Savannakhet, Loas...Any info for my trip.

[doggie1955]

I am going to Savannakhet to get a Non-O visa for one year. (any visa info will help)

I am leaving Phitsanulok by bus, as I am told it is the best way there. (if you know of a better way, let me know)

1. Best hotel to stay at, clean & safe.

2. Were to eat.

3. Were to shop.

4. Any night life in town. (clubs, bars/pubs...ect!)

5. Any info on the casino?

Thank You...

[tonray]

You will likely arrive at Mukdahan station and take the bus over the bridge into Laos. Once you get to Laos you will be besieged by a zillion Tuk Tuk drivers....there is a guy who looks like a short version of the American actor Ernest Borgnine...he is reliable and reasonable. If you have a hotel in mind just show him the address and name...if not he knows a few decent guesthouses near the consulate to bunk.\

In Savannakhet there is decent food. Many Thai food places and lots of grilled meats on the street. There are sandwich vendors along the main drag selling the Lao version of the Vietnamese sandwich on Baguette. Pate, pickled veggies and dressing.....very very good about .90 cents US.

The Casino is a little further north from the consulate if I remember....worth a few hours if that is your thing.....also much Lao and Vietnamese eye candy to ogle (if that is your thing...).

As far as night life don't really know but a few pubs and places around...one run by farang called '7' I think....almost looks like a convenience store...but not much there except a bunch of westerners drinking beer.....not really night life...lol.

Shopping....little shops are everywhere...depends on what you want.

Also the area near the river is somewhat depressing...worth a look in daytime...but not really the happening spot as it was in Vientienne.

have fun !

[ubonjoe]

What is the basis that you are going to use to apply for the non-o visa?

You could look her for some reports for Savannakhet. Latest Reports Of Getting A Visa In The Region

[luke000]

Theres a Guest house just across the road from the Bus station, its 300 Baht and you can walk to the Consulate from there

Come out the bus station and cross the road , (both roads, theres a road that turns directly right ) , cross that road, and the main road and the guest house is just on the right

[turgid]

Cheap, quaint, you'll be bored after a couple of days. Outwardly at least more conservative than Thailand. Transport after dark can be difficult. We were staying in the Casino but took a tuk tuk to eat down near the river which was pleasant and then went to a couple of bars to sample the local atmosphere which was also pleasant. Lots of young Laos couples on motorbikes. When we tried to get a taxi there were none. A couple of tuk tuks refused to take us to the Casino because they said police checks. Eventually we had to wake and bribe a tuk tuk driver to take us and he had to wake his friend to help him drive because he said he was too drunk. This was 9PM. Fortunately the tuk tuks are small chinese motorcycles with carriages strapped on the back so with two drivers and two passengers it never went fast enough to do us damage.

The casino is out of town, bit run down, smokey but large bedrooms. There are lots of simple eating and drinking places near it if you walk out to the road. It has low stakes tables which means you can lose your money more slowly if thats your thing.

[CrackerJackyouup]

Avalon residence, english speaking college student staff. 2 minutes walk to Savannakhet bus stop and tuk tuk stop. Has a bar on premises, drinks are cheap. Staff is very friendly. 5 minute tuk tuk ride to consulate. Buffalo meat Baguets for sale in the morning across the road for 40 Baht and grilled farm chicken with sticky rice. Friendly people. Avalon also has a coffee shop with very good coffee and meals. The staff knows all the clubs and night spots and can arrange pickups with tuk tuk to and from destinations. Visit the night market for a variety of food and a retro scene, near the Catholic Church.

There is a bar beside the night market with good music. When going to Mukdahan, make sure to get some food at the Good Mook riverside restaurant, it is owned by a Carabao look-alike, or perhaps even carabao himself. The view is exceptional on the top floor with very friendly staff and great food.

Savan vegas casino hotel costs around 1000 Baht per night when booking through Agoda, they also have a visa run service available. No children allowed in the casino. Savan Vegas booking includes breakfast. Savan Vegas is more secure. Don't leave any important documents or money in any hotel room. Savannakhet resembles Mexico a bit too much. With the low tourist flow, G-d knows how they keep their hotels and businesses alive. Be sure to write your place of residence and contact number on the Thai departure cards as well as on the Laos arrival card for your own safety. Be very aware of surroundings. Savannakhet is kind of like a savanna, with wild animals and creatures of the night. After 9pm, the entire town turns into somewhat of a walking dead ghost town.

Vientienne is slightly less damaged than Savannakhet, with much more tourist arrivals.

[Paul Laycock]

Daosavanh is a nice hotel, clean, outside pool and bar. Suppose it depends on your finances though. I always employ the services of a Thai taxi driver, takes me to the embassy/consulate waits and takes me to the hotel. Collects me next day, normally have something to eat, collect visa and return. 1,500 baht, beats the bus and other scammers.

[louse1953]

Daosavanh is a nice hotel, clean, outside pool and bar. Suppose it depends on your finances though. I always employ the services of a Thai taxi driver, takes me to the embassy/consulate waits and takes me to the hotel. Collects me next day, normally have something to eat, collect visa and return. 1,500 baht, beats the bus and other scammers.

55,even the scams don't cost what you pay.

[Paul Laycock]

louse 1953, get your point but I can't walk unaided, getting up and down high curbs is a nightmare. As I have said a few times it suites me just fine. The bus service is a joke even for a fit person, I've done it many times.

My choice of hotel is personal and good for me, the original poster asked for the best and safest, this meets his criteria but I understand he will be staying else ware.

Is that a problem for you? Yes I have an opinion and was offering my experience.