Vientiane Hotels - See a Map and Independent Descriptions About Hotels

The currency is the 'Kip' - US $1 is about 8,000 Kip

You'll notice that there are lots of hotels! ...But you still might have difficulty finding a room, or at least finding a room within your price you like to or are prepared to pay. Generally, the further the hotel or guesthouse is away from the central area (inside the dotted red line) towards the Mekong River, the more chance of finding a room. I haven't written a lot of detail about many of the hotels and guesthouses - you can't be too choosy like Thailand - some of the nicer ones I've praised will more likely be full - it may be a matter of booking a room for the next day in the nicer places while contending yourself with 'OK' accommodation on the first night.

A good tactic is to try to arrive at the guesthouses and hotels at or close to check out times. Between 11am and Midday is best. Not always possible, I know, but worth considering if you want to change your hotel after the first night. Many (especially cheaper) hotels won't want to accept payment for the following day as they can't be sure their guests will check out....so it can become a race!

I visited Vientiane in February, 2009. Prices are likely to increase, it seems. The last time I visited in May, 2007, I remember i stayed at number 24, PP Guesthouse. It cost just 40,000 Kip (US $5) for a night. In less than 2 years, the price here had doubled to 80,000 Kip! I'm sure there's a similar story to many other places in the city. Hopefully, it won't double again though! There are fluctuations in the price depending what time of year you visit - in the low season between about March and October, the prices mentioned below may well drop in price.

The Following Hotels and Guesthouses can be found using the Second Map

1) Lao Heritage Hotel - Lovely looking, nicely decorated hotel with rooms at 125,000 Kip (about US $15) and 165,000 Kip. It's on quite a pleasant, quiet street not far from the stadium if you fancy a run around the track. Tel: (020) 5505840 / (020) 9900448 Address: 125, Phnom Penh Road. Email: toy_siri@yahoo.com

2) Lani Guest House - Tucked away down a small path, this old-style hotel looks wonderful. Rooms are priced at US $27 and US $33. Have a look at the rooms: www.lanigh.laotel.com. (opens in new window) Tel: +856 (0)21 214919 / 215639 Address: 281, Setthathirath Road. Email: info@laniguesthouse.com / lanico@laotel.com

3) Phonethip Guesthouse - A nice cheaper option down a small street so it's quiet here, yet very close to the river. Sociable seating area as you approach the guesthouse - a good place to meet other travelers. This is definitely a place people like to return to again and again. Rooms at 80,000 Kip (US $10) and 120,000 Kip (US $15). Tel: +856 (0)21 217239 Address: Inpeng Street.

4) Auberge Sala Inpeng - Down quiet Inpeng Street, this place has great looking hut style rooms where you'll forget you're in a capital city. Huts are priced at US $25, US $35 and US $45. See their website: www.salalao.com. (opens in new window) Tel: +856 (0)21 242021 Email: salapeng@laotel.com

5) Lao Orchid Hotel - Attractive looking, large hotel on a quiet street. See their website: www.lao-orchid.com. (opens in new window) Rooms cost US $45 and US $65 per night. Email: info@lao-orchid.com Tel: +856 (0)21 264134 On Chao Anou Road.

6) Youth Inn - Popular budget place just next to the river. Fan rooms with private bathroom cost 80,000 Kip (US $10) per night. Air-con rooms with private bathroom are 100,000 Kip (US $12.5) nightly.

7) Syri 1 Guesthouse - A lovely, wooden style place on a quiet street just next to the stadium. Sociable place with seating and TV area. I've visited this place a few times and they've always been full though! Rooms are priced at 70,000, 80,000, 90,000, 130,000 and 150,000 Kip (between US $9 and US $19). Tel: +856 (0)21 212682

8) Mixay Guesthouse - A friendly, attractive looking, budget guesthouse with rooms between US $5 and US $13 per night. On Nokeo Khoummane Street, near to the river. Tel: +856 (0)21 262 210. There's also a dorm here for US $2.5 nightly.

