Mekong Villa Ock Pop Tok

An often-underrated South East Asian destination, Laos is a fascinating nation with a long history and rich culture. It's also a land of great natural beauty, making it a wonderful choice for outdoorsy explorers eager to clamber up verdant mountains, cycle between lush rice paddy fields, or kayak along winding rivers, spotting birds and admiring ancient cave temples en route. Laos also remains an appealingly affordable country to visit, with budget-friendly food and drink spots, as well as an excellent selection of very reasonably priced hotels. Simple, small and often very charming, these are brilliant bases for exploring Laos' top sites. We've highlighted nine of our favourite great value hotels in Laos, divided between the elegant capital city of Vientiane, lovely Luang Prabang and more remote riverside gems. Combine all three areas for the ultimate Laotian experience!

For City Style

Hotel Beau Rivage Mekong© Beau Rivage Mekong

  • Beau Rivage Mekong is a wonderfully affordable little flamingo pink-painted hotel in Vientiane. Overlooking the Mekong River and the border with Thailand, this is a well-located choice for couples and friends eager to explore the city on foot. Pretty light blue or pink rooms await, with cosy beds, bamboo screens and views over the river.
  • Green Park Boutique Hotel, set in a quieter residential neighbourhood, has a more classic Laotian feel with traditional embroidered textiles and artwork. Many rooms — some with space for families — have balconies overlooking the central swimming pool and verdant gardens. A friendly, well-priced base.

For Luang Prabang

Maison Dalabua

  • Maison Dalabua, slightly beyond the historic district, has 26 romantic rooms and suites, connected by a series of walkways over beautiful lotus ponds. Gather at the swimming pool, hit the spa or hide away on your private terrace. The simplest of the classic rooms are charming and exceptionally well-priced.
  • Mekong Villa @ Ock Pop Tok overlooks the river, just outside of town. Five airy guestrooms are bedecked with handwoven and naturally dyed textiles, reflecting the hotel's connection with an impressive ethically focused craft centre. Take an onsite workshop with local artisans, or feast at the riverside eatery. For budget-conscious creatives.
  • My Dream Boutique Resort comprises a collection of airy bamboo bungalows, some of which have space for families. Very affordable, this peaceful bolthole sits on the banks of the Nam Khan River, just across the bridge from town. Cool off in the swimming pool or enjoy soothing massages.
  • Indigo House Hotel's atmospheric blue-painted rooms feature big cosy beds, whilst the roof terrace offers mesmerising views of the town's ornate temple rooftops. Set in the centre of town, it's perfect for discovering Luang Prabang on foot or by bicycle, and offers very reasonable rates. The night market is right on your doorstep.

For a Riverside Escape

Riverside Boutique Resort

  • Riverside Boutique Resort, overlooking the tranquil Nam Song River in Vang Vieng, has 34 attractive yet affordable guest rooms. Decorated to reflect the traditions of eight of Laos' diverse ethnic groups, this is a carefully curated hideaway for romantics. Unwind by the swimming pool after days of hiking and cycling in the mountains, and dine on mouth-watering French-Laotian fusion fare.
  • Residence Bassac has 14 lovely guest rooms facing flowering frangipani trees on the banks of the Mekong in Champasak. Put your feet up in rooms with four-poster beds, beamed ceilings and joyful patterned tiles. A chic little budget-friendly hotel with stand-out Asian and Mediterranean cuisine.
  • La Folie Lodge, on Don Daeng Island, is a wonderful rural retreat for keen cyclists, kayakers and birdwatchers. The swimming pool is surrounded by 26 stilted wooden bungalows, each featuring traditional Laotian textiles; some have space for families. Simple, friendly and reasonably priced.

STILL NOT SURE?

9 Great Value Hotels in Laos

Mekong Villa @ Ock Pop Tok

Luang Prabang (Laos)

Five unique rooms sit in the grounds of the Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Centre, perched on the banks of the Mekong. Bright rooms are adorned with the beautiful textiles which are made on site. Make the most of complimentary bikes and a free tuk tuk into town. Off the beaten track but well worth it!

  • Local exploring - Free tuk tuk rides into town & bicycles make this a great spot for explorers - you can also delve into Laos' craft culture
  • Value chic - A very affordable choice with stacks of character, part of a culture and crafts initiative based in the area
  • Learning - Take a guided tour of the Living Crafts Centre for a sense of Ock Pop Tok's impressive mission
  • Art Classes - Try your hand at weaving or natural dyeing classes with the project's fabulous artisans
from $71 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Hotel Beau Rivage Mekong

Vientiane (Laos)

You can't miss this flamingo pink edifice located along a dusty downtown street. Its 16 individually decorated blue and pink rooms feature cosy waffle bedspreads, bamboo screens & impressive Mekong River views. Local cuisine is served at Le Khme Khong and there is a pleasant sun dappled garden.

  • Local exploring - Beautifully located on the banks of the Mekong, within reach of bars, cafes & boutiques
  • Cycling - Jump aboard the hotel's bicycles to cycle through the city centre and along the river
  • Value chic - A pint-sized hotel with a bright personality and very reasonable rates
  • Local markets - Stroll to the bustling nearby Night Market for souvenirs and fun finds
from $52 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Green Park Boutique Hotel

Vientiane (Laos)

An urban oasis housed in a traditional tiled building with timeless interiors. All rooms feature private balconies with views of the lush garden and inviting pool, plus a serious bathtub. Bicycles are complimentary and there is a spa, gym and popular restaurant. A great value spot for all ages.

