Where to stay in LaosCentral Laos
Where to stay in Vientiane
Three levels, and what each one actually gets you. Prices are the lowest advertised nightly rate we found, and they move — treat them as a guide rather than a quote.
Read the full Vientiane guide →Backpacker
Dorm beds and the simplest private rooms.
Barn1920s Hostel
A long-running hostel in the centre, with a bar and a garden.
Venn Hostel
Among the cheapest dorm beds in the centre.
Comfortable
A private room, without paying resort prices.
Bayern Guesthouse
A private guesthouse room in the walkable central grid.
Best in town
The most comfortable rooms available locally.
Vientiane Boutique Hotel
A small hotel a step above the guesthouses.
Before you book in Vientiane
Five things cause almost every accommodation complaint in Laos, and checking them takes a couple of minutes.
- The exact room type. The cheapest category is often in an older building, or has no window. A private bathroom, air conditioning, hot water and breakfast are none of them automatic at the lower prices.
- The exact location. Map pins are unreliable, and railway stations sit 3 to 15 kilometres outside the towns they serve. A cheap room far out costs a tuk-tuk fare every day.
- Noise. Bars, traffic, temples and construction all decide whether you sleep. Ask before booking, not after.
- Payment. Smaller properties often want cash on arrival even when a platform took the reservation. Ourguide to money in Laoscovers where ATMs are reliable.
- Cancellation. On a route involving buses, boats or mountain roads, a flexible rate is worth more than a small prepayment discount.
For how the property types differ across the country, and when each season needs booking ahead, read ourguide to where to stay in Laos.