South central Laos - The Rough Guide to Laos - page 315

Motorbike rental Wangwang, a small shop just west of the ATM on the town square,
has motorbikes for exploring the Mahaxai caves and karst formations. Manual bikes cost
60,000K/day, automatics are 100,000/day.
ACCOMMODATION
Inthira Chao Anou Rd, just off the town square 051 251237, inthirahotels.com .
Thakhek's first proper boutique hotel actually comprises two restored colonial-era trading
houses in the heart of town. Each room has a modern, studio feel with lots of polished wood,
plus a minibar, TV and a/c. The two big rooms at the front of the building hav e balconies
with views of the square. There's a very good restaurant on the ground floor. $29
KhamouanneInter Kouvolavong Rd, 300m east of the river 051 212171. Newly spruced
up with bright-green paint (but still with the same kitsch 3D floor tiles), this guesthouse is the
best budget option near th e river. Ask to see a few rooms before checking in, as quality and
cleanliness varies. 80,000K
Riveria Setthathilat Rd, opposite the Immigration Office 051 250000, hotelriveriath-
akhek.com . The swankiest place in town, the Riveria has a range of double and twin rooms -
some with million-dollar views of the Mekong - and modern facilities, including a business
centre and ban que ting hall. Helpful staff; in-room wi-fi and big buffet breakfast included in
the room rate. $65
Song Lao On a quiet street north of Phouhanna (follow the yellow signs) 030 530520. A
little out of town and more peaceful as a result, Song Lao has lovely double rooms in a long,
wood-clad building facing a f ragrant garden. There are also a couple of VIP bungalows at the
far end (150,000K). 120,000K
Thakhek Travel Lodge Up a side road halfway between the Kilometre 2 and 3 markets
051 212931, [e-mail] . Despite being a long walk from the river,
this three-storey guesthouse is the most popular budget option in town. It features basic dorm-
itories and fan rooms with shared facilities, as well as a/c en-suite rooms, all reas onably
priced. They also rent out bicycles, motorbikes and vans, and run tours. Dorm 30,000K, double
60,000K
Xayluedy On Vientiane Rd, west of the tourist office 020 2217 8222. If it's a fresh, tidy
room you're after, look no further than this new, glass-fronted block. There are two types of
rooms available but both h ave a/c, wi-fi and a flatscreen TV, so unless you need lots of space,
go for the cheaper option. 130,000K
EATING AND DRINKING
Thakhek is no centre of culinary excellence, but eating options have diversified in recent
years, and there are now a few decent restaurants around town. In addition to these, pancake