Salavan (Saravan) in south/central Laos is the provincial capital of the province of the same name and located on the Bolaven plateau. The town is the highlight and is nice and quiet, while the countryside is one of spectacular mountain scenery and plunging waterfalls.
Salavan town is like an Aussie frontier town or the American Wild West, with its dusty streets, lots of space and big skies. It is thus perfect for those who enjoy the solitude that you’d never find in Luang Prabang or Pakse although the traveling is quite tough.
Only the most die-hard of backpackers tend to head for the Salavan interior yet they are rewarded with the spoils of the Phu Xieng Thong National Biodiversity Conservation Area. This region of Laos, like other rural regions, is strewn with diverse ethnic groups. Lodging options are quite nice in Salavan.
Getting There & Away
Pakse is the main center nearest to Salavan and buses run in this direction although journeys are long and arduous due to the use of mainly dirt roads. Buses also come in from Vientiane and Tha Khaek. The nearest airport is Pakse International Airport, and Salavan lies just off of Route 23.
Things to Do
Salavan Attractions
- Phu Xieng Thong National Biodiversity Conservation Area
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This fantastic prehistoric site is home to all sorts of interesting wildlife, including asiatic black bear, tigers, gibbons, and siamese crocodiles.