Sayabouly
Sayabouly

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Sayabouly

Sayabouly Province is situated in the Northwest of Laos, sharing borders with Vientiane Province and Luang Prabang Province in the East, and Thailand in the West.

This mountainous province has several peaks with altitudes of more than 1.000 meters. Travel to this rugged landscape will reveal many beautiful mountains and flower gardens.

The local people earn their living via agricultural products such as growing rice, cucumbers, cotton, cabbage, beans and sugarcane. Elephants continue to be used for loading and transporting heavy items. The province is also an important agricultural producer of rice, cotton, peanuts, sesame, maize and oranges. The Malabri, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer groups in Southeast Asia inhabit the forests in the province’s Western region. Other ethnic groups located in the province include the Khmu, Tai Dam, Tai Leu, Htin, Phai, Kri, and Akha.

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Brief History

The thousand-year-old relics found in Sayabouly may show signs of early settlements in the province from China and Burma. In the 1400s, a large group of Tai Lue entered the province from China. 100 years later, the province fell under the control of the Lane Xang Kingdom.

In the late 1900s, the province was controlled by Siamese for a brief period of time due to its vulnerability for being the only Lao province on the Thai side of the Mekong. However, in 1904 the Siam surrendered the area to the French. Roughly 40 years later, the province was annexed by Thailand and renamed to Lan Chang Province. The province was returned to Laos in 1946 after World War 2.

Fortunately, almost all the Hmong villages in the province remained relatively peaceful as they were not involved in the fighting during the Indochinese Wars. Afterward, Sayabouly was able to become a full-fledge Lao Province after Lao achieved its independence.

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Overall Weather

Sayabouly has three seasons

- Cold-dry (November to February): During this period, the average temperature hovers around 26C. The temperature may drop as low as 15C especially during the coldest month, January. The temperature may soar as high as 35C as it approaches the end of the period. This is the best period to visit Sayabouly due to its comfortable and cool temperature. Please do take note that the temperature here drops rapidly especially after sunset, it would be advisable to bring along warm clothing to keep warm.

- Hot-dry (March to April): During this period, the average temperature hovers around 33C. The temperature may soar as high as 40C during the hottest month, April. The temperature may drop as low as 20C during the initial month of the period, March as it is just after the cold-dry season. Do stay hydrated during this hot season to stay healthy.

- Rainy season (May to October): During this season, the average temperature hovers 28C. The temperature may soar as high as 37C during the beginning of the season and decreases along the period. The temperature may drop as low as 18C as it approaches the cold-dry season. Rainfall is expected throughout this season and is heaviest in July and August. Do bring along umbrellas or raincoat to guard against the rain.

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Public Bus details in Sayabouly

Transportation from Country/Provinces to Sayabouly         

Departure

Destination

Kind of Bus

Departure Time

price*

Remark

Vientiane

Sayabouly

Bus

08:00am

09:00am

90,000 to 11,000 Kip

 

 

Sleeper bus

16:00am

18:00am

130,000 to 150,000 Kip

 

Luang Prabang

 

Bus

09:00am

14:00pm

17:00pm

60,000 Kip

 

Xieng Khouang

 

Minivan

09:00am

130,000 Kip

 

Loei, Thailand

 

 

08:00am

125,000 Kip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transportation from Sayabouly to Provinces

Departure

Destination

Kind of Bus

Departure Time

price*

Remark

Sayabouly

 

Paklay District

Local

09:00am

60,000 Kip

Everyday

Song-traew

09:30am

12:00pm

14:00pm

60,000 Kip

Phieng District

Every hour

30,000 Kip

Kenethao

09:00am

12:00pm

90,000 Kip

 

Botan District

09:00am

13:00pm

100,000 Kip

 

Hongsa District

Four Wheel

11:00am

80,000 Kip

 

Xienghon District

09:00am

150,000 Kip

Leave when it has 5-8 people

Kop District

08:00am

200,000 Kip

Leave when it has 5 people

Kenethao

Border Checkpoint

Tuk-tuk

 

8,000 Kip

 

Paklay District

Thuangmexay District

Song-traew

12:00pm

13:00pm

14:00PM

30,000 Kip

Take a bus in Paklay Bus station

Hongsa

Ngeun District

Four wheel

08:00am

14:00pm

25,000 Kip

 

Luang Prabang

Four wheel

08:00am

100,000 Kip

Via Chomphet District

Trasuang Boat Landing

Song-traew

08:00am

09:00am

20,000 Kip

 

Trasuang Boat landing

Hongsa

Song-traew

16:30pm

17:30pm

20,000 Kip

 

Sayaboury

Ngeun District

Four wheel

11:00am

100,000 Kip

 

Ngeun District

Pakbeang (Oudomxay)

Minibus/Song-traew

13:00pm

50,000 Kip

 

Border Checkpoint

Tuk-tuk

 

5,000 Kip

 

 

 

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Boat in Sayabouly

Boat transportation from Sayabouly

Departure

Destination

Departure Time

price*

Remark

Sayabouly, Trasuang Boat Landing

Luang Prabang

-

60,000 Kip

 

Pakbeng (Oudomxay)

-

30,000 Kip

 

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Getting Around in Sayabouly

Getting around Sayabouly

There are mainly 4 ways of transportation in Sayabouly which are Sawng taews, 4WD, tuks tuks, and minivans. These modes of transports are good for traveling between the three hubs and surrounding provinces. These transportations can be boarded in the local bus stations and are available two-to-three times a day.

The schedules, transportation type, and destinations are not fixed and may be subjected to change, it is advisable to check it up at the local bus station for more accurate timings and details. One can also rent a driver along with their vehicle for a whole day and price can be negotiated before using their service.

Some hotels and guesthouses can arrange transportation for you to tour around the province. Bicycles and motorcycles can also be rented but are limited in supply.