Even though Vang Vieng, Laos is a small and rural tourist town, there are a growing number of Vang Vieng hotels to choose from. Choosing the right accommodation in Vang Vieng really depends on your budget and interests.
Vang Vieng Hotels – Dorms to Luxury!
Vang Vieng has grown rapidly in the last 10 years. And while there used to only be budget hostel options, Vang Vieng now offers quite a variety of hotel options – ranging from local homestays, farm and “workaways” to party hostels. But there are also some great budget guest houses, charming bungalows in rice paddies, family hotels, or luxurious accommodations overlooking the river.
With so many Vang Vieng hotels to choose from, it can be difficult to make a decision. So we were lucky enough to stay at a number of different places during our recent visit, this way we can attest to the quality and variety of options out there for visitors to Vang Vieng. In this post we’ve included a quick rundown of our recommended places to stay in Vang Vieng for different budgets, as well as some honorable mentions of places we would have loved to stay (maybe on a future visit)!
Luxury On the River at the Vang Vieng Riverside Boutique Resort
“Wow!” doesn’t even do this hotel justice. With backgrounds in tourism and hospitality, we really appreciate a good hotel. And even after staying at some pretty incredible places around the world, we can honestly say that we were thoroughly impressed with everything at the Riverside Boutique Resort in Vang Vieng, Laos!
This luxury resort that overlooks the Nam Song river and stunning karst mountains is about a 15 minute walk from town, making it a peaceful stay away from the noise in town. Making a point to integrate the local culture into the resort, each room is themed with decorative accents made by artisans in local villages, using traditional techniques.
The immaculate grounds are full of color and include a perfectly appointed swimming pool, which is illuminated at night with candles all around it – for an added romantic ambiance. The staff and service was impeccable, and we will never forget the tasty food and wonderful views from the restaurant morning and night.
This is a highly recommended resort for visitors celebrating a special occasion or who desire a luxury experience in southeast Asia.
For more detailed information, check out our complete and comprehensive review of the Riverside Boutique Resort in Vang Vieng, Laos!
The Essence of Laos With Stunning Views at the Silver Naga Resort in Vang Vieng
For visitors who want a great hotel that embraces the local Lao culture in the middle of the action in Vang Vieng with iconic views, then the Silver Naga Resort is a great choice. Most of the hotel rooms directly overlook a multiple decks, including swimming pool that’s perched up over the river — for amazing views of the river and mountains across the way.
The hotel truly embraces the local Lao culture, and was in fact built by hand by the local Lao people! It strives to contribute directly to the community in many ways, and has a commitment to the environment – including solar heated water and its own organic garden across the river, which supplies food for its restaurant.
With a variety of room options to choose from, including family style rooms, the Silver Naga is a fantastic choice for travelers who really want a good hotel, in the heart of town, with incredible views…yet don’t want to stay at a cheap guest house or party hostel.
For more detailed information, check out our complete review of the Silver Naga and find out why we never wanted to leave this wonderful place!
The Elephant Crossing in Vang Vieng
Located on the river, this charming hotel is exudes the essence of Laos and gives guests an exotic feel without busting the budget. The Elephant Crossing Hotel welcomes guests with Lao-style wooden covered patio and a tropical garden, perfect for relaxing and gazing out at the river. The hotel is full of charm and local Lao decor, including sculptures and pictures of elephants and other Lao natural scenery.
Most rooms have balconies overlooking the river and there is a wonderful restaurant set out along a riverside deck – making for a wonderful morning breakfast (included in your room rate) as well as a peaceful dinner while watching the sunset over the mountains.
Budget-Friendly Town Center With an Tasty Breakfast at the Inthira Boutique Resort
The Inthira is a sort of budget boutique accommodation choice in Vang Vieng. We found the staff to be very friendly, and we loved the Lao décor – rich colors, woods, etc. The Inthira was convenient to all the main areas of town, yet is set away from the loud partying (we were only 2 blocks from the Sakura bar). The duvet and linens were great, but the breakfast that is included in the room rate was fantastic (especially that dark and rich Lao coffee)!
Unlimited coffee, juice, water, tea and fruit plus your choice of cooked to order eggs / bacon, yogurt and museli, cereal, or a full baguette. Served with a crispy baguette and homemade jam – we loved breakfast each morning in the open air lobby. In fact, the restaurant is quite good at the Inthira and is reasonably priced. Plus, it provides a nice outdoor atmosphere which is nicely lit at night.
