SpringRiver Resort

The views are stunning, the rooms were spotless, and the receptionists were welcoming and helpful. We ate well, and the food seemed fairly priced for such a remote spot. The shower pressure was a little low, but the atmosphere was pleasant and hygiene standards were excellent. The transport arrangement was a frustrating part of the stay. I’d agreed to $50 for a round trip to The Rock Viewpoint, then the resort said it was $60. It looked like they’d lost track of my booking and were trying to charge me for a last-minute outsourced vehicle. I got the original price only because I had screenshots. Their WhatsApp uses messages that disappear after 7 days, so save your price quotes before they vanish. The driver also pressured me for extra money, saying the resort had given him the wrong trip duration. It was uncomfortable. I told him to sort it out directly with the resort, and translated my message into Lao so there was no confusion. A lovely place to stay, but get the transport price in writing and keep a screenshot. 🙂

The huts in the green garden are lovely, but the walls are so thin you can hear everything the neighbors say. The restaurant portions felt small for the prices, and the food was average. There are better choices on the main road. This felt more like glamping than a resort, so I was surprised by the high rating. Our small, dark room had just one light and one fan. The sheets were clean, though there was a musty, mouldy smell the first night that eased after we aired the room on the second night. The toilet and shower block is a bit of a walk, with only three unisex toilets and three showers. Staff tried to keep everything clean, but there was no toilet paper twice, and two showers only had cold water.

The wooden lodges and walkways are lovely, and the service and food were excellent. Lao main courses at dinner cost 70-100 k kip, while western dishes were 100-120 k kip. You can pay by cash or card, though I’m not sure what percentage is added for card payments. It’s right by the river among limestone hills, with caves nearby, kayaking on the river, and walks through small villages.

The bamboo cabins at the back are a great value. They’re simple and small, with shared bathrooms, but there’s plenty of outdoor space by the riverside, so you still get to enjoy the setting. The river-view cabins are nice too. It’s a beautiful, quiet, secluded spot, with free kayaks to use. The restaurant serves fresh food, though it’s a bit expensive, and has lots of vegetarian choices and a good wine list.