Luang Prabang -- budget guesthouse?

Old Jul 27th, 2014, 05:03 AM
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Luang Prabang -- budget guesthouse?

Thanks to this terrific forum our plans are taking shape. Was wondering if anyone could make a recommendation for a budget guesthouse in Luang Prabang Aug 19-23?

We'd love something in the old town which would have AC and a nice place for me to write at -- either in the room, cafe or common area.

Thanks so much for your help.
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Old Jul 27th, 2014, 05:18 AM
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What does budget mean?
Could mean $15, 30 or $60.
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Old Jul 27th, 2014, 05:29 AM
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Under 40/night
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Old Jul 27th, 2014, 05:47 AM
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Although accommodation is hard to find in the high season, In August you will be ok just finding something on arrival. That way, you can have a look at a few rooms and pick the one that suits you. The town itself is quite compact so it won't involve too much walking around. I find travelfish helpful for narrowing down the choice to a shortlist. Here is a link to the budget accommodation in the old quarter

http://www.travelfish.org/accommodat...rabang/all#546
You don't say what you budget is in $$$ the above places would go for around $ 20, perhaps less in Aug. if you wanted to spend a bit more, say $50-75 pn you could probably get a room in the Apsara which is very nice and in a great location

http://www.theapsara.com/apsara.php
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Old Jul 27th, 2014, 06:28 AM
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Here's what I posted on Travelfish after our trip...

"The problem we had with LP was on arrival. The VIP bus from Vang Vieng arrived at the Southern Bus Station at about 1700. You get surrounded by Tuk Tuk drivers who are all on a back-hander. We got taken to a place down by the Mekong. It was a bit of a dive and cost 18 dollars a night, but at that time of day and with loads of people arriving at about the same time you don't really want to be wandering around looking for accommodation. We accepted the dive, and that evening wandered round town looking for somewhere more permanent for a few nights. We ended up at the Tam Tam Gardens Hotel for a week, which for 15 dollars a night on the main street was a bargain. I thought LP is being spoiled by the 1000s of mopeds that scream along from all directions".

So yep, I recommend the Tam Tam Gardens Hotel, which should be well within your budget.

If you arrive in Luang Prabang before mid-afternoon you'll find there's a greater choice of accommodation than if you arrive later on, when lots of people arrive by bus from Vang Vieng. But at worst, just book one night somewhere, and if you don't like it there'll be plenty of choice in town the following morning.
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Old Jul 27th, 2014, 06:44 AM
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I've just looked at the Travelfish link that Crellston posted. The guesthouse that I called a dive was the SokDee, which is advertised on the list.

I'm not an overly fussy person, but the SokDee wasn't a very pleasant place at all!
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Old Jul 27th, 2014, 07:00 AM
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These are good suggestions! Have you heard of the Manchean Guest House?
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Old Jul 27th, 2014, 11:38 PM
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If you've been recommended it by someone you trust then go for it.

If you've got a bit of doubt, then just book it for one night.

A lot of guest houses don't take advance bookings [without full upfront payment] due to the high number of people not turning up.

The streets of LP will be busy with people vacating their accommodation every morning, so there'll be plenty of empty rooms up for grabs from 1100 onwards. Get in early and you'll have the best choices.
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Old Jul 28th, 2014, 09:51 AM
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I stayed at Sayo River, and was very happy there. Choose the upstairs double room , as it has a great balcony to enjoy the river view. It's on the quiet side of old town, about 2 blocks from the main area. Staff was very nice and room was immaculate. (There is another Sayo place that is different than Sayo River.

If I go back to LP, next time I'll stay at Ock Top Pop's guesthouse. It is a short tuk tuk ride from the old town, so not quite as nice an area, but the 6 rooms are really special. It is right on the river with a great lanai to sit and watch the boats or read. It's on the property where they do the weaving and dyeing classes. Nice little restaurant on the property and the rooms are quiet and charming..
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Old Jul 30th, 2014, 05:41 AM
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Thanks. We already booked the Manichan guest house before I found the last post. They sound really nice.
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