to use the pool (100,000K/day).
575,000K
Leena Guesthouse
Head 200m east along Chao Kim Rd, off Latsavongseuk Rd, and follow
the signs 041 212404.
Two worn but comfortable buildings in a quiet residential area, of-
fering en-suite rooms, some with a/c, hot water and TV. There's a pleasant restau
rant ser
ving
Western
breakfasts downstairs, and a huge wat and a Chinese temple nearby.
50,000K
, a/c
90,000K
New Saen Sabai Hotel
Just opposite the ferry landing on Tha He Road 041 252601,
newsaensabai99@gmail.com
.
This modern block has relatively smart rooms with carpeted
floors, small balconies, glass hand basins and decent corner showers. Rooms are a lit
tle over-
priced, so you may like to ask for a reduction, but the location is undoubtedly good.
250,000K
SavanVegas
Nongdeune Village, just south of the airport 041 252200,
savanvegas.com
.
Plans to transform Savannakhet into the new “Lao Vegas” don't seem to have materialized,
leaving this place as the only resort on The Strip. This vast, brash, international-class hotel
has a range of rooms, all with high-end fixtures
and fittin
gs. Non-guests are welcome to try
their luck at the tables and slots (Thai baht only).
400,000K
EATING
The food and service at Savannakhet's
travellers'cafés
are passable, but the town does have
some very good street food. One famous local noodle dish worth seeking out is
baw bun
(Vi-
etnamese rice noodles served with chopped-up spring rolls and beef). Vietnamese spring rolls
are also quite good here. Other local delights include bamboo shoots and watermelon and
sin
Savannakhet
- sweet, dried, roasted beef. Head to the tourist office to pick up a free leaflet
providing information on local food.
Café Chai Dee
Latsavongseuk Rd 020 5988 6767,
cafechaidee.com
.
Chilled café-res-
taurant turning out a mix of Western and Japanese dishes, plus
lào-láo
mojitos (24,000K) and
red wine by the glass (20,000K). There's also a book exchange, and handmade local crafts
are offered for sale.
Daily except Fri 8.30am-9pm.
DaoSavanh
On the northwestern side of the town square 041 260888.
French cuisine par
excellence at this beautifully restored colonial house right in the heart of town. Try the de-
licious set menu featuring green garden salad, beef bourguignon and ice cream for dessert
(65,000K).
Daily except Tues 10am-9.30pm.
