Savannakhet

Savannakhet or Kaysone Phomvihane is a city in western Laos and the capital of the Savannakhet Province, previously known as Khanthabouli. This is the second-largest city in Laos, after Vientiane.

 

Languid, time-trapped and ghostly quiet during the sweltering days that batter the old city's plasterwork, Savannakhet is a beguiling mix of yesteryear coupled with increasingly modern commerce. The best it has to offer is the historic quarter with its staggering – and that might just be the right adjective – display of decaying early 20th century architecture. Leprous and listing, these grand old villas of Indochina's heyday now lie unwanted like aged dames crying out for a makeover. Amble down to the riverfront and relax in a local noodle shop or one of a clutch of stylish restaurants and bijou cafes that are steadily growing in number.

 

....But there's loads to do nearby and Savannakhet has a very dedicated tourist information centre and eco-guide unit who have myriad intrepid trips into the nearby NPAs.