Vientiane and the northwest - The Rough Guide to Laos - page 118

Vientiane Backpackers Nokeo Koummane Rd 020 9748 4227, vientianebackpacker-
shostel.com ; map . Big, shabby dorms in a very central location, with all the usual services on
offer, from laundry to bike rental. The rate incl udes a s imple breakfast and access to a com-
puter in the lobby (as well as free wi-fi). Dorm 40,000K
OUTSIDE THE CENTRE
Beau Rivage Mekong Fa Ngum Rd 021 243350, hbrm.com ; map . Airy, aqua-blue
rooms in a fresh, minimalist-style hotel close to the riverfront. TV and a/c come as standard,
but panoramic views of the Mekong cost $12 more . T he adjoining bar/restaurant, The Spirit
House , is one of Vientiane's best spots for sunsets. $57
BestWestern 2-12 François Ngin Rd, near the Mekong 021 216906-9; map . The old Tai-
Pan Hotel has been given a facelift and is now part of the Best Western group. The 44 rooms
here are spacious an d sm art, and guests have free access to the on-site fitness room, sauna
and swimming pool. $75
Don Chan Palace Hotel Fa Ngum Rd 021 244288, donchanpalacelaopdr.com ; map .
This massive eleven-storey hotel, built in the middle of the Mekong, marked the beginning
of the end of Vientiane's low-rise days. The whole place is rather soulless, but the rooms are
comfortable enough and man y hav e superb river views. Facilities include a health spa, swim-
ming pool and a karaoke bar. $120
GreenParkBoutiqueHotel 248 Khou Vieng Rd 021 264097, greenparkvientiane.com ;
map . Set back from busy Khou Vieng Road, the smart rooms at this delightful hotel share
pretty frangipani gardens and cool green pool. There's also a business centre and spa on site.
The only downside is that the bridge leading to the hotel crosses a smelly sewer. $185
Heuan Lao Off Samsenthai Rd, near Wat Simuang 021 216258, 216258; map . This
friendly, rambling guesthouse run by an older couple is located on a quiet lane opposite a
park. Around the peaceful courtyard, wh ere cats a nd dogs relax in the sun, you'll find singles,
doubles and triples, all en suite. Double 120,000K
MandalaBoutiqueHotel Around 1km east of the centre in Ban Simuang, around the corner
from Wat Simuang 021 214493, mandalahotel.asia ; map . Attractive former school
building on a quiet side street away from the centre, surrounded by shady gardens. The sta nd-
ard rooms are quite simple but the suites come with rain showers, bathtubs and balconies. $80
Mercure Samsenthai Rd 021 213570-1, mercure.com ; map . Formerly a Novotel and
now rebranded as part of the Mercure chain, this four-star hotel is a decent option, though its
location away from the city centre isn't ideal and prices are on the high side. The 17 2 ro oms
are clean and comfortable nevertheless, and there's a pool, sauna and gym on site. p $92
Sihome Backpackers 056 Sihom Rd, halfway between the two petrol stations 020
9551 2668, sihomebackpackershostel.com ; map . The most popular place for young back-