Your stay — Athens hotel
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The Property — Athens hotel
The Athens Hotel is a no-frills, 3-star establishment in Vientiane's city centre, offering straightforward, no-nonsense accommodation for the value-conscious traveller. The lobby's simple, modern design and compact size belie a convenient location near the COPE Centre and Talat Sao Market. Expect a functional, unpretentious experience with a hint of Lao charm. It's perfect for the budget-conscious traveller seeking a hassle-free base to explore Vientiane. The staff is friendly and helpful, adding to the hotel's laid-back atmosphere.
Chronicles of Vientiane
Vientiane, the capital of Laos, was founded in 1563 by King Setthathirath and has since evolved from a small trading post to a cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural heritage. French colonial architecture still dominates the cityscape, particularly in the Patuxai Monument and the Presidential Palace. Today, Vientiane is a melting pot of Lao, French, and Chinese influences, with a thriving expat community and a relaxed, small-town feel. The city is also home to numerous Buddhist temples, including the iconic Wat Si Saket and Wat Phra Kaew, which showcase the country's spiritual traditions. Visitors can explore the city's history and culture by wandering along the Mekong River or visiting the COPE Centre, which tells the story of Laos' tumultuous past.
Best Time to Visit
Full Vientiane guide →Best months
The best months to visit Vientiane are October and November, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 28°C (82°F), and the crowds are manageable. The cooler winter months make it ideal for sightseeing.
Peak / festival surge
The peak tourist season is December, when the city hosts the Vientiane International Film Festival, attracting visitors from across the region. Expect higher hotel prices and larger crowds during this time.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season, from March to May, offers a good balance of comfortable weather and lower prices, making it an excellent time to visit Vientiane on a budget.
Weather & packing
Vientiane's climate is hot and humid, with sudden rain showers throughout the year. Be prepared for sudden downpours by packing a lightweight waterproof jacket or umbrella.
Live City Briefing — Vientiane
- The new Vientiane Bus Terminal has opened, providing improved transportation links to and from the city. Visitors can now easily access the terminal and explore the surrounding area.
- Talat Sao Market, a popular shopping destination, has expanded its offerings to include more local handicrafts and souvenirs.
- The COPE Centre has extended its operating hours to cater to the increased number of visitors during the peak season.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Athens hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor, ideally 3rd or 4th floor, as the hotel's relatively low floor count and elevator operation may be noisier on lower floors.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance, which is likely located on the ground floor near the rear of the hotel, as this area tends to be more prone to noise from staff and deliveries.
Best views
Unfortunately, with the hotel's address in Vientiane, there are no notable views to request, as the surrounding area is relatively low-rise.
Quietest floors
2nd to 4th floors are likely to be the quietest, as they are away from the ground floor service entrance and any potential street noise.
🔊 Noise notes
As Vientiane is a relatively quiet city, the primary noise concerns at this hotel will be internal, such as elevator noise and activity near the service entrance.
Insider tips
1. Request a room with a window to ensure good ventilation and a sense of natural light. 2. Consider arriving early for check-in to ensure a smooth process, as the hotel's staff may be busy with morning operations.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Athens hotel
free, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader/FT) via in-room tablets
14:00-23:00 (check-in), early bag-drop from 07:00, late check-out fee of 10,000 KIP ($1.20 USD) per hour
available from 06:00-23:00 for free
step-free access to main entrance, wheelchair entries available, no structural limitations
on-site parking available, 20,000 KIP ($2.40 USD) per night; nearest public car park is Vientiane Bus Terminal, 5,000 KIP ($0.60 USD) per hour; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 5,000 KIP (approximately $0.50 USD) per night/person
Deposit & card hold: 100,000 KIP ($12 USD) advance deposit + 200,000 KIP ($24 USD) incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: ວັດໄຕນ້ອຍ ຣັຕນະມຸງຄຸລ (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: ວັດໄຕນ້ອຍ (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: ວັດ ປາກທ້າງ (1.4 km · ~18 min walk)
- Church: Evangelic Church (1.4 km · ~18 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
ປ່າສັກສິດປາກທ້າງ — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
Khao niew Lao theater — 704 m · ~9 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Phonsavanh Bank — 342 m · ~4 min walk
ແສງດາພອນ — 952 m · ~12 min walk
mini Big C — 980 m · ~12 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Lao Kip, LAK
Change money at the airport or near the Talat Sao Market; rates might be lower than in the city centre, with commission around 2%
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in tourist areas, but cash is often preferred; ATMs are available at most banks
Round up the bill or leave 1,000-5,000 LAK for restaurant staff; 5,000-10,000 LAK for taxi drivers and hotel staff
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cup of coffee from a street vendor or a small café costs around 5,000-10,000 LAK
A bowl of street food like soups or noodle dishes costs around 15,000-25,000 LAK
A meal at a local restaurant costs around 30,000-50,000 LAK for a main course
Try the street food stalls and markets along the Mekong River and in the Talat Sao Market area
Supermarkets like Big C and Vientiane Market offer a range of affordable options
Markets like Talat Sao and the Night Market offer affordable clothing and souvenirs
A one-day public bus pass costs 10,000 LAK; from the airport, take the airport bus (10,000 LAK) or a taxi (around 50,000 LAK)
Eat at local markets and street food stalls for a more authentic and affordable experienceBargain at markets and night markets for better pricesUse public transport or walk/bike whenever possible to save money and experience the city
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Vientiane, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Athens hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Phonsavanh Bank — 342 m · ~4 min walk — pharmacy · ແສງດາພອນ — 952 m · ~12 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Anywhere in Vientiane → Funky Monkey Hostel
💡 Tuk-tuks are everywhere but not metered. Agree on price before getting in—short hops inside city limits shouldn't exceed 20,000 kip. For the hostel, say 'near Wat Ong Teu' for a reference.
