Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
in Vietnam. Daily sawngthaews also run to the border at Na Meo (50,000K), though you may
struggle to find onward transport on the Vietnamese side. Each morning, sawngthaews run
from the Nathong bus station to the caves at
Vieng Xai
, but note that, as sawngthaews rarely
run in the opposite direction during the afternoon, you may end up having to stay overnight.
Destinations:
Muang Et (1 daily; 5hr); Na Meo (1 daily; 3hr); Thanh Hoa, Vietnam (1 daily
except Mon; 9hr); Vieng Xai (2 daily; 50min); Xam Tai (1 daily; 5hr);
INFORMATION
Tourist office
The tourist office (Mon-Fri 8-11.30am & 1.30-4pm) is situated on Phathy
Road, the main boulevard in town; the very helpful, English-speaking staff can advise on
visiting the area, including Vieng Xai, nearby waterfalls and hot springs, and have the most
up-to-date information on bus and sawngthaew times.
Services
Also on Phathy Road, the Lao Development Bank changes US dollars, Thai baht
and sterling, and can also provide cash advances. Some guesthouses offer wi-fi, and you can
also access the internet (150K/min) at the shop just east of
Samneua Hotel
.
GETTING AROUND
Motorbike rental
A shop just south of the tourist office offers motorbikes for 60,000K per
day, though the staff speak little English.
Tuk-tuk
Drivers tend to wait near the bridge closest to the dry market, and at the bus stations.
Expect to pay 10,000K per person for journeys within town.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation in Sam Neua varies very little in price and quality; most guesthouses and
hotels have grand reception areas full of Chinese-style wooden furnishings, which then lead
to rather dark and disappointing rooms. On the plus side, most places offer free tea and fruit,
which is especially welcome during the winter.
Bounhome
In the centre of town on Route 6, just east of the Dannaomuangxam restaurant
064 312223.
Housed in a modern building, with smallish but clean rooms. The more expens-
ive rooms, with en-suite bathrooms, are on the ground floor, while guests o
n the to
p floor
use a (s
omewhat inconvenient) shared bathroom and toilet downstairs. Double
80,000K
, single
70,000K
Khaemxam
In the town centre, just west of the river 064 312111.
This family-run hotel
is good value, and among budget travellers is the most popular place to stay. R
ooms ar
e a
decent size and pleasant, if basic, with a choice between en-suite and shared bath.
70,000K
Phasouk
On the quiet alley leading north from Bounhome 064 312479.
Tidy, cared-for
rooms with frilly pink curtains, spread across four echoing floors. The shared landings lead
out onto decent bal
conies,
but when the owner hangs her washing out you may struggle to
find space to relax.
80,000K