9) Riverside Hotel - Stylish, colonial looking hotel with rooms at 200,000 Kip (US $25) and 250,000 Kip (US $31) per night. Situated On Nokeo Khoummane Street, close to the river. Tel: +856 (0)21 244 390

10) Avalon Hotel - Modern, stylish looking hotel on a quiet street, 10 minutes walk from the river. A bit hidden so perhaps more chance to find a room here! Rooms are US $15, US $30 and US $35 per night. See their website: www.avalonbooking.com. (opens in new window) Tel: +856 (0)21 263598. On Phnom Penh Road.

11) Souphaphone - Great looking old style hotel with rooms at 250,000 Kip (US $31) per night.

12) Sabaidy Guesthouse - A backpacker favorite with dorm rooms for just 20,000 Kip (US $2.5) per night. Single and 2 bed rooms cost just 50,000 Kip (US $6) and triple at 75,000 Kip (US $7/8). Perhaps more of a chance of getting a room here as tourists seem to flock to the guesthouses on the riverside first. On Setthathirath Road, 3 minutes walk to the river.

13) Vayakorn House - Beautiful looking, white hotel on quite a quiet street. Rooms cost US $16 for a single and US $22 for a double. Address: 91 Nokeo Koummane Rd. Tel: +865 (0)21 241 911

14) Chanthapanya - Great looking wooden style hotel with rooms at 400,000 Kip (about US $50) Website: www.chanthapanyahotel.com. (opens in new window) Tel: +856 (0)21 244284 Address: 138 Norkeokoummarn Road. Email: info@chanthapanyahotel.com / cphotel@laotel.com

15) Tai-Pan Hotel - Modern looking hotel nestled among budget guesthouses. Rooms at US $64 for a single and US $88 for a double. See their website: www.taipanhotel-vientiane.com. (opens in new window) Tel: +856 (0)21 216223 Email: taipan@loxinfo.co.th Address: 2-12 Francois Nginn Street.

16) Pathoum Phone Guesthouse - Seemed pleasant and quiet here on Manthathurath Street. Price is 60,000 Kip (US $7.5) for a room with bathroom outside and 70,000 Kip (US $9) for an attached bathroom.

17) VongKhamSene - Attractive hotel with rooms priced at US $25 and US $30 per night. See their website for more details: www.vongkhamsenehotel.com. (opens in new window) Tel: +856 (0)21 219922 Address: 17/01 Manthathurath Rd.

18) Samsenthai Hotel - Rooms between US $15 and US $22 per night. Tel (856-21) 216287 / 212116

19) Inter City Hotel - Stylish looking hotel right on the riverside street. Rooms priced at US $35, US $55 and US $75 per night. See their website: www.ramayana-laos.com. (opens in new window) (notice the owners of the hotel also own number 73 on my list). Tel: +865 (0)21 242842 / 242843 / 242844 Email: interhotel@laopdr.com Address: 24-25 Fa Ngum Road.

20) Orchid Guest House - Nice looking place on the riverfront. Single fan room with shared bathroom will cost you US $12. There are also US $25 rooms. Tel: +856 (0)21 252 825 Address: 33, Fa Ngum Road.

21) Riverine Hotel - Stylish looking hotel with rooms priced at US $28, US $38 and US $58 per night. Well positioned on the riverfront. Address: 48 Fa Ngum Rd, Tel: +856 (0)21 214 643

22) Syri 2 Guesthouse - Sister Guesthouse to number 7 on my list, this one is closer to the river but doesn't have as tranquil atmosphere as Syri 1. However, the building is still nice and the rooms are slightly cheaper at 60,000, 70,000, 90,000 and 110,000 Kip per night (between US $7.5 and US $14). Tel: +856 (0)21 241345 Cell: (020) 7720407 Email: syri2@hotmail.com On Setthathirath Road.

23) Hotel Lao - Large Hotel in a central market shopping area of the city. Single rooms cost US $30 per night, double, US $35 nightly. There's also one of the few money changers in the city here. I couldn't find any other money changer at night and luckily found one here...and the rate is very competitive. Tel: +856 (0)21 219280 / 219281 / 223861 Email: hotellao@laotel.com Address: 43/7 Hengbou Road.

