One of the newest guesthouses in town, the Chanthasom has a prime location on the riverfront to the southeast of town. Rooms are smart, the price is right and the staff friendly. The only blot, quite literally, on the landscape is the 14-storey Don Chan Palace Hotel opposite. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Billing itself as the 'modern guesthouse', Dragon Lodge has a swish selection of rooms, some with fan, some with air-con. Either way, there's a cool vibe to the place thanks to a popular bar downstairs and the extensive silk and sculptures bring a spiritual touch to the upstairs … Full Lonely Planet Review ›

When it comes to location, it's hard to beat this budget pad, which occupies a prime position overlooking the Mekong river. A modern guesthouse with all the basic amenities, the friendly family running the place ensure a warm welcome for all. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

About as central as it gets, this relative newcomer looks a little bland on the outside, but venture through to the lush inner courtyard and you'll see you've stumbled onto a real gem. The smart rooms include elaborate wooden beds, hot water and satellite TV, and breakfast is thr… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

The Viengthong is a sprawling guesthouse hidden away down a side road near the riverfront. The rooms are smart by guesthouse standards and work was underway to add more during our visit. Regular tourist traffic ensures there is a good buzz about the place. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Tucked away down a quiet lane, the Manoly is a large French-era villa set amid a lush landscaped garden. The house is nicely finished with hardwood floors, high ceilings and tasteful furnishings, plus there is a newer wing overlooking the small swimming pool. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Chaleunxay Hotel 60-room Vietnamese-run place where rooms get cheaper as you climb the five storeys. Fair value. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

The friendly Chanta has eight rooms, all of them different, in a converted French-era shophouse. The pick are the two with bathrooms and balconies overlooking Wat Mixay, though these can be frightfully noisy in the mornings. All rooms have satellite TV and are cleaned daily, and … Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Centrally located right opposite the Lao National Culture Hall, the Chanthapanya is a new, 31-room hotel that feels a lot like a modern midrange Thai hotel. And that's not a bad thing. The service is efficient and the rooms feel like Asia, though some are a bit cramped. In-room i… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

The Douang Deuane is a soulless four-storey place but the combination of location, price and simple but clean, medium-sized rooms with fridge, phone and satellite TV, make it good value. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Don't be put off by the preponderance of pink; this Australian-owned boutiqueish hotel on the banks of the Mekong is excellent value. All of the 16 rooms are stylishly laid out and furnished with a pink, blue or green theme, and those with Mekong views, terrazzo baths and small b… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

In the heart of Chinatown, the welcoming Hotel Lao is a three-storey building with a Thai-style wooden platform added to the front. The large rooms have two beds, TV, fridge and some have balconies. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Down a quiet lane just north of Wat Hai Sok in the centre of town, this colonial-era mansion has a tranquil, historic feel. High ceilings, antiques, Lao handicrafts and no TVs in the 12 rooms all contribute to the atmosphere. And it's that - the ambience - you're paying for here,… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Opened in mid-2006, the Lao Orchid is one of a new breed of tastefully designed hotels beginning to pop up in Vientiane. The 33 well-equipped rooms are fitted out with an emphasis on wood and silk, and the service is a step up from the standard. All rooms have a balcony, but ask … Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Sabaidy Guest House and Mixok Guest House are nearby and the cheapest places in town, though the price is the only reason you'd stay. Mimi Guesthouse is another cheap but bearable option, and has a better atmosphere. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This is one of Vientiane's cheapest guesthouses. The rooms are clean, but very basic, and the atmosphere is very laid back. It's popular with backpackers, particularly Japanese. Some rooms have hot-water bathrooms, many others have no windows - check a few. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Sabaidy Guest House, and Mixok Guest House are nearby and the cheapest places in town, though the price is the only reason you'd stay. Mimi Guesthouse is another cheap but bearable option, and has a better atmosphere. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This family-run, modern place on the river lacks a little in atmosphere but the clean and comfortable rooms are great value considering the position - the doubles with river views are the pick. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

In the heart of the action along the riverfront, the Orchid's rooms are simple and clean but those without bathroom or air-con are a bit pricey. It's welcoming. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Centrally located near Nam Phu, this guesthouse has a range of rooms, some windowless, so look at several (Room 841 is the best). The staff are a bit variable but its location keeps it popular. Some rooms come with breakfasts for two, cheaper rooms do not. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Quiet, family-run place with range of rooms - look at a few. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Rooms are ultra-basic but clean and the management helpful. Upstairs shared bathroom is best. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This place, next door to Mixay, was being renovated when we passed but should be open when you read this. Expect a range of clean rooms at budget prices, and a good dorm. Full Lonely Planet Review ›