The Best of Cambodia & Laos

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CENTRAL LAOS
14
THA KHEK
Vientiane or Pakse before you arrive. Remote Asia (www.remoteasia.com) offers personalized
tours in the area and they can be booked online via their website.
Tha Khek
Banks & Currency Exchange BCEL (Vientiane Rd.; & 051/212-686) changes
cash and traveler’s checks and makes advances on MasterCard and Visa. The Lao
Development Bank (Kuvoravong Rd.; & 051/212-089) will change cash only.
Internet Access There are a number of Internet cafes on Kuvoravong Road leading
straight up from the central square to Rte. 13. They are mainly devoted to
kids playing computer games, so don’t expect peace and quiet.
Post Office Tha Khek’s Post Office is on Kuvoravong Road.
Tourism Information The Tourist Information Office (Thanon Vientiane;
& 051/212-512) has plenty of information on local trekking options and tour
operators, and can put you in touch with an English-speaking guide.
WHERE TO STAY
One drawback of the gentrification of Tha Khek is that there is a real dearth of decent
midrange and budget accommodations. Until recently there were a couple of dilapidated
but pleasant old French colonial hotels with black-and-white tiled floors and bad plumbing
that more than made up for their logistical deficiencies through atmosphere and
charm. They are now gone and what remains is fairly grim, with the notable exception
of the Travel Lodge. The problem there, though, is that it is a long, long way from the
river and the old town. If you are on a budget and want to stay near the river be prepared
to grit your teeth slightly and put up with a fair amount of sleaze.
Hotel Riveria From the outside, Tha Khek’s only luxury hotel is a bit of an eyesore
and evokes thoughts of just how bad totalitarian architecture can be. Once you’re inside,
this impression melts away. The hotel was totally renovated in 2008 and it was done very
thoughtfully. On the upper floors you have splendid views of the river to the front and
the limestone mountain ranges to the rear. The decor is “Lao lite,” with silk furnishings
and ornamental carvings. The rooms are not huge but are very respectable with plenty of
light. The staff is very friendly and understated with a good command of English. This
hotel is in no way spectacular, but it is perfectly pleasant.
Setthathirat Rd. & 051/250-000. Fax 051/252-188. www.hotelriveriathakhek.com. 56 units. $36 deluxe;
$51 super deluxe; $56 executive suite; $66 VIP suite. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; room service; Internet;
minibar. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, minibar.
Inthira Hotel The sister operation of the hotel of the same name in Champasak tries
to pull off the same trick of providing retro colonial luxury, but in this case fails. The
problem is largely that the rooms are very dark and quite shabby. It is certainly not overpriced,
however, being slightly only half the price of its more magnificent sister in the
south. The staff is pleasant and friendly and speak good English. In all, though it fails to
be what it wants to be, it is still not a bad option.
Anou Rd. &/fax 051/251-237. www.inthirahotel.com. 12 units. $18 double. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant;
bar; Internet; room service. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, minibar.