The Best of Cambodia & Laos

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VANG VIENG & SURROUNDING AREA
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WHERE TO STAY
Hospital A hospital is by the river heading south opposite the Ban Sabi Bungalows.
Internet Access There are Internet cafes everywhere catering largely to the
hordes needing to use Skype. The best by far is Magnet Internet (Main Rd.,
opposite the Nazim Restaurant; & 020/541-7894). They have fast connections
and work to maintain their machines and keep them virus free.
Post Office A post office (& 023/511-434) is located next to the Old Market.
2 WHERE TO STAY
If you want to avoid the mayhem of Veng Vieng, we recommend that you stay away from
the center of town and head south down the river past the hospital. This area is much
quieter and you’ll find hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants where you can enjoy the
amazing scenery in relative tranquillity.
MODERATE
Ban Sabai Bungalow This quiet collection of riverside bungalows, owned by the
same folks who run the Xayoh Café and Green Discovery tours, provides a real lesson in
the Lao language. Ban means “house,” sabai means “calm and relaxed,” and you’ll pick
up words such as ngiep (“quiet”) and baw mi banha (“no problem”) if you stay long
enough. Rooms are simple, rustic, but clean bungalows. One bungalow abuts the river,
while the others form a quiet courtyard area. The riverside restaurant is tops.
Ban Sysavang (along the river just south and west of the town center). & 023/511-088. 13 units. $28
standard; $30 double; $34 deluxe. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar. In room: A/C.
Bungalow Thavansouk In this prime riverside spot, you’ll find a range of neatly
fitted, affordable bungalows. Accommodations start at basic guesthouse standards and go
all the way up to a unique riverside suite with—get this—a picture window next to the
bathtub with views of the river. Rooms vary in age, quality, and mildew smell, so ask to
have a peek before checking in. Lounge chairs on the lawn face the breathtaking wall of
karst peaks across the river. Riverside rooms here have better views than those at Ban
Sabai Bungalow (see above). The attached Sunset restaurant and bar serves good local fare
and is a happening spot at dusk.
Ban Sysavang (along the Nam Song just south and west of the town center). & 023/511-096. Fax
023/511-215. www.thavonsouk.com. 44 units. High season $25 garden view, $45 river view, $55–$75
traditional Lao house; low season $20–$70. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; concierge can arrange tours
and all rentals. In room: A/C, TV, minibar (not available in garden-view rooms).
The Elephant Crossing Hotel The Elephant Crossing, run by a Laotian/
Australian couple, is your best option in Vang Vieng. The hotel boasts friendly staff,
fantastic views of the karsts, and spotless mildew-scent-free rooms. Standard rooms are
the popular option for their views from the top two floors of the hotel. The decision to
place deluxe rooms on the lower floors was based on weight—they have cozy, if heavy,
bathtubs with sliding doors so you can enjoy the view while having a soak. The garden
fronting the hotel is very quiet and a great place if you have children and want to keep