Savannakhet Province is situated in the middle of the country and the largest province (21,774 square kilometers), being bordered by Vietnam to the East, Thailand to the West, Khammouane Province to the North and SalavanhProvince to the South. 60% of land is covered by forests. Savannakhet Province consists of 15 districts namely: KaisonePhomvihanh, Xayphouthong, Outhoumphone, Phalanxay, Atsaphangthong, Phine, Songkhone, Sepon, Nong, Virabouly, Champhone, Thapangthong, Xonbuly, Xaybuly, and Atsaphone.

Savannakhet Province is the most populated province in the country with its population of 824,000 (2005). A wide variety of ethnic groups are found in the province: Lowland Lao, Phoutai, Thai Dam, Katang, Mangkong, Vali, Lava, Soui, Kapo, Kaleung and Ta-Oi. In addition, many Vietnamese and Chinese descendants live in the province as well. This fact makes the province rich in cultural and gastronomic diversity.