24) PP Guesthouse - Popular place on the riverfront with OK rooms for 80,000 Kip (US $10) but the price may well come down in the low season from May to October or thereabouts. Good luck finding a room free here! Tel: +856 (0)21 252 757

25) Joe Guesthouse - Great location on the riverfront. Fan/air-con rooms with share bathroom cost 50,000/80,000 Kip (US $6/$10) per night. Rooms with air-con and share bathroom are 110,000 Kip (US $14) and 130,000 Kip (US $16) with a private bathroom. Tel: +856 (0)21 241936

26) Ministry of Education Guesthouse - Maybe interesting to stay here for the hotel name alone...just don't misbehave here, ok! On a quiet street, the hotel looks clean and has 24 rooms priced at US $15 per night.

27) Lovan Guesthouse - On quite a quiet street, not far from the stadium. Air-con rooms with hot shower and toilet inside cost 100,000 Kip (US $12.5) per night. With a TV and it will be 120,000 Kip (US $13). Tel: +856 (0)21 213 307

28) Santisouk Guesthouse - In a quiet area with single rooms costing US $9 and double rooms, US $11 per night.

29) Dragon Lodge Guesthouse - On quite a busy street, rooms with TV and hot water bathroom cost 180,000 Kip (US $22.5) per night. Tel: +856 (0)21 250112

30) B+P Hotel - Large Hotel near to the river on quite a busy road. Rooms cost either US$23 or US$28 nightly.

31) Phoxay Hotel - Near to the river, opposite B+P Hotel, rooms here cost between 200,000 Kip (US $25) and 300,000 Kip (US $37.5) per night.

32) Mimi Guesthouse - Cheap guesthouse (not totally sure about the price but about 6 or 7 US dollars). You can also hire good bicycles here for about 10,000 Kip (US $1.2) per day. Very close to the river.

33) Lao Sakonh Guesthouse - Take as one of your last options! - Sorry to the hotel to say but the cheapest rooms are small, not clean and the share toilet is often dirty. However, it's cheapish, at 60,000, 80,000 and 120,000 Kip per night. (US $7.5/10/15). Very close to the river.

34) RD Guesthouse - Dorm rooms here for US $6. Private rooms cost between US $12 and US $17 per night. Tel: +856 (0)21 262 112

35) Thawee Guesthouse - Single rooms at 150,000 Kip (US $19). Double at 200,000 Kip (US $25) per night.

36) Seng Lao Hotel - Rooms for between US $18 and US$36 per night. Tel: +856 (0)21 252653 Email: senglaohotel@yahoo.com On Chao Anou Street.

37) Sihom Guesthouse - Rooms at 350 Thai Baht (share toilet), 400 Thai baht, (private bathroom) and 500 Thai baht (TV). On Sihom Road, away from most hotels. Tel: +856 (0)21 219081 Mobile: +856 20 5307485. Email: ratnaran@yahoo.com Address: 27/1 Sihom Road.

38) City Inn - Smart looking hotel close to That Dam stupa. Rooms cost US $60, US $90 and US $100 per night. Have a look at their website for photos of the rooms: www.cityinnvientiane.com. (opens in new window)

39) Day Inn Hotel - Nice loking hotel. Single rooms cost US $35 per night, double rooms US $40 nightly. Included in the price is breakfast. Tel: +856 (0)21 214792 / 223847

40) New Lao Paris Hotel - Nice looking hotel with rooms priced between US $20 and US $30 per night. Rooms have private hot water bathroom, air-con, writing desk, wifi internet and fridge. Continental breakfast is also included in the price. Check out their website: www.laoparishotel.com. (opens in new window) Tel: +856 (0)21 222 229

41) Phone Paseuth - Nice looking hotel with rooms at 180,000 Kip (US $22.5) per night. On a very touristy section of Pangkham Street, close to many western style restaurants.

42) Mali Namphu Guest House - Attractive guesthouse With rooms from US $18 to US $33 per night. Rooms have marble floors, air-con, private hot water bathroom, TV and breakfast included in the price. See photos of the rooms on their website: www.malinamphu.com. (opens in new window) Like Phone Paseuth Hotel nearby, it's very close to western style restaurants. 114 Pangkham Rd, Vientiane Tel: +865 (0)21 215 093 / 263297 Email: info@malinamphu.com / reserve@malinamphu.com

43) KP Hotel - Attractive looking hotel on quite a busy street. Rooms cost 300,000 Kip (US $37.5) and includes breakfast. There's wifi in the rooms for your laptop. See their website: www.khampianehotel.com. (opens in new window) Tel: +856 (0)21 223762 / 241616 Email: info@khampianehotel.com / booking@khampianehotel.com Address: Hengbou Road.

