Lonely Planet Review

An oasis in the city, Thongbay is set in a traditional wooden house surrounded by lush and lovely tropical gardens. There are just 10 rooms, half with air-con and a bathroom attached, the rest with fan and a clean shared bathroom... so best to book ahead.

The old house really is a gem and has been thoughtfully decorated with Lao textiles and old handicrafts. The rooms are simply furnished and those with air-con include a Lao interpretation of the open-air Balinese bathroom. It is calm and quiet in this part of town, although no one would accuse Vientiane of being the most bustling city in the region. The gardens include a well-stocked bar and a well-regarded restaurant with a mix of Lao and international food. Dotted about the lawns are small pavilions for a romantic evening or a session on the Beerlao. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful, making this one of the more popular budget stops in town.