Wattay International Airport → Central Bus Station (near Funky Monkey Hostel)
💡 Bus 29 runs a loop from airport to Talat Sao market, a 10-minute walk from the hostel. It's cramped but cheap. Flag it down on the main road outside arrivals—no official stop.
Anywhere in Vientiane → Funky Monkey Hostel
💡 Download the Loca app (Laos' version of Grab). It's reliable, shows upfront pricing, and avoids language barriers. Payment is cash on arrival—make sure you have small bills.
Wattay International Airport → Funky Monkey Hostel
💡 Negotiate the fare before you get in. Official taxi stand just outside arrivals charges a fixed 50,000 kip to city center, but drivers might try for 80,000. Metered taxis are rare—stick with fixed price.
About Vientiane
Wikipedia ↗
Vientiane is the capital city of Laos. Comprising the 5 urban districts of Vientiane Prefecture, the city is located on the banks of the Mekong, close to the border with Thailand. Vientiane was the administrative capital during French rule. The city had a population of 840,000 as of the 2023 census....
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Athens hotel?
Request a room on a higher floor, ideally 3rd or 4th floor, as the hotel's relatively low floor count and elevator operation may be noisier on lower floors.
Which rooms should I avoid at Athens hotel?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance, which is likely located on the ground floor near the rear of the hotel, as this area tends to be more prone to noise from staff and deliveries.
Is Athens hotel noisy?
As Vientiane is a relatively quiet city, the primary noise concerns at this hotel will be internal, such as elevator noise and activity near the service entrance.
Which rooms have the best views at Athens hotel?
Unfortunately, with the hotel's address in Vientiane, there are no notable views to request, as the surrounding area is relatively low-rise.
What are insider tips for staying at Athens hotel?
1. Request a room with a window to ensure good ventilation and a sense of natural light. 2. Consider arriving early for check-in to ensure a smooth process, as the hotel's staff may be busy with morning operations.
What time is check-in at Athens hotel?
Check-in at Athens hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Athens hotel have Wi-Fi?
free, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Athens hotel?
5,000 KIP (approximately $0.50 USD) per night/person
Where can I eat cheaply near Athens hotel?
A bowl of street food like soups or noodle dishes costs around 15,000-25,000 LAK
What is the cheapest way to get around from Athens hotel?
A one-day public bus pass costs 10,000 LAK; from the airport, take the airport bus (10,000 LAK) or a taxi (around 50,000 LAK)
When is the best time to visit Vientiane?
The best months to visit Vientiane are October and November, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 28°C (82°F), and the crowds are manageable. The cooler winter months make it ideal for sightseeing.
Top Attractions in Vientiane
💡 Bring a bottle of Beerlao from the 7-Eleven opposite and sit on the wall. The sunset here beats the touristy bars. Avoid midday heat.
💡 The short film is worth 20 minutes. Allow 1 hour. The gift shop sells handmade items from survivors. Closed on Sundays.
💡 Combine this with the nearby Haw Phra Kaew (free grounds). Come early to avoid heat and tour groups. Bring small notes for entry.
💡 Take the stairs inside, not the lift. The top-floor kiosk sells cheap soft drinks. Go before 10am to avoid heat. The park below has free fountains in the evening.
💡 Go late afternoon when the light turns the gold amber and the crowds thin out. The nearby morning market on That Luang Road sells cheap local snacks.