Luang Prabang Bakery Guesthouse

I found this guesthouse, courtesy of fellow VTer TheDouglas.

Honestly, the pictures on the guesthouse's website does not do itself any justice. It's way more beautiful, charming, cosy and rustic than it looks.

Housed in a traditional shophouse and above a full service restaurant (which serves great food by the way), there are only five rooms with three having balconies overlooking the street and two in the rear with views of Phousi Mountain. I stayed in one of the rear rooms and I must say that the view from the balcony leaves much to be desired as it actually faced the altar at the back of the Guesthouse. (My mate wasn't very thrilled at having the eyes of immortals staring back at him)

If you are willing to overlook this little strange arrangement (I wasn't bothered), the rooms are actually way much better than the US$30 a night (circa Nov 07) I paid for (booked directly with Guesthouse). Each room is abundant with teak wood molding, armois, mirrors and teak furniture. Strategically placed lamps and lights warm up the room. It was clean, spotless and orderly. The rooms have hot water, fan, air conditioning, mini-bar and satellite TV. The bright and spacious ensuite bathroom comes with both showers and tub, and yes, there was hot water.

The owners placed a lot of emphasis on cleanliness. Guests are not allowed to wear footwear beyond the reception counter. Please deposit your smelly and dirty footwear at the shoe racks next to the counter.

Unique Quality: I almost did not get to stay here as the owners promised me a room when in fact, they were closed. But I was glad that I managed to keep my second night and the comfortable room made up for the fiasco of the day before.

Unfortunately, I had to rush off very early the next morning and I never did really use the room for more than 8 hours. A shame really.

I must say Reception was trustworthy. They promised to book a Tuk Tuk (for US$5) to send myself and my mate to the airport and the Tuk Tuk arrived on time at 6am when the streets were still pretty much yawning itself awake.

Breakfast is unfortunately NOT included in the rates.

Please book early to ensure you get a room.

It's really worth it, that's my opinion.

Directions: The central stretch of Sisavang Vong Road, east of both the stairs up to Phou Si Hill and The Luang Prabang Museum.

I initially found this guesthouse in the Lonely Planet - and it was perfectly described, as having "small, spotless rooms with satellite TV along with a good restaurant". The room was almost all bed! - comfortable, airconditioned with a fridge. Bathroom had a tub - and all facilities in the room in good working order. Shuttered windows and a fan if you wanted the option of no aircon. We had a return visit this year, and nothing has changed, except that it is much busier, and its essential to book. The guesthouse is a secondary business to the busy bakery/restaurant, and only has 5 rooms.

Cost was US$25, including a set breakfast - did not have open access to the menu - and the menu had much better range than the guest breakfast. By our second visit, one year later, the rate had increased to $35. This is very reasonable by current standards. Its fair to say that everything is much more expensive after a year.

Restaurant was excellent for all meals in the day - and they had a mixture of both Laos and European style foods. Staff are all very polite and attentive.

Location was right beside the night market in main street of Luang Prabang - Sisavangvong Road.

Unique Quality: Lots of atmosphere - beautiful timbered furniture and staircase - and front rooms have a balcony over the street, with tables and chairs and very comfy wooden rockers. However, these rooms can be a bit noisy at night now that the town is much busier.