  • Value chic - A wonderfully characterful little hotel with great food, a welcoming team & affordable rates
  • Learning - Visit the Wat Si Saket temple, the oldest in Laos, which houses over 2000 images of Buddha
  • Families - Families will love the swimming pool, friendly feel & flexible room options
  • Restaurant - Savour fresh cuisine on the terrace at Sala Nong Chan, the hotel's lovely restaurant
from $99 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Indigo House Hotel

Luang Prabang (Laos)

A traditional Laotion townhouse with a contemporary twist. Indigo walls and crisp linens are decorated with local textiles. The rooftop terrace enjoys great views whilst the cafe serves up healthy dishes. Many of the town's sites are within walking distance. Ideal for those on a flyby visit.

  • Local exploring - Just 300 metres from the Royal Palace, close to many temples and the Night Market, this is a central spot for keen explorers
  • Other Activities - Watch respectfully as Luang Prabang's Buddhist population gathers to give alms to passing monks early in the morning
  • Local markets - Admire local handicrafts at the bustling Night Market, a top spot for souvenir shopping
  • Sights nearby - Walk from the hotel and discover some of the town's 33 UNESCO-listed temples
from $75 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
My Dream Boutique Resort

Luang Prabang (Laos)

A place of calm set on the banks of the Nam Khan River. Bamboo bungalows give a laid back feel yet your are only a 15 minute cycle away from town. Rooms are spotless and the staff friendly and efficient. Well priced plus the owners donate a portion of the profits to local projects. A great find.

  • Hideaway - On the banks of the Nam Khan River, this is a tranquil hideaway close to all the attractions of Luang Prabang
  • Trekking - Speak to the team about guided hill and village walks, as well as excursions to the Kuang Si Falls
  • Value chic - Simple, airy rooms and suites with river views and rivate balconies at very affordable rates
  • Local markets - Fill your bags with souvenirs from the bustling Night Market, which showcases local crafts
from $74 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Maison Dalabua

Luang Prabang (Laos)

Walkways weave over the lotus ponds at the entrance to this 26 room boutique hotel. Rooms are individually designed combining the owners antique collection with a modern clean touch. Just a 3 minute walk to the town centre, yet whilst sat in tranquility by the pool, this is near impossible to know.

  • Romantic Break - A romantic hotel with private bungalows overlooking leafy gardens & a swimming pool, with a spa for romantic retreats
  • Total relaxation - The traditional spa treatments, refreshing pool and lovely lotus ponds make this a relaxing spot
  • Museums - Delve into the rich history of local crafts at the The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre
  • Cycling - Borrow the hotel's bicycles to visit nearby temples, restaurants and yoga or craft classes
from $74 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
La Folie Lodge

Champasak (Laos)

Set on a remote island on the banks of the Mekong river La Folie Lodge houses 26 stilted bungalows surrounding a large, sparkling pool. The rooms are simply decorated with wooden floors and Laotian textiles. Western and Asian dishes can be enjoyed overlooking the waters. Experience the island life.

  • Hideaway - A tranquil island hideaway, perfect for couples, friends or families dreaming of a nature-focused escape
  • Value chic - An affordable hotel with 26 rooms featuring simple, characterful interiors in a striking setting
  • Birdwatching - Spot some of the island's 39 resident bird species on a guided nature tour
  • Cycling - Hop on the hotel's bicycles and use well-written maps to explore the area
from $53 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Riverside Boutique Resort

Vang Vieng (Laos)

A beautifully designed property, right on the Nam Song River. Rooms are decorated in the style of eight different ethnic groups. All have spectacular views but the best are to be found lounging by the pool. Restaurant du Crabe d’Or serves Laotian and French cuisine and has an impressive wine list.

  • Back to Nature - A restful, nature-focused escape on the banks of the Nam Song River, with outdoor activities and striking landscapes aplenty
  • Cooking classes - Head to a nearby organic farm to hone your Laotian cooking skills with the help of a friendly team
  • Mountain biking - Explore the surrounding countryside by bicycle, with challenging routes aplenty for adventurers
  • Romantic Break - Book a suite with private balcony and enjoy gorgeous riverside dinners on a romantic retreat
from $80 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Residence Bassac

Champasak (Champasak District)

A gorgeous little hotel with 14 individually designed rooms set amidst flowering frangipani on the banks of the Mekong. Spot flitting birds from your private terrace, or retreat to rooms with four-poster beds, beamed ceilings & hardwood floors. Bathrooms with bright, joyful tiles are lovely. Ideal.

  • Romantic Break - A chic little boutique pad with stacks of character and romantic four poster beds in rooms with private terraces
  • Great walks - Take a long-tailed boat across to Don Daeng Island for leisurely walks, cycles and dips with marvellous views
  • Sights nearby - Visit awe-striking Wat Phou, a UNESCO-listed Heritage Site to truly appreciate Laos' rich history
  • Value chic - A reasonably priced spot offering a warm welcome, heaps of style and a great riverside location
from $76 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Written by Saskia Walker

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