44) Haysock Guesthouse - Rooms cost between US $15 and US $25 per night.

45) Lane Xang Hotel - Very large hotel on the riverfront. Prices of the rooms seem to change wildly - the hotel appears to like to outsource for their internet booking - with one company I found, the cheapest room price was US $40 a night - with another company, the cheapest was US $54 nightly. I don't really like this! Tel: +856 (0)21 214100 Address: 1, Fa Ngum Road.

46) Lao Plaza Hotel - Very large hotel with more than 140 rooms, priced between 1,200,000 Kip (US $150) and 4,500,000 Kip (US $570) per night. It's on quite a busy street. Find out more by visiting their website: www.laoplazahotel.com. (opens in new window) Tel: +856 (0)21 218800 / 218001 Email: lph@laoplazahotel.com Address: 63, Samsenthai Road

The Following Hotels and Guesthouses can be found using the First Map

47) Hotel Beau Rivage Mekong - The river road gets decidely bumpy with little traffic as you approach this impressive looking hotel. There are great views across the river from some of the rooms. Prices are US $47 per night for standard rooms and US $57 for more luxury. See for yourself on their website: www.hbrm.com. (opens in new window) Tel: +856 (0)21 243350 / 243375 / 243376 Email: contact@hbrm.com On Fa Ngum Road.

48) Heuan Lao Guest House - Lovely quiet guesthouse with nice seating area to relax with their many animals - 12 cats and 5 dogs. For Vientiane, the prices are competitive - from US $10 per night for a fan room, US $12 for air-con room, US $15 for a larger room up to US$20 for a larger rooms still that can fit more people. Further away from most hotels and restaurants so there's a better chance of finding one of theire 12 rooms free. Tel: +856 (0)21 216258 Email: heuanlao@hotmail.com

49) Aporn Guesthouse - Good value rooms compared to most guesthouses in the city - Rooms with private bathroom and cost 50,000 Kip (US $6). With TV and furnished more nicely cost 75,000 Kip (US $9). The only drawback is it's a bit far from the main central river area...but it is quiet here and there's a good chance of finding a room. It's well signposted to get here from the main road nearby. Tel: +856 (0)21 241507

50) Settha Palace Hotel - Wonderful looking hotel - surely the nicest in Vientiane, with wooden furniture throughout, set in a beautiful colonial style house with inviting looking swimmimg pool. The only negative side is one side of the hotel borders busy Khounboulom Rd but there is some distance between if I remember correctly! Oh, and for me, the cost! Rooms priced between US $132 and US $300 per night. See their website: www.setthapalace.com (opens in new window) to see pictures and more. Tel: +856 (0)21 217 581 / 217 582 Email: reservations@setthapalace.com Address: Corner of Pangkham Road and Khounboulom Street.

51) Villa Manoly - Really lovely French villa with swimming pool down a quiet leafy street. If you're prepared to spend US $35 a night, this hotel has to be a contender. It's a 15 minute walk to where most restaurants and activity takes place - a pleasant walk along the river when the sun's not high. Tel: +856 (0)21 218907 Address: 29, Ban Phiawat, just off Fa Ngum Road. Email: manoly20@hotmail.com

52) Villa Nongduang (fomerly Thongbay Guesthouse) - Down a quiet street, this place has loyal returning guests for its leafy gardens and wooden accommodation. It's also very quiet here in a sparsely housed residential area. Rooms with shared bathroom between 105,000 and 120,000 Kip (US $13 - US $15) per night. Rooms with private bathroom, I was quoted 160,000 Kip. The only difficulty is the distance to the river area where most of the restaurants are....but hire a bicycle and distance doesn't realy become an issue. Tel: +856 (0)21 242292 Email: villanongduang@gmail.com

53) Green Park Boutique Hotel - Website: www.greenparkvientiane.com I didn't visit here, just saw the sign to head down a street. It's quite a distance from the river area so that's a consideration. Rooms/suites are priced between US $145 and US $450 per night. Address: 248 Khouvieng Road Phone : +856 21 264097 / 264098 , 263063 Email : info@greenparkvientiane.com

54) Vieng Thong Guesthouse - Near to the river, this is certainly an option, especially if you're struggling to find a room - it looks a pleasant enough hotel. Rooms are US $15 and US $20 per night. Tel: +856 (0)21 212095

55) Virasack Guesthouse - Closeby the river, another option if you're struggling to find accommodation. Rooms are priced at 500 Thai Baht (US $14) per night. Tel: +856 (0)21 264341 Email: glolaos@yahoo.com

56) Soudchay Guesthouse - Just next to Virasack and the river, rooms here are 500 Thai Baht (US $14) per night.

