Riverside Boutique Resort, Vang Vieng

The restaurant is great, especially after a long day out exploring. The room is spacious, the bed is comfortable, and it has everything you need to want to stay forever. Staff are kind and provide very good, professional service. The views are easily the best in the city. You can relax by the pool or have a drink at sunset while the mountains cut across a sky full of balloons. It feels like paradise in the middle of Vang Vieng, amid the motor roar and dust of adventure. Being surrounded by nature has its perks, though you may run into a few “little friends.”

The staff were delightful and helpful, and we’re already talking about bringing the family back. The grounds are gorgeous and well kept, and our room and balcony were lovely. We especially enjoyed the cute, historical, delicious turndown service. The pool and bar area was stunning, perfect for relaxing and watching hot air balloons drift by. Mountain views in every direction, too, and cute shops and restaurants are within walking distance. The restaurant was beautiful, breakfast had an amazing selection and an egg station, and every dinner was good. I’ll be thinking about the lava cake and sticky mango rice for ages.

It felt like staying at a resort. From the pool, we could see hot air balloons and para gliders, though none were as close as some photos in other reviews suggested. There was a musty smell in one room, and the aroma oil helped a bit. When one room key gave us trouble, it took a while to fix, but the staff offered complimentary drinks and a discount for the spa and restaurant, which we appreciated. Dinner at the restaurant was alright, though perhaps not great value for the price. The spa massage was enjoyable and, of course, came at a premium. Unfortunately, someone barged in during the session. It would be great if the spa could take steps to prevent that happening again.

The restaurant is excellent, and the resort has a beautiful riverside setting with great views of the nearby mountains. The constant buzzing of microlight aircraft from the nearby airfield takes away from the atmosphere. They fly from sunrise until after sunset, like jet skis in the sky.