The far north - The Rough Guide to Laos - page 282

Adounsiri One street west of the main road 020 2299 1898. In a leafy plot on a side street
parallel to the main road, this popular guest house h as simple but very pleasant rooms, some
of which are off a sweet communal terrace. 60,000K
The Boat Landing 6km south of the centre 086 312398, theboatlanding.com . This
justifiably well-regarded eco-resort is excellent value, with utterly charming bamboo-thatch
bungalows scattered among a flower- and butterfly-filled garden overlooking the Nam Tha
river. The beautiful, peaceful location is the perfect base for exploring the area (Green Dis-
covery tours can be booked here), though some may find it a bit too fa r fr om town. The on-
site restaurant offers superlative local cuisine. Rates include breakfast. $47
Manychan Opposite the night market 020 2292 7878. Situated in a tall building behind
the restaurant of the same name, the simple, tile-floored, en-suite room s here a re a popular
choice, though they lack the character of Thoulasith or Zuela either side. 60,000K
Namtha Riverside Down a dirt track off the main road, 2km south of the centre 086
212025, [e-mail] . Set in lush, well-tended gardens on the banks of
the Nam Tha, these spacious bamboo-thatch huts are good value, with modern bathrooms
(showers can be solar-powered when the wea ther's up to it) and a touch of style. Rates in-
clude breakfast and mountain-bike rental. $25
Tai Dam 200m east of the main market 020 2239 0552. A lovely, tranquil little place
tucked down a dirt track west off the main drag, wi th rusti c but sweet, round-roofed bunga-
lows overlooking paddy fields. No English spoken. 50,000K
Thavyxai Two streets west of the main road 030 511 0292. In a giant-columned build-
ing with airy, high-ceilinged rooms, Thavyxai both looks and feels grander than its rates sug-
gest. The terrace at the back is a lovely pl ace to g aze over the rooftops and soak up the sun.
Good English spoken and excellent value. 60,000K
Thoulasith Main street 086 212166, thoulasith-guesthouse.com . Set just off the main
street in a graceful building facing onto a garden, with large, bright rooms and arguably the
best bathrooms in town. The pick of the bunch ar e the ro oms upstairs, which face onto a
lovely balcony. Luang Namtha's top budget choice. 80,000K
Viengkham 3 Opposite the main bus station, 11km south of the centre 020 2377 7100.
Should you arrive late at night or be catching an early bus, the high-ceilinged rooms in this
new salmon-pi nk block are a much nicer alternative to the bus station guesthouse. Surpris-
ingly peaceful. 60,000K
Vila Hotel 400m south of the local bus station 086 312425, vilaguesthouse.com . A
pleasant and relaxing mid-range place set in a leafy green compound and housing pretty,
wooden rooms with more stylish bathrooms than most (though with rather h ard beds ). Staff
are charming and there's a good restaurant on site. Popular with tour groups. 150,000K