57) Dorkket Guesthouse - This is a reasonable looking place and definitely worth a look if you're on a budget as you can get a fan room here with share bathroom for 250 baht (US $7). Air-con rooms with private bathroom cost US $14 per night. Remember, sometimes, every guesthouse will seem full. This guesthouse is a bit further away and actually did have free rooms when I visited! Tel: +856 (0)21 212314 Email: dorkket193@hotmail.com On Samsenthai Rd. Directions on their business card are: 'opposite to the Phiawat School (2nd Floor of the Kodak Shop)' - but you should have no problems finding it - it's on the main street.

58) Vong Sam-Ang Guestouse - On quite a busy road, but very close to the Vientiane's most famous landmark, the Victory Monument, this guesthouse has budget rooms that are slightly better value than most nearer the river...and you might actually get a room here! There are 9 fan rooms with private bathroom for 60,000 Kip (US $7.5) per night. Air-con rooms with TV will cost you 100,000 Kip nightly (US $12.5) Tel: +856 (0)21 252 737 Address: 36, Sailom Road.

59) Nita Inn - Ok place but my experience was that the staff weren't so friendly....still, that might have been my strange questions and their not so good English skills! Rooms cost between 250 baht (US $7) and 600 baht (US $17). For 300 baht (US $8.5) you can get a fan room with private bathroom which isn't that easy to get in the city. Tel: +856 (0)21 219175

60) Chaleunxay Hotel - Very large hotel. Sorry but I don't have the prices. Tel: +856 (0)21 223407

61) Xaysomboun Hotel - Can't remember too much about this hotel...so probably not great, not bad! Rooms cost 150,000 Kip (US $19) per night. Tel: +856 (0)21 216233

62) Phetmanyxay Hotel - Fan rooms for US $10, Air-con rooms from US $15 to US$22. They've been open 20 years and have 15 rooms I actually can't remember too much about this hotel - sorry! Address: 186/1 Mahosot Road. Tel: +856 (0)21 263351

63) Villa That Luang Guesthouse - A long way from the river but close to both impressive That Luang Temple and comfortable walking distance to Pat Quxay (The famous Victory Monument). It has a quiet feel to it. It's on wide That Luang Road but this road doesn't get too busy. Barking dogs will probably signal your arrival! The 10 rooms here are quite large and are priced at 500/600 Thai Baht (US $14/ US $17) per night. Tel +865 (0)21 413370 / 451962 (translator possibly needed!) Email: villathatluang@gmail.com

64) Mina Hotel - Large hotel run by Vietnamese, very close to the striking Victory Monument and just next to the (not so useful!) tourist office. The lobby area is attractive and the rooms aren't bad, priced at 700 Thai Baht (US $20) per night. Tel: +856 (0)21 244412

65) Kham Khoun Hotel - Quite large hotel near to famous 'Victory Monument'. Rooms are priced at 700/800 Thai Baht (US $20 / US $23) per night.

66) Sengphachanh Hotel - Nice looking hotel very close to Pat Quxay (otherwise known as Victory Monument). Rooms cost US $18 per night and include breakfast. Tel: +856 (0)21 251761 / 251756 / 251757

67) Nalinthone Guest House - Further along from number 47 on my list, 'Hotel Beau Rivage Mekong', the road becomes even less busy. Nalinthone had friendly staff and with the nice location by the river, it's definitely worth a look, especially as fewer people know about the guesthouses in this area, so you're more likely to get a room, which are priced at US $18 and US $23 per night. Tel: +856 (0)21 243659 Email: sichanhsvsk@yahoo.com

68) Vansana Riverside Hotel - Great looking hotel on the riverfront. Have a look at their website to see picture of the rooms and the building: www.vansanahotel-group.com. (opens in new window) Rooms are priced at US $70, US $90 and US $120 per night but check their site to see if they have discounts. Tel: +856 (0)21 252 090 (last 2 digits can be replaced with 91 to 97 to get through).

