Your stay — Diamond Apartment
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The Property — Diamond Apartment
The Diamond Apartment is a modest 3-star hotel in central Vientiane, Laos, offering comfortable rooms with a touch of colonial charm. The lobby's warm, earth-toned decor and polished wood accents evoke a sense of laid-back elegance. The hotel's proximity to the city's main street, Samsenthai Road, makes it an ideal base for exploring Vientiane's historic centre. Its compact size and friendly staff make it a great choice for solo travellers and couples seeking a hassle-free stay.
Chronicles of Vientiane
Vientiane, the capital of Laos, was founded in 1560 by King Setthathirath, who established it as a major trading hub along the Mekong River. Over the centuries, the city's architecture has evolved from traditional Lao temples and colonial French-influenced buildings to a mix of modern and ancient structures. Today, Vientiane is a city of tranquil streets, ornate temples, and a rich cultural heritage, with a strong emphasis on Buddhist traditions. The city's laid-back atmosphere and slow pace of life make it an attractive destination for visitors seeking a tranquil getaway. The Patuxai Monument, a striking monument built in 1968, dominates the city's skyline and serves as a symbol of the city's resilience and history.
Best Time to Visit
Full Vientiane guide →Best months
The best time to visit Vientiane is from February to April, with mild temperatures ranging from 22-28°C (72-82°F) and minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Peak / festival surge
The peak tourist season in Vientiane is during the Boun Bang Fai festival in May, which commemorates the Lao New Year. During this time, hotel prices tend to increase significantly, and the city is bustling with locals and tourists. The festival features traditional music, dance, and fireworks, making it a lively and unforgettable experience.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season, from June to September, offers a good balance of pleasant weather and lower prices, making it an ideal time for budget-conscious travellers. The temperatures remain relatively mild, with average highs of 28-32°C (82-90°F), and the crowds are smaller compared to the peak season.
Weather & packing
Vientiane's climate is characterized by a dry season from November to April, followed by a wet season from May to October. Be sure to pack light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes for the hot and humid weather, and don't forget to bring sunscreen with a high SPF rating to protect against the strong sun.
Live City Briefing — Vientiane
- The Vientiane authorities have announced plans to upgrade the city's bus system, with new routes and improved services expected to be rolled out in the coming months.
- A new street food market, 'Talat Sao', has opened near the city centre, offering a variety of Lao and international cuisine at affordable prices.
- The Mekong River has experienced low water levels in recent months due to drought, which may affect boat tours and water activities in the area.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Diamond Apartment, 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 potential street noise from the Vientiane streets. Given the hotel's 3-star rating and address in the city, rooms on lower floors might be more prone to noise from the streets. However, if you're a light sleeper, it's worth inquiring about rooms with a west-facing orientation to avoid the direct morning sun.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift (elevator) on any floor, as the vibrations and noise from the lift operation might disturb your stay. Additionally, if you're a light sleeper, rooms near the service entrance or adjacent to the bar area might be noisy due to potential late-night activity.
Best views
From the higher floors, you can enjoy views of the surrounding cityscape, including the nearby Mekong River.
Quietest floors
Given the hotel's layout, the 4th floor and above are likely to be quieter, as they are farther from the street and potential noise sources.
🔊 Noise notes
As Vientiane is a relatively quiet city, street noise is generally minimal. However, the area around the hotel might experience occasional noise from street vendors, traffic, or late-night revelry.
Insider tips
When checking in, ask about the hotel's parking options, as parking spaces might be limited, and it's essential to secure a spot, especially during peak periods. Request a room with a balcony or a window with a view to make the most of your stay and enjoy the city's laid-back atmosphere.
