Vientiane Hotels, Guesthouses and Resorts
Oh, that famous typical laid-back vibe! If you come to Vientiane from Thailand, you will feel as if the time has slowed down here. The crumbling French mansions and imposing monuments are part of the city’s unique charm. But what about the accommodation? Is it easy to find? Is it typically expensive or can you also find budget accommodation? Let’s see!
Price range
One of the best things about visiting Vientiane is that it is surprisingly affordable. The prices for accommodation range from USD5 to USD200 (LAK40,000 - LAK 1,600,000), depending on the features offered.
For instance, you could stay in a nice hotel located in the city centre for a price starting from USD30 per night or about LAK245,000. However, if you want to experience Vientiane from a backpacker’s point of view, you could get a bed for about USD10/80,000.
Areas to search for accommodation in Vientiane
One-way streets encircle Vientiane's city centre. To the south, there is the Mekong River and Quai Fa Ngum. To the north, there is Samsenthai Road and in the West, there is Chou Anou Road. The Presidential Palace flanks the western edge. The most happening area is probably the Riverfront with an abundance of bars and restaurants, a couple of convenience stores, lively night market full of local souvenirs and a kids’ playground in case you have your little ones in tow.
While you can explore some areas of the city on foot, do not be mislead: Vientiane is spread over kilometres and wherever you stay, you most probably will need to take a tuk-tuk from time to time.
Additionally, whether you travel on a budget or not, you can still find excellent accommodation in a beautiful location. For instance, there are backpackers’ hotels situated in central locations. Ban Mixay, however, is a popular site for backpacker’s accommodation. Still, from our experience, here you’re bound to find plenty of midrange options as well.
If you prefer getting a luxurious accommodation instead, you can find some great options near the Riverfront or in the city centre. As for boutique hotels, there are fine choices as well, but many are located about 4-5 km away from the city centre.
Budget accommodation
A top choice we would recommend if you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodation is Mixay Paradise. The rooms are pretty basic, decent and nice. Every floor features a shared terrace, which is great for late-night talks. The rooms are equipped with private bathrooms and are quite small, meaning that they fit the bed and your luggage and that’s about all. Still, they are clean and comfy. For under USD10 (LAK80,000), this is a great value for money. It is located in Mixay, Francois Ngin Rd.
Other budget digs in the same area worth considering include Mixok Inn (Rue Setthathilath), Funky Monkey Hostel (Francois Ngin Rd), and Sport Guesthouse (Francois Ngin Rd).
Mid-range accommodation
Lani’s House by the Ponds is hidden in a small lane located in the centre of town (281 Setthathirat Rd, Ban Haysok). It is a charming old Lao House featuring beautiful architectural details and handsome design. The hotel occupies a revamped 1960s villa and will definitely take your breath away the minute you see it. The breezy rooms look impeccable – you can actually sense the cleanness of the air. The stunning settings combined with the homey vibe make this accommodation a fine choice. The prices range from USD20 (LAK160,000) to USD65 (LAK520,000), depending on the size of the room and the features offered.
Faa Apartment is a good mid-range alternative. It is situated in Ban Mixay just opposite the National Cultural Hall (137/01 Rue Nokeokoummane). This is a decently priced option if you intend to stay in Vientiane for longer than a day or two.
Top End accommodation
If you want to spend on your accommodation while in Vientiane – well, no problem at all. Lao Orchid (Chao Anou Rd, Ban Wat Chan) is an upscale choice in the proximity of the riverbank. It is the go-to for many business people visiting the Lao capital. It retains its elegant and cosy feel to it, which makes it a great spot. So, if you want to stay in a central location and enjoy all possible comforts, Lao Orchid will be down your alley. The prices start from USD50 (LAK400,000) and go up to USD100 (LAK800,000).
Mandala Boutique Hotel lives up to its name – far from the hustle and bustle – if it is ever applicable to Vientiane! – of the city centre in a tranquil spot off Setthathirath Rd. This is an ideal place if you want to enjoy a quiet stay in Vientiane, though you should rely on taxis for sightseeing.