69) Mongkol Hotel - I can't remember too much about this hotel if I'm honest but it's next to the riverside and on a very quiet stretch of Fa Ngum Street. Rooms are priced between 200,000 Kip (US $25) and 300,000 Kip (US $37) per night. Tel: +856 (0)21 216232 / 216059 Email: mongkolhotel@yahoo.com

About 300 meters further west from Mongkol Hotel is a hotel called 'La Folie' that looked nice but there weren't any staff there when I visited!

70) Vanhseng Guesthouse - In a more 'normal' area of the city, rather than the tourist area. Close to markets and shops. This hotel has mainly Laos visitors. For 80,000 Kip (US $10) per night, you can have an air-con room with private bathroom and TV. Tel: +856 (0)21 214179 (will most probably need a translator!)

71) Phong Savanh Hotel - Similar to number 70, in that the hotel is popular with locals, and the area is less touristy. Rooms are priced at between 100,000 Kip (US$12.5) and 160,000 Kip (US $20). Tel: +856 (0)21 262698 (might require a translator if you don't speak Laos).

72) Novotel Hotel - Very large hotel on a busy street. See their website: HERE. (opens in new window) Tel +856 (0)21 213570 /213571 Email: resvn-novotelvte@etllao.com

73) The Royal (Dokmaideng) Hotel - Large hotel on broad Lane Xang Avenue, very close to Victory Monument. Website: www.ramayana-laos.com. (opens in new window) The same owner as number 19 on my list. Tel: +856 (0)21 214455 / 214456 / 214457 Email: galleryhotel@ramayana-laos.com

74) Don Chan Palace - Some think it's an eyesore, towering into the sky on the banks of the Mekong River. I tend to agree. The view from some of the rooms must be amazing. Their website's currently down. I'll keep you updated.

75) Mekong Sunshine - Nice looking hotel, close to the river but also just next to a karaoke/lady bar. Rooms are US $20, US $25 and US $30 per night.

Restaurants, Book Shops, Traditional Shows and More

A) Lao Traditional Show - "Yensabai Show". Advertised as an original Lao traditional performance, with various folk dances and play. It's certainly a popular thing to see. It starts daily at 5:30pm (closed on Sundays). Tickets are US $7 (Child 2-12 yrs: US $4). Tickets are sold at the theatre from 4:30 pm. Tel: (+856 20) 5017773. On Manthathurath Road. (Notice, sometimes Laos is spelt "Lao').

B) Money Changer - Open: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 7pm Saturday to Sunday, 8am to 3pm. There are very few money changers in the city. This one offers a better rate than the money changer at the border with Thailand. There's another money changer at 'Hotel Lao', number 23 on my list, where you'll be able to change money later at night. Their rate is similar but ever so slightly less competitive than this one by the river.

C) Popular French restaurant in the most 'up-market' area of the city. I can't remember the name, but you really can't miss it! If you wish to sit outside, there's seating, right next to the fountain.

D) Le Provencal French Restaurant - Another very popular place with the chance to sit outside and watch the world go by.

E) Bakery and Restaurant - Always seems to be busy, get your croissant or sandwich fix here.

F) Fathima Restaurant - Indian and Malaysian restaurant that serves generous portions. Rice with a curry and nan will cost you about US $3 or $4. They have a website: www.fathimalao.com

G) Nazim Restaurant - India restaurant serving really thick, tasty naan breads.

H) Chateau Du Laos - Attractive looking restaurant close by the crumbling That Dam Stupa. On a quiet road.

I) Taj Mahal Restaurant - Indian restaurant with a relaxed setting on a very quiet street - The food wasn't as tasty in February 2009 as it was a few years ago.

J) Ali Restaurant - Indian Restaurant on quiet Pangkham Road.

K) Vientiane Book Center

L) Supermarket with expat shoppers in mind, selling imported cheeses and western brand foods.

M) Bicycle Hire - Rent a bike for about 10,000 Kip (a little over 1 US Dollar) a day.

N) International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) office

P) Monument Books