- 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 — Diamond Apartment
Free tier with speeds up to 100 Mbps, login via room keycard
Serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
Complimentary PressReader access via in-room tablets
24 hours, early bag-drop from 10:00, LAK 50,000 late check-out fee after 12:00
Available at LAK 10,000 per bag per day
Step-free access, wheelchair accessible entrance, no structural limitations
On-site parking LAK 50,000 per night, nearest public car park at Vientiane Bus Station (LAK 20,000 per night), no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: LAK 30,000 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: LAK 100,000 advance deposit and LAK 200,000 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Buddhist temple: ວັດ ເຈີ່ນຮຶງດ໋າວ (115 m · ~1 min walk)
- Place of worship: ຫໍພະໄທພິໂດກ ວັດ ອິນແປງ (206 m · ~3 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: ວັດ ອິນແປງ (244 m · ~3 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: ວັດ ບາງ ລອງ (246 m · ~3 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Mellka Shopping Mall — 126 m · ~2 min walk
MAG UXO Visitors Centre — 463 m · ~6 min walk
Lao National Opera — 381 m · ~5 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Sacombank — 33 m · ~1 min walk
Somkiat Pharmacy — 184 m · ~2 min walk
Yok Shod — 43 m · ~1 min walk
BRT - ຕະຫຼາດເຊົ້າ — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Lao Kip, LAK
Travellers can exchange money at banks, such as the BCEL (Banque pour le Commerce Extérieur Lao) or at money changers near the Morning Market, but be wary of poor rates at the airport or tourist bureaux. You can also withdraw Kip from ATMs with a foreign card, but expect a 20,000 Kip withdrawal limit.
Major credit and debit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Vientiane, but some smaller businesses may only take cash. Mobile payments like Visa Contactless and Mastercard PayPass are not widely accepted.
Tipping in Laos is not expected, but rounding up the bill or leaving 1,000-5,000 Kip (about $0.06-$0.30 USD) for good service is appreciated.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical coffee from a street vendor or a local café costs around 5,000-10,000 Kip ($0.30-$0.60 USD).
A bowl of noodle soup or a plate of Lao dishes at a street food stall costs around 15,000-25,000 Kip ($0.90-$1.50 USD).
A main dish at a local restaurant costs around 25,000-50,000 Kip ($1.50-$3.00 USD).
Street food areas are concentrated around the Morning Market and along the Mekong River.
Local supermarkets like Makphet and Vientiane Market sell a range of products at reasonable prices.
Night markets like the Talat Sao Night Market offer a wide range of affordable clothing and souvenirs.
A day pass for public buses costs 5,000 Kip ($0.30 USD) and can be bought at the bus station. The airport bus costs 25,000 Kip ($1.50 USD).
Bargain when shopping at local markets.Eat at street food stalls instead of restaurants.Avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist information offices for poor rates.
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 Diamond Apartment
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Sacombank — 33 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · Somkiat Pharmacy — 184 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 Diamond Apartment?
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 3rd floor) to minimize potential street noise from the Vientiane streets. Given the hotel's 3-star rating and address in the city, rooms on lower floors might be more prone to noise from the streets. However, if you're a light sleeper, it's worth inquiring about rooms with a west-facing orientation to avoid the direct morning sun.
Which rooms should I avoid at Diamond Apartment?
Avoid rooms near the lift (elevator) on any floor, as the vibrations and noise from the lift operation might disturb your stay. Additionally, if you're a light sleeper, rooms near the service entrance or adjacent to the bar area might be noisy due to potential late-night activity.
Is Diamond Apartment noisy?
As Vientiane is a relatively quiet city, street noise is generally minimal. However, the area around the hotel might experience occasional noise from street vendors, traffic, or late-night revelry.
Which rooms have the best views at Diamond Apartment?
From the higher floors, you can enjoy views of the surrounding cityscape, including the nearby Mekong River.
What are insider tips for staying at Diamond Apartment?
When checking in, ask about the hotel's parking options, as parking spaces might be limited, and it's essential to secure a spot, especially during peak periods. Request a room with a balcony or a window with a view to make the most of your stay and enjoy the city's laid-back atmosphere.
What time is check-in at Diamond Apartment?
Check-in at Diamond Apartment is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Diamond Apartment have Wi-Fi?
Free tier with speeds up to 100 Mbps, login via room keycard
Is there a city or tourist tax at Diamond Apartment?
LAK 30,000 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Diamond Apartment?
A bowl of noodle soup or a plate of Lao dishes at a street food stall costs around 15,000-25,000 Kip ($0.90-$1.50 USD).
What is the cheapest way to get around from Diamond Apartment?
A day pass for public buses costs 5,000 Kip ($0.30 USD) and can be bought at the bus station. The airport bus costs 25,000 Kip ($1.50 USD).
When is the best time to visit Vientiane?
The best time to visit Vientiane is from February to April, with mild temperatures ranging from 22-28°C (72-82°F) and minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
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.