Ban Vieng May, Vat Sakem, Luang Prabang, Lao People's Democratic Republic | (888) 223-6949
Peaceful setting on the river
Rooms are quaint and airy, with nice wooden floors
Rooms come equipped with free Wi-Fi, fans, and relatively modern bathrooms
Some bungalows overlook the river
Free breakfast served anywhere on the premises
Free shuttle to town throughout the day and free bicycle rentals
Rooms are basic with very few amenities (no TVs) and dim lighting
Bathrooms are basic, with little countertop space
No facilities on the premises other than the small restaurant and sala sitting area on the river
Thongbay Guesthouse is an older, small property overlooking the banks of the Nam Khan River -- slightly outside of the center of town. There are only 16 bungalows here, nine of them that look at the river, seven set in a garden. While they have well-finished wood floors, they are pretty threadbare, with just a bed, a minibar, and some slippers for guests in each. The resort does provide free Wi-Fi throughout, plus free breakfast (served in rooms or garden), free bicycles, and free shuttles to town throughout the day. It's a great place for relaxing in the garden or looking out at the river, but its a ways from the heritage area, and getting here on foot or bike requires navigating a torn-up dirt road. It's worth comparing rates with nearby properties like Bel Air or My Dream Boutique, because they generally charge just a few dollars more and are a bit more modern.
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Scene
Rustic bungalows in a garden compound overlooking the river
The Thongbay Guesthouse sits in a large garden compound, with a small lobby area, a pint-size restaurant, and some sun loungers set around a small pond. Paths from here lead down to the bungalows, about half of which overlook the Nam Khan River. The lobby has a couple of chairs to relax in upon check in, and there are also some tables outside in front of it. The garden area is pleasant enough, although the property's best spot is to be found overlooking the water, where there are a few overhanging decks -- or "salas" as they are called in Southeast Asia -- where guests can read, order breakfast, or just watch the sleepy river life unfold. The whole property is a pretty sleepy place, and a nice escape from the center of Luang Prabang.
Location
Out of town on the river -- acessed via a rutted, muddy road
The Thongbay Guesthouse is located five to 10 minutes outside of the center of Luang Prabang overlooking the Nam Khan River. It's a bit of an ordeal getting to the property, as it is accessed via rutted, bumpy (and mud-filled in the rainy season) dirt roads that have not been improved for years. There isn't much signage either until guests reach the small paved road that the property is on. Once here, it is quiet and peaceful, as the resort has a nice spot alongside the river with few distractions. It's about a 10-minute drive to the airport from here, and equidistant the other way into the UNESCO heritage area of the old town.
Rooms
Bungalows are set either by the river or in garden, and feature fine wood floors -- but otherwise are threadbare and basic.
The Thongbay Guesthouse has 16 bungalows, nine of which are above the Nam Khan River and seven of which sit in the garden. While the bungalows do have well-kept and quite elegant fine wood floors, they are pretty threadbare otherwise. The standard Garden View rooms each have a couple of small stands with dim lights on them, a closet with a few hangers, a few pairs of slippers, and a basic minibar. There are no televisions nor safe boxes (there is a safe deposit at the front desk, though), and the bathrooms are a bit primitive, featuring either brick or stone, with the showers in half the rooms looking like they are in a cave. The only toiletries provided are small bottles of soap and shampoo, shower caps, and toilet paper. Rooms do have fans and nice balconies to sit on that have both table and chairs, as well as traditional Lao roll-out cushions to relax on. The River View and Family Rooms of course have scenic views from their balconies, and come with electric hot water kettles for making coffee and tea. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, but there are minimal outlets for charging devices and plugging in. Air-conditioning was added to the bungalows in 2016. Overall, it's a pretty rustic spot that's pretty pricey considering what you get.
Features
Free bicycles and town shuttle, plus a free breakfast served anywhere on premises
The Thongbay Guesthouse is a pretty simple place. There are no facilities here other than the resort's tiny restaurant, which is necessary considering that there are no other restaurants or bars in the immediate vicinity. The resort does serve a free breakfast, which can be had anywhere on the property, whether in your room, on the balcony, in the restaurant, or down overlooking the river in the atmospheric sala decks they have built looking downstream. The resort does have free bicycles for guests to use, and it also runs a regular shuttle bus to and from town hourly throughout the morning and again in the afternoon and early evening. Other than this, there is nothing else out here except peaceful river views.
