Savannakhet, Laos 🇱🇦
Nomad Score:
56%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Savannakhet is the second-largest city in Laos, located in the southern part of the country near the Mekong River. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 130,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 15-25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 9,500 LAK (Lao Kip); ATMs are available, but it's advisable to have cash for smaller purchases. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from companies like Lao Telecom and ETL; prepaid plans are common. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Accepted payment types include cash for small vendors, and international cards at larger establishments. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to guesthouses and serviced apartments; Airbnb available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred in most local shops and markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Multiple listings available on Airbnb and similar platforms. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Phonsavan Guesthouse and Savan Vegas Hotel offer budget stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hub Savannakhet; a small coworking space with decent facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | K Cafe Savannakhet; good Wi-Fi and a quiet atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by local expat community groups; check Facebook for details. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular community gatherings at places like the Lao-Japan Center. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No major apps; use local tuk-tuks or taxis, negotiate fares beforehand. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available from several local shops; prices around 50,000 LAK per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Nakhon Phanom beach across the Mekong, about 30 mins away by boat. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Lao Airlines serves regional routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Vietnam Airlines and Bangkok Airways for international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via Route 9 which connects to Thailand. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Savannakhet Bus Station for local and regional buses. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited; fares are usually paid per trip. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and tuk-tuks connect to nearby cities like Pakse and Thakhek. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Savannakhet Provincial Hospital; basic facilities available. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; check organic markets or local community centers for classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center at Savan Vegas Hotel; basic equipment available. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Numerous small laundries available throughout the city; prices around 10,000 LAK per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Bite; a local app for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Larb; a local minced meat salad, available at many street stalls. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Try Vientiane Restaurant, which has good vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Mochi Cafe; known for their sweet treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Savannakhet Night Market for budget-friendly eating. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited; consider international sites like Amazon. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No established services; local grocery stores are the main option. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Centre area offers bars like Egan's Bar for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Beerlao is the local beer; available widely. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Very limited; check hotel bars for international selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Numerous stalls throughout the night market offering local favorites. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Grape Cafe offers a mix of Western and Asian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | That Ing Hang Stupa; a significant religious site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Savannakhet Museum; showcasing local culture and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | French colonial architecture in the city center. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Wat Sainyaphum; an important Buddhist temple. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The annual Savannakhet Boun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) in May. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old part of the city reflects French colonial influences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Occasional performances at local cultural centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Savannakhet Night Market; great for food and local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bands often perform in cafes and bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited, but some murals can be found near cafes. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes are available in small groups; check with hotels. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few galleries; local artisans sell crafts at markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old French Consulate Building is a notable site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The area is known for its blend of Lao and French cultures. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Phu Phan National Park; great for hiking and nature tours. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Dong Phu Vien National Park; known for rich biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trails along the Mekong River provide scenic views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Various viewpoints along the Mekong River at sunrise. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Mekong River area; diverse bird species can be seen. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | General parks nearby for casual gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Lao Post for local shipping needs. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Markets have small shops for electronics repair. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers may have tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Private tutors advertised locally; basic Lao classes available. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Private study areas in cafes are popular among expats. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various local community centers host events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited, but local cafes have gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Some hotel casinos in the city offer gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | No formal corporate tax; business registration fees apply. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Lao tax laws apply; consult for specific rates. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on local income; foreigners may not be taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Top rate is around 24%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% standard tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Minimal restrictions; business-friendly environment. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax; some fees apply. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% upon property purchase. |