Your stay — Phonethavy Guesthouse
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The Property — Phonethavy Guesthouse
Phonethavy Guesthouse is a dependable three-star in central Savannakhet – clean rooms with tiled floors, firm beds, and a small courtyard where guests drink coffee in the morning light. It sits on a quiet street just off the main drag, walking distance to the Mekong promenade and the old market. The staff are practical and friendly, and the vibe is more efficient stopover than boutique charmer. Suits budget-minded travellers and families who want decent AC, hot water, and a secure base for a night or two.
Chronicles of Savannakhet
Savannakhet was founded as a French colonial trading post in the late 19th century, its grid of wide boulevards lined with shophouses and villas that mix Lao, Chinese, and European styles. The city thrived as a commercial hub during the French era, then stagnated through decades of war and isolation. Today it is a relaxed provincial capital, the largest in southern Laos, where the slow Mekong breeze meets a growing number of travellers crossing the Friendship Bridge from Thailand. Its contemporary identity is quietly cosmopolitan, with baguettes sold beside noodle stalls, and old Communist murals fading on colonial façades.
Best Time to Visit
Full Savannakhet guide →Best months
November to February: cool and dry, with daytime temperatures around 25–30°C and very little rain. This is the most comfortable window for walking the town and visiting the nearby That Ing Hang stupa.
Peak / festival surge
December and January see the highest hotel occupancy as tourists escape colder northern winters. Savannakhet is not a major festival destination, but Thai visitors spike during long weekends and school breaks. Prices at 3-star guesthouses like Phonethavy can rise by 20–30% and advance booking is wise.
Budget shoulder season
March, June, and October offer discounts of 10–20% compared to peak season. March is still hot but has few tourists; June is the start of the wet season with green landscapes and lighter crowds. October sees the tail of the rains and clear skies.
Weather & packing
In July, Savannakhet is deep in the wet season: expect heavy, short downpours and humidity above 80%. Pack a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella as a non-negotiable item, plus sandals that can handle puddles.
Live City Briefing — Savannakhet
- The new Savannakhet bypass road (Route 13 south) opened in early 2025, reducing through-truck traffic in the city centre and making walking along the Mekong more pleasant.
- That Ing Hang Stupa, 15 km north, underwent a renovation completed in late 2025 – the gilded finial and surrounding walkways are now fully accessible.
- Several new cafes and a craft beer bar have opened on Rathchabandit Road near the old market, giving evening options beyond noodle shops.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Phonethavy Guesthouse, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (if available) to minimize potential street noise from the Savannakhet streets. Given the hotel has 3 floors and a lift, rooms on the top floor are likely to be quieter.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift or service entrance, as they may be more prone to noise from guests and staff. If you're a light sleeper, it's best to steer clear of these areas.
Best views
Given the hotel's location in Savannakhet, there's no specific view to request. The city's landscape is relatively flat, and the hotel's architecture may not offer dramatic vistas. However, a room on the higher floors may provide a better view of the surrounding area.
Quietest floors
The top floor (3rd floor) is likely the quietest, although this may vary depending on the specific layout and occupancy.
🔊 Noise notes
Savannakhet's streets can be lively, especially at night. Be prepared for some noise from the streets, but it's generally a quieter city compared to other major Lao cities.
