Villa Ban Phanluang

Getting around was easy even though the guesthouse isn’t right in the center. When the bamboo bridge was down in mid-August 2016, a boat across cost 5000kip. Without taking the boat, Mount Phousi is about a 15-minute walk. The nearby Ban Phanluang temple is a useful landmark, since taxi drivers may not know this quiet neighborhood with just a few other guesthouses. The owners are lovely, and there are free bikes and scheduled rides to the post office in town if you book at least 30 minutes ahead.

For a couple of nights, the damp, slightly mouldy smell in the bedroom and the mould in the not-so-great bathroom were manageable. The bed was comfortable, the price was good, and the location just across the river from the main town was pleasant, especially walking over the bridge. The manager was incredibly kind. When his guesthouse was full, he took me on his motorbike to find another place, then gave me $5 for a taxi when I had no cash. Their car had broken down, so they couldn’t give me the usual free lift. That level of help is rare, and it’s why I gave four stars instead of three.

Ban and his family were so helpful that the hospitality felt top a1 class. Ban gave me great advice on where to go and how to get around, and I rented a motorbike directly from him without any trouble for the waterfalls. The place is just after the bamboo bridge, so it’s quiet. Rooms were clean and nice, breakfast was tasty, and fresh drinks were provided free. Wifi etc. Thanks Ban for that time at yours!

Ban speaks English fluently and was really helpful. His suggestions for seeing the city were just right. I had a great time at his villa: clean hotel, tasty breakfast, peaceful streets around it, and great service. Thank you.