Vang Vieng is known for its riverfront and mountain views, and entices visitors with popular attractions including Pha Ngern Viewpoint and Blue Lagoon.
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Kuang Si Falls during your travels in Luang Prabang. Discover the coffeehouses in this relaxing area, or seek out the biking trails.
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Blue Lagoon during your travels in Vang Vieng. Amble around the area's riverfront, or seek out its innertubing.
Explore the lovely green spaces of Phousi Hill and enjoy the biking trails in Luang Prabang. Amble around this culturally rich area's riverfront, or seek out the local tours.
"I must admit, as my first city and first time in Laos I did get a bit of a culture shock and I'm not a timid guy. I did sign up for it and thats part of the fun for me. That all turned pure positive as I dealt with the staff and accommodations at Merry Riverside. Eager and helpful are things that I associate with good staff / stays and they proved to be both. Glad I spent the extra for the top room which I think I can say accurately was akin to a semi luxury cabin like experience. All was as seen on the web. Not everything was perfect, with some minor maintenance welcome but not nessisarily needed. One real but fairly minor complaint: the room fridge didn't work and according to a much older review thats a feature at this point not a bug. As I write this review, I miss this room after pulling a bad one in Vang Vieng! The view didn’t disappoint and stunned given the simplicity of a partially developed river bank! Breakfast was always good and reliable but subtlely diffrent each day. Get up early if you like it hot or like myself enjoy the best table in the corner! Centrally located in the tourist district but I had no problem walking the entire town minus the most remote areas. I cannot recommend it enough assuming you enjoy fully exploring other cultures. The experience changes in meaningful ways outside of the bubble but not an experience for all types to be sure. Not only would I stay again, but I fully expect to! My thanks to the staff!"
"Hotel sits directly in the Mekong river. Feels upscale compared to many others and the price is right. Would definitely return. Pool area could be a bit bigger, gets crowded in the evening, but I didn’t even care to swim anyways. I enjoyed my stay overall."
"The hotel is beautiful and the staff are all amazing. Ask to go anywhere nearby or be picked up nearby is easy to arrange. All done with a gracious smile and a chat with the staff.
Breakfast is ok as it is buffet style so the food is not always as hot as you'd like it to be.
All in all a wonderful experience."
Laos is a hidden gem for budget-conscious travelers, offering a wealth of affordable experiences. Begin your adventure in Luang Prabang, where you can explore the stunning Kuang Si Falls, a picturesque series of turquoise pools perfect for a refreshing swim. The vibrant night market is a must-visit, featuring local handicrafts and delicious street food options that won’t break the bank. Venture to Vang Vieng, known for its breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities like tubing on the Nam Song River, which is both cheap and exhilarating. Don't miss the iconic Plain of Jars in Phonsavan, where you can marvel at the mysterious ancient stone jars scattered across the landscape—entry is often free or very low-cost. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, consider staying in the quaint town of Pakse, where you can explore the nearby Bolaven Plateau, famous for its coffee plantations and scenic waterfalls. Budget hotels in these areas provide a comfortable base for your explorations, often at very reasonable rates, allowing you to make the most of your travel funds while enjoying the rich culture and natural beauty of Laos.
