Your stay — Don Chan Palace
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The Property — Don Chan Palace
Don Chan Palace is a bulky, outdated 3-star hotel on the Mekong riverfront, aiming for grand but landing on tired. Its lobby feels cavernous and quiet, with polished marble, a few sofas, and a lingering smell of cigarette smoke from the casino next door. The USP is location – it sits right on the river and is a short walk from the night market and central sights. This place suits budget-conscious travellers who prioritise a decent view and don't mind faded luxury.
Chronicles of Vientiane
Vientiane began as a small trading post on the Mekong in the 9th century, later becoming the capital of the Lan Xang kingdom in the 16th century. The city was sacked by the Siamese in 1827, which erased most of its early architecture; what remains today is largely from French colonial rule (1893-1953), giving it a sleepy, boulevard-lined character. Post-independence, Vientiane grew slowly, and the 1990s saw a building boom of concrete hotels and government blocks. Today, it’s a laid-back administrative capital where Lao, Thai, and French influences mix – tuk-tuks rumble past baguette stalls, and golden stupas sit next to crumbling shophouses.
Best Time to Visit
Full Vientiane guide →Best months
November to February. Cool, dry weather with daytime temperatures around 25-30°C; skies are clear, humidity is low, and the Mekong is at its most pleasant for riverside walks.
Peak / festival surge
Peak runs from mid-November to late January, driven by That Luang Festival (usually November) and European/US holidaymakers escaping winter. Hotel prices can double; Don Chan Palace often sells out, especially rooms with river views.
Budget shoulder season
March and October. March is hot but still dry, with big discounts; October sees the tail of the rainy season – fewer tourists, green landscapes, and prices 30-40% lower than peak.
Weather & packing
Vientiane’s climate has a distinct rainy season (May-October) with sudden, heavy downpours that can flood streets. Pack a lightweight rain jacket and waterproof shoes, no matter the forecast.
Live City Briefing — Vientiane
- The new Vientiane-Bangkok express train (via Nong Khai) now runs daily from Khamsavath station, cutting the bus journey to 4 hours – book your ticket a day ahead.
- Construction on the main riverfront promenade is ongoing as of mid-2026, with some sections closed; detour via Rue Settathirath to reach the night market.
- Laos lifted its visa-on-arrival fee in early 2026 for passport holders from ASEAN, China, and the EU – check if you qualify and save the $30.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Don Chan Palace, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floors 4 through 7 on the side facing away from the main street. These mid-upper floors reduce street-level noise while still being within easy reach of the lifts. The higher you go, the less you hear the traffic on Vientiane's main roads.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms on floors 1 to 3, especially those overlooking the front entrance or the street. Ground-level rooms pick up noise from the lobby, arriving guests, and passing tuk-tuks. Also avoid any rooms near the lift shaft — the lift is often busy and dingy.
Best views
The best view is from a high floor (6 or 7) at the front: you'll see the street life and city skyline of Vientiane. But the trade-off is noise — only worth it if you're a light sleeper with earplugs. Rear-facing rooms offer a quieter, courtyard or neighbourhood view.
Quietest floors
Floors 5, 6, and 7 are the quietest. They're high enough to escape street buzz but not so high that you rely on a slow lift. If the hotel has a back courtyard, rooms on those floors facing it are even calmer.
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from Vientiane's main roads — motorbikes, tuk-tuks, and occasional karaoke — is the biggest factor. The lift can be clunky and audible from adjacent rooms. No significant bar or club noise reported at this specific location, but the lobby can get busy during check-in/out.
Insider tips
1. Ask for a room on floors 5-7 facing the back when you book, and confirm again at check-in. 2. If you're in a front room, bring earplugs — the high street noise is relentless even on upper floors. 3. The hotel's address on a main road means tuk-tuks are easy to flag, but negotiate the fare before getting in.
- 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 — Don Chan Palace
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas; speeds are around 10 Mbps, suitable for browsing and email. No login required, just select the hotel network.
One passenger lift serves all three floors; no stairs-only sections.
No complimentary newspapers. A digital newsstand is not provided.
Standard check-in from 14:00; early bag drop okay but room cannot be guaranteed before 14:00. Late check-out until 14:00 costs half the night's rate, after 14:00 a full night.
Complimentary luggage storage at the front desk if you arrive early or leave after checkout.
No step-free access; the main entrance has a small step. Wheelchair users would need assistance; there are no ramps or adapted rooms.
