Savannakhet to Lao Bao: Road Trip Guide

The drive from Savannakhet to Lao Bao crosses the Lao-Vietnam border on National Road 9 (AH16), a key segment of the East-West Economic Corridor. This route once carried war-era traffic; today it's a peaceful passage through Laos's Savannakhet Province.

Here, you'll find a mix of flat farmland, rolling hills, and the imposing Annamite Range at the border. The road is generally paved, but conditions vary, especially in the mountain section.

Infrastructure safety on this route is generally adequate, but you should stay alert for livestock on the road and sudden changes in weather, as rain can make the mountain roads slippery.

For families, there are a few small guesthouses and eateries in Phine, and Lao Bao offers basic amenities. The route is child-suitable but ensure you have proper child seats and plan for rest breaks.

Pet-friendly options are limited; consider arranging accommodation that allows pets in advance. Fatigue management is crucial: plan stops every 2 hours. A good rest stop is at the Phine market, where you can stretch and have a meal.

Hidden off-route spots include the Bung Xeng reservoir, about 30 km from Savannakhet, perfect for a picnic. Overall, is it worth driving Savannakhet to Lao Bao? Yes, for the scenic beauty and cultural experience, but budget enough time for the journey.

As you leave Savannakhet, the terrain is flat, with vast rice paddies and farmland. After Seno, you'll climb into the Annamite Range, where the scenery becomes lush with tropical forest and winding roads offer viewpoints.

Along the way, you'll pass through small villages where you can observe daily Lao life. There are no major UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this route, but the nearby Pha That Ing Hang, a revered Buddhist stupa, is a worthwhile detour southeast of Savannakhet.

Local commerce thrives in the border town of Lao Bao, where you'll find markets selling goods from both countries. Things to do between Savannakhet and Lao Bao include visiting the Dong Phou Vieng National Protected Area or stopping at local coffee plantations.

The route starts in Savannakhet, heading east on National Road 9. You'll pass through small towns like Seno and Phine before reaching the border at Dansavanh-Lao Bao. The road is narrow in places, especially through the mountains, with sharp curves and occasional potholes.

Fuel stations are sparse between Savannakhet and Lao Bao; the best practice is to fill up in Savannakhet or at larger towns like Phine. On the Vietnamese side, fuel is readily available in Lao Bao town.

• Diesel costs around 10,000 LAK per liter in Laos, 22,000 VND in Vietnam.
• Border crossing is straightforward; visas on arrival available for some nationalities.
• Local currency exchange available at the border.