Insider tips
1. If you're planning to explore Savannakhet, ask the staff about the best local restaurants and markets. They may be able to recommend some hidden gems. 2. If you have a lot of luggage, consider requesting a room near the lift or on the ground floor to minimize the need for stairs.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Phonethavy Guesthouse
free throughout hotel, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraint
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand with PressReader, physical newspapers available in lobby
check-in 14:00-23:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00, late check-out until 12:00 with 20,000 KIP fee
available 24/7, 10,000 KIP per bag, maximum 2 bags
step-free access, wheelchair ramp at main entrance, some rooms have bathtubs without grab bars
on-site parking available, 20,000 KIP per night, nearest public car park 0.5 km away at 30,000 KIP per night, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 20,000 KIP per night, per person, mandatory
Deposit & card hold: 50,000 KIP advance deposit, 100,000 KIP incidental card hold at check-in
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Lao Kip, LAK
Change money at local banks or at the airport, but be aware that rates may be poor; consider exchanging at the official rate at a bank or using an ATM for better rates
ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted at most tourist-oriented businesses; contactless payments are not common
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service, 1,000-5,000 Kip per meal for restaurant staff, 5,000-10,000 Kip for taxi drivers
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical 10,000-20,000 Kip coffee can be found at local markets or from street vendors
A bowl of noodle soup or a simple meal at a local eatery costs around 15,000-30,000 Kip
A basic dinner at a local restaurant costs around 30,000-50,000 Kip for a main course
Street food areas are found near the local market and along the main roads, try the Lao-style BBQ or grilled fish
Local markets like Talat Sao and Talat Khao Piang have a variety of affordable options, including fresh produce and household essentials
Affordable clothing and souvenirs can be found at the local market or from street vendors
A 1,000-2,000 Kip tuk-tuk ride is the cheapest way to get around, or use a 10,000-20,000 Kip day pass for buses
Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist bureaux, use ATMs or local banks for better rates; try local markets for affordable food and shopping; walk or bike whenever possible to save on transportation costs
Emergency Contacts
SavannakhetTourist Police Hotline: 021 212 035 for assistance with tourist-related issues
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Savannakhet, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Phonethavy Guesthouse
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Savannakhet City Centre → Phoxai Guest House
💡 Haggle with the driver for a fair price
Savannakhet International Airport → Phoxai Guest House
💡 Negotiate the price with the driver before you start your journey
Savannakhet Bus Station → Phoxai Guest House
💡 Buy tickets at the bus station in advance to guarantee a seat
Motorbike rental shops in Savannakhet → Phoxai Guest House
💡 Wear a helmet and ride safely
About Savannakhet
Wikipedia ↗
Savannakhet (Lao: ສະຫວັນນະເຂດ, pronounced [sā.wǎn.nā(ʔ).kʰȅːt]; , officially named Kaysone Phomvihane (Lao: ໄກສອນ ພົມວິຫານ); since 2005 and previously known as Khanthaboury (Lao: ຄັນທະບູລີ), is a city in western Laos. It is the capital of Savannakhet Province. With a population of 125,760 (2018), it...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Phonethavy Guesthouse?
Request a room on a higher floor (if available) to minimize potential street noise from the Savannakhet streets. Given the hotel has 3 floors and a lift, rooms on the top floor are likely to be quieter.
Which rooms should I avoid at Phonethavy Guesthouse?
Avoid rooms near the lift or service entrance, as they may be more prone to noise from guests and staff. If you're a light sleeper, it's best to steer clear of these areas.
Is Phonethavy Guesthouse noisy?
Savannakhet's streets can be lively, especially at night. Be prepared for some noise from the streets, but it's generally a quieter city compared to other major Lao cities.
Which rooms have the best views at Phonethavy Guesthouse?
Given the hotel's location in Savannakhet, there's no specific view to request. The city's landscape is relatively flat, and the hotel's architecture may not offer dramatic vistas. However, a room on the higher floors may provide a better view of the surrounding area.
What are insider tips for staying at Phonethavy Guesthouse?
1. If you're planning to explore Savannakhet, ask the staff about the best local restaurants and markets. They may be able to recommend some hidden gems. 2. If you have a lot of luggage, consider requesting a room near the lift or on the ground floor to minimize the need for stairs.
What time is check-in at Phonethavy Guesthouse?
Check-in at Phonethavy Guesthouse is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Phonethavy Guesthouse have Wi-Fi?
free throughout hotel, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraint
Is there a city or tourist tax at Phonethavy Guesthouse?
20,000 KIP per night, per person, mandatory
Where can I eat cheaply near Phonethavy Guesthouse?
A bowl of noodle soup or a simple meal at a local eatery costs around 15,000-30,000 Kip
What is the cheapest way to get around from Phonethavy Guesthouse?
A 1,000-2,000 Kip tuk-tuk ride is the cheapest way to get around, or use a 10,000-20,000 Kip day pass for buses
When is the best time to visit Savannakhet?
November to February: cool and dry, with daytime temperatures around 25–30°C and very little rain. This is the most comfortable window for walking the town and visiting the nearby That Ing Hang stupa.
Top Attractions in Savannakhet
💡 The museum is run by a local non-profit organization, so donations are appreciated.
💡 Take a moment to observe the locals praying and making offerings at the temple.
💡 Take a walk around the monument at sunset for a great photo opportunity.
💡 Try some of the local delicacies, such as griddled insects and sticky rice.
💡 Take a moment to observe the locals praying and making offerings at the temple.