population: 1.04 million

extension: 21,774 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Savannakhet and interested in museums, I would recommend visiting the Savannakhet Provincial Museum. It's located in the city center and showcases the history and culture of the province. For similar types of museums nearby, you could also check out the Champasak Provincial Museum in Pakse or the Lao National Museum in Vientiane.

Food

Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to eat in Savannakhet, Laos are:

1. Khao Niao (Sticky Rice): This is a staple food in Laos that is often served with every meal and is eaten with your hands.

2. Tam Mak Hoong (Spicy Green Papaya Salad): This is a spicy salad made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, chili peppers, lime juice, and fish sauce.

3. Laap (Minced Meat Salad): This is a traditional Lao dish made with minced meat (usually chicken or beef), mixed with herbs, spices, lime juice, and toasted rice powder.

4. Ping Kai (Grilled Chicken): This is a popular street food in Laos that features marinated chicken skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled over charcoal.

5. Tom Yum (Spicy Soup): This is a hot and sour soup that is made with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and either shrimp or chicken.

6. Mok Pa (Steamed Fish in Banana Leaves): This is a traditional Lao dish that involves wrapping fish fillets in banana leaves with herbs and spices and steaming them until they're cooked through.

7. Sai Oua (Lao Sausage): This is a spicy pork sausage that is flavored with garlic, lemongrass, galangal, and chili peppers.

These are just a few examples of the delicious and authentic Lao dishes that you should try when visiting Savannakhet.

Activities

Sure, here are a few fun activities that locals enjoy in Savannakhet:

1. Visit the Dinosaur Museum: The Dinosaur Museum is a unique and popular attraction in Savannakhet. It showcases the largest fossilized dinosaur skeleton found in Southeast Asia, as well as other fossils and replicas.

2. Explore the Mekong River: The Mekong River runs through Savannakhet and offers many opportunities for boating, fishing, and sightseeing. You can take a boat tour or rent a kayak to explore the river and its surrounding jungle.

3. Visit the Dao Heuang Market: The Dao Heuang Market is a bustling local market where you can find fresh produce, handicrafts, and traditional Lao cuisine. It's a great place to experience local culture and sample some delicious food.

4. Take a cycling tour: Cycling is a popular activity in Savannakhet, and there are several companies that offer guided cycling tours of the city and surrounding countryside. You can see traditional Lao villages, rice paddies, and temples while getting some exercise.

5. Attend a festival: Savannakhet hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Boat Racing Festival, the Elephant Festival, and the Rocket Festival. These events are lively and colorful celebrations of local culture and traditions, and are definitely worth experiencing if you're in town during one.