Your stay — Cosi
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The Property — Cosi
Cosi hotel is a 3-star boutique hotel in Vientiane's central business district, offering a modern take on Lao hospitality. The lobby's minimalist decor, featuring local artwork and dark wood accents, creates a calm and professional atmosphere. The hotel's small size and attentive staff ensure a personal touch, making it a good fit for solo travellers and couples. Guests can enjoy the rooftop bar's views of the Mekong River and the surrounding cityscape.
Chronicles of Vientiane
Vientiane, the capital of Laos, was founded in 1560 by King Setthathirath as the capital of the Lan Xang kingdom. The city's architecture reflects its French colonial past, with grand buildings and boulevards that date back to the 19th century. Today, Vientiane is a cultural melting pot, with a mix of Buddhist and French influences evident in its cuisine, art, and architecture. The city is also home to several ancient temples and monuments, including the iconic Pha That Luang, a symbol of Lao Buddhism. Vientiane's laid-back atmosphere and rich history make it an attractive destination for visitors.
Best Time to Visit
Full Vientiane guide →Best months
The best months to visit Vientiane are March and April, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the crowds are smaller compared to the peak tourist season.
Peak / festival surge
June is the peak month in Vientiane, with the Boun Bang Fai Rocket Festival attracting tourists and locals alike. Hotel prices increase during this time, and it's a good idea to book in advance. The festival is a major event in the Lao calendar, celebrating the Buddhist New Year with fireworks, music, and traditional ceremonies.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season, from May to September, offers a good balance of mild weather and lower prices. Visitors can enjoy the city's cultural attractions without the crowds and heat of the peak season.
Weather & packing
Vientiane's climate is hot and humid year-round, with a dry season from November to February. Pack light, breathable clothing and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun, even during the cooler months.
Live City Briefing — Vientiane
- The Vientiane Bus Terminal has been renovated and relocated to a new site, making it easier for visitors to find and access.
- The That Dam restaurant, a popular eatery serving traditional Lao cuisine, has opened a new branch in the city centre, offering a wider range of dishes.
- The Lao National Museum has extended its opening hours to 7 pm, allowing visitors to explore the city's history and culture later in the day.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Cosi, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 3rd floor) to minimize street noise, which can be present on the lower floors due to the hotel's location in the city center. Consider rooms facing the back or side to avoid direct traffic noise.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms on the ground floor may experience noise from the service entrance and surrounding street activity. Lower floor rooms near the lift may also be noisier due to the hotel's 3-star rating and the presence of a lift.
Best views
Rooms on higher floors (above the 3rd floor) may offer views of the surrounding cityscape, although the hotel's location in the city center means that the views may be partially obstructed by surrounding buildings.
Quietest floors
4th floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise can be a concern, especially on lower floors, due to Vientiane's busy streets and the hotel's central location.
Insider tips
Parking can be limited in the city center, so consider arriving early or using a nearby parking lot. Check-in can be efficient, but be prepared for some language barriers with staff, especially if you don't speak Lao.
- 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 — Cosi
free; 150 Mbps speed; no login constraints
serves all floors; no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) and local newspapers; no notable building heritage quirks
24/7 check-in; early bag-drop available from 06:00; late check-out until 14:00 for 50,000 LAK (approx. $5.50 USD)
available for a fee of 20,000 LAK (approx. $2.20 USD) per bag per day
step-free access; wheelchair entries at main entrance; some rooms with structural limitations
on-site parking available for 30,000 LAK (approx. $3.30 USD) per night; nearest public car park at Tat Kuang Si Night Market (20,000 LAK, approx. $2.20 USD per night); no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 10,000 LAK (approx. $1.10 USD) per person per night
Deposit & card hold: 100,000 LAK (approx. $11 USD) advance deposit and 200,000 LAK (approx. $22 USD) incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Buddhist temple: ວັດ ຂຽງຍືນ (148 m · ~2 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: ວັດ ມີໄຊ (204 m · ~3 min walk)
- Place of worship: ຫໍກາງ (228 m · ~3 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: ວັດ ຫາຍໂສກ (Vat Haysok) (364 m · ~5 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Mellka Shopping Mall — 563 m · ~7 min walk
MAG UXO Visitors Centre — 464 m · ~6 min walk
Lao National Theatre — 38 m · ~1 min walk
Funderland — 1.8 km · ~23 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 111 m · ~1 min walk
Sisouk Chinese Pharmacy — 140 m · ~2 min walk
K-Mart — 137 m · ~2 min walk
ສະຖານີລົດເມຕະຫຼາດເຊົ້າ — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Lao Kip, LAK
US dollars are widely accepted, but exchanging at the airport or tourist bureaux often offers poor rates; try a local ATM or a reputable exchange office for better rates
Credit and debit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops, but contactless and mobile pay are not widely supported; cash is still king in Vientiane
Round up the bill or leave 1,000-2,000 Kip for restaurant service, 2,000-5,000 Kip for taxi drivers, and 5,000-10,000 Kip for hotel staff
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cup of coffee costs around 5,000-7,000 Kip from a street vendor or a local market
A bowl of street food or a meal from a local market costs around 10,000-20,000 Kip
A main dish from a mid-range restaurant costs around 30,000-50,000 Kip
Try the night markets or street food stalls along Samsenthai Road or the Mekong Riverside
Local markets like Talat Sao or Talat Sao Morning Market offer affordable groceries
Street vendors and local markets like Talat Sao offer affordable clothing options
A one-day public bus pass costs around 10,000 Kip, and taxis are affordable, but negotiate the price beforehand
Bargain at local markets and negotiate prices for goods and servicesAvoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist bureauxUse local transportation instead of taxis for shorter distances
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 Cosi
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 111 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · Sisouk Chinese Pharmacy — 140 m · ~2 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 Cosi?
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 3rd floor) to minimize street noise, which can be present on the lower floors due to the hotel's location in the city center. Consider rooms facing the back or side to avoid direct traffic noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Cosi?
Rooms on the ground floor may experience noise from the service entrance and surrounding street activity. Lower floor rooms near the lift may also be noisier due to the hotel's 3-star rating and the presence of a lift.
Is Cosi noisy?
Street noise can be a concern, especially on lower floors, due to Vientiane's busy streets and the hotel's central location.
Which rooms have the best views at Cosi?
Rooms on higher floors (above the 3rd floor) may offer views of the surrounding cityscape, although the hotel's location in the city center means that the views may be partially obstructed by surrounding buildings.
What are insider tips for staying at Cosi?
Parking can be limited in the city center, so consider arriving early or using a nearby parking lot. Check-in can be efficient, but be prepared for some language barriers with staff, especially if you don't speak Lao.
What time is check-in at Cosi?
Check-in at Cosi is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Cosi have Wi-Fi?
free; 150 Mbps speed; no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Cosi?
10,000 LAK (approx. $1.10 USD) per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Cosi?
A bowl of street food or a meal from a local market costs around 10,000-20,000 Kip
What is the cheapest way to get around from Cosi?
A one-day public bus pass costs around 10,000 Kip, and taxis are affordable, but negotiate the price beforehand
When is the best time to visit Vientiane?
The best months to visit Vientiane are March and April, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the crowds are smaller compared to the peak tourist season.
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.