While the hotel doesn’t have the views of other hotels near the river, there is a large upper patio where you can lounge in chairs and lookout over the karst mountains. Quite a nice view in the evening or early morning! There are also some deluxe rooms up there, with large glass windows that look out over the mountains.
Even though this hotel was more of a budget boutique option, we found lots of friendly touches from the management team, including welcome letters, and a large book in the room full of notes about things to do in Vang Vieng — even annotated maps with recommended activities, restaurants, bars, etc.
Super informative and helpful. It made us feel quite welcome.
Peaceful & Wonderfully Friendly Vang Vieng Boutique Resort (formerly Phonsavanah Resort)
This was a good budget hotel that was a bit of a last minute choice for us, but we were pleasantly surprised. The first thing to note is that the hotel is currently undergoing renovations / building and recently changing it’s name (even the sign outside at the main road still has the old name!). However, we found the staff here to be so warm and friendly that we really loved staying here, and the construction didn’t bother us — in fact, it was super quite with only a few other guests staying there.
The rooms at the Vang Vieng Boutique Resort were basic, but spacious – and we loved the benefit of the Smart TV so that we could watch our own movies on our USB drive. The newly installed rain showers were a nice touch, and there is a wonderful new swimming pool and deck area. In the morning there is a free and tasty breakfast that included many fruits, breads, juice, coffee, and cooked to order eggs. Breakfast is eaten in a covered deck overlooking a rice paddy.
This hotel is actually across the old airport runway, a 10 -15 minute walk from town and the river. While it’s a little bit away, it’s a reasonable walk and made it much more peaceful because it was far away from the loud music and party scene.
In some ways we felt like we were staying with a local family, who ran the hotel. There were a couple little girls playing on the property and the family talking in the evening out by the pool. We even swam one night with the primary hostess and one of the little girls. The main hostess speaks really great English and she is SO warm and friendly. While some people would be put off by the family being around like this, we actually enjoyed staying at this hotel with them because they made us feel so welcome.
So if you are looking for a budget option in Vang Vieng that is simple, has a pool, and is away from the party scene yet close enough to walk to town — this is a great option.
Vang Vieng Hotels – Honorable Mentions (Where We Would Like to Stay Next Time)
Vieng Tara Villa Bungalows
If you want to experience staying in a wooden bungalow over a rice paddy, well this looks like just the place! The Vieng Tara Villa Bungalows are located across the river from Vang Vieng, it’s a more peaceful setting. It’s also right in the middle between town and the mountains.
The pictures look gorgeous, and the reviews are great.
Lao Valhalla Bungalows
The Lao Valhalla Bungalows is another awesome bungalow experience, but located just a little further from town. It’s still accessible by foot, bike, or car across the river from Vang Vieng town center — yet it’s deeper into the quiet valley.
Surrounded by a rice paddy and beautiful mountains, we’ve heard nothing but rave reviews about this place, including the host and the restaurant with awesome fresh fruit smoothies!
The Organic Farm
A popular attraction for visitors to Vang Vieng, the Organic Farm is a working farm and restaurant. But there are also a variety of accommodation options at The Organic Farm too. From simple dormatory rooms, to riverside bungalows and even mud houses!
You also have the opportunity to volunteer here and learn about the farm, while enjoying the beautiful natural setting and being only steps away from the Nam Song river for tubing! Definitely a unique experience to stay here.
Other Top Rated Vang Vieng Budget Guesthouses / Hostels
So if you are really looking to stay on a budget, there are some super cheap hostels around Vang Vieng. However, be aware that most of these are party hostels — and many of which give out free booze in the evenings. If you are looking to get a good night’s rest, these may not be the best places for you. But if you are looking to party, then check out the options below.
- Backpacker Riverside Guesthouse
- Vieng Thara Guesthouse and Cafe
- Vinutda Guesthouse
- Phoom Chai Guesthouse
- Molina Bungalow
Enjoy Your Stay in Vang Vieng, Laos!
Regardless of your budget and travel style, Vang Vieng’s impressive natural beauty will leave you speechless. We’ve been completely overwhelmed with the gorgeous scenery, laid back atmosphere and friendly locals. Vang Vieng, Laos is a place we absolutely don’t want to leave! With so many things to do in Vang Vieng, your trip is sure to be filled with adventure and relaxation. Enjoy browsing the different Vang Vieng hotels available and start planning your trip!
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