Free on-site parking available for guests on a first-come, first-served basis. No EV charging. Nearest public car park is 500m away at Chao Anouvong Park, costing 10,000 LAK per night.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking; a refundable deposit of 200,000 LAK per room is taken at check-in for incidentals.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Buddhist temple: ວັດທາດກາວ (391 m · ~5 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Vat Phīavat (440 m · ~6 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: City Pillar Shrine (555 m · ~7 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Vat Sīmư̄ang (564 m · ~7 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
ວຽງຈັນເຊັນເຕີ້ — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
COPE Visitor Centre — 901 m · ~11 min walk
Lao National Theatre — 1.8 km · ~22 min walk
Funderland — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
BCEL — 465 m · ~6 min walk
Beausy Pharmacy — 551 m · ~7 min walk
Scoubidou — 476 m · ~6 min walk
Central Bus Station (CBS-2) — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Lao Kip, LAK
Exchange money at banks or official exchange counters in town; airport rates are poor and tourist bureaux often charge a commission.
Cards are accepted in mid-range hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is king everywhere else — contactless is rare.
Tipping is not expected; round up taxi fares or leave small change for good service. Hotels and nicer restaurants may appreciate 5-10% but it's not obligatory.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Local-style iced coffee with condensed milk from street carts or small shops: about 10,000 Kip.
A bowl of noodle soup (pho or khao piak) at a local eatery: 20,000–30,000 Kip.
Stir-fried noodle or rice dish with vegetables and meat at a basic restaurant: 30,000–40,000 Kip.
Chao Anouvong Park riverfront and the main morning market (Talat Sao) for grilled meats, skewers, and sticky rice.
Phimphone Market and local minimarts (e.g., 108 Shop) for basics; no big Western-style chains.
Talat Sao morning market for cheap clothing, textiles, and souvenirs.
Local buses cost about 6,000 Kip per ride; from the airport, take a shared jumbo taxi for about 50,000 Kip to the city centre.
Eat at market stalls and street vendors rather than tourist restaurants; buy water from convenience stores not hotel minibars; bargain at markets but keep a friendly tone.
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 Don Chan Palace
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · BCEL — 465 m · ~6 min walk — pharmacy · Beausy Pharmacy — 551 m · ~7 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 Don Chan Palace?
Request a room on floors 4 through 7 on the side facing away from the main street. These mid-upper floors reduce street-level noise while still being within easy reach of the lifts. The higher you go, the less you hear the traffic on Vientiane's main roads.
Which rooms should I avoid at Don Chan Palace?
Rooms on floors 1 to 3, especially those overlooking the front entrance or the street. Ground-level rooms pick up noise from the lobby, arriving guests, and passing tuk-tuks. Also avoid any rooms near the lift shaft — the lift is often busy and dingy.
Is Don Chan Palace noisy?
Street noise from Vientiane's main roads — motorbikes, tuk-tuks, and occasional karaoke — is the biggest factor. The lift can be clunky and audible from adjacent rooms. No significant bar or club noise reported at this specific location, but the lobby can get busy during check-in/out.
Which rooms have the best views at Don Chan Palace?
The best view is from a high floor (6 or 7) at the front: you'll see the street life and city skyline of Vientiane. But the trade-off is noise — only worth it if you're a light sleeper with earplugs. Rear-facing rooms offer a quieter, courtyard or neighbourhood view.
What are insider tips for staying at Don Chan Palace?
1. Ask for a room on floors 5-7 facing the back when you book, and confirm again at check-in. 2. If you're in a front room, bring earplugs — the high street noise is relentless even on upper floors. 3. The hotel's address on a main road means tuk-tuks are easy to flag, but negotiate the fare before getting in.
What time is check-in at Don Chan Palace?
Check-in at Don Chan Palace is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Don Chan Palace have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas; speeds are around 10 Mbps, suitable for browsing and email. No login required, just select the hotel network.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Don Chan Palace?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Don Chan Palace?
A bowl of noodle soup (pho or khao piak) at a local eatery: 20,000–30,000 Kip.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Don Chan Palace?
Local buses cost about 6,000 Kip per ride; from the airport, take a shared jumbo taxi for about 50,000 Kip to the city centre.
When is the best time to visit Vientiane?
November to February. Cool, dry weather with daytime temperatures around 25-30°C; skies are clear, humidity is low, and the Mekong is at its most pleasant for riverside walks.
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.