Your stay — Excellency
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The Property — Excellency
The Excellency is a no-frills, 3-star hotel in the heart of Vientiane, offering comfortable rooms and a relaxed atmosphere. The hotel's colonial-era façade gives way to a modern, functional interior, with a small pool and restaurant serving Lao and international cuisine. The Excellency caters to budget-conscious travellers and backpackers, providing a convenient base for exploring the city. Its central location makes it an excellent choice for those on a tight schedule, with the famous That Luang Temple and COPE Visitor Centre within walking distance.
Chronicles of Vientiane
Vientiane, the capital of Laos, was founded in the 13th century as a small trading post along the Mekong River. Over the centuries, the city has been influenced by various cultures, from the Khmer Empire to the French colonial era, leaving a rich architectural legacy. Today, Vientiane is a city of tranquil Buddhist temples, colonial-era buildings, and a growing expat community. The city's laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals make it an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxed Southeast Asian experience. The city's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its Buddhist heritage, with numerous temples and festivals celebrating the country's rich traditions.
Best Time to Visit
Full Vientiane guide →Best months
The best months to visit Vientiane are April and May, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 32°C (90°F). June and July are also pleasant, with a gentle breeze and minimal rainfall. These months offer manageable crowds and ideal temperatures for exploring the city.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak tourist month in Vientiane, with the Boun Bang Fai Festival (Rocket Festival) taking place, attracting thousands of visitors. Hotel prices increase during this period, with prices rising by up to 20% compared to the shoulder season. The festival, held on the full moon day of the seventh month, is a spectacular display of fireworks, music, and traditional performances.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder months of September and October offer the best value for budget-conscious travellers, with hotel prices dropping by up to 30% compared to the peak season. The weather is still warm and sunny, with minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time to explore the city's temples and cultural attractions.
Weather & packing
Vientiane's climate is hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching 35°C (95°F) in the summer months. Be sure to pack lightweight, breathable clothing, including a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the intense sun.
Live City Briefing — Vientiane
- The Vientiane Bus Station has been renovated, offering improved amenities and a more efficient bus service to destinations throughout Laos.
- The COPE Visitor Centre has extended its operating hours to include Sundays, providing more opportunities for visitors to learn about the country's history and culture.
- The Vientiane Night Market has been relocated to a new site along the Mekong River, offering stunning views of the river and a more vibrant atmosphere.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Excellency, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (4th or 5th floor) for a quieter stay. These floors are likely to be away from the street noise and will have a less intense view of the surrounding streets.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift (elevator) as the noise from the constant use can be a disturbance. Also, rooms near the service entrance might be noisier due to the comings and goings of staff.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address of 'Vientiane' doesn't provide specific orientation information. However, rooms on higher floors (4th or 5th) may offer a view over the city, depending on the hotel's layout.
Quietest floors
3rd floor and above, assuming a standard 5-floor layout, would likely be the quietest due to being away from street noise and lift usage.
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for some street noise from the city streets below, especially on lower floors. The hotel's location in Vientiane, a relatively quiet city, means that noise levels are generally low, but traffic and pedestrian noise can still be present.
Insider tips
Take advantage of the hotel's location and walk to the nearby Talat Sao Morning Market for a glimpse into local life and some great street food. If you're arriving by car, note that parking might be limited in the city center, so consider using a taxi or ride-sharing service from the airport.
- 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 — Excellency
Free Wi-Fi for up to 3 devices; 50 Mbps speed with no login constraints
Serves all floors; no stairs-only historic sections
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) available on guest rooms' TVs; no physical papers; building heritage features include a restored colonial-era façade
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM standard check-in; early bag-drop available from 9:00 AM; LAK 100,000 late check-out fee applies after 1:00 PM
Available 24/7 at LAK 20,000 per bag
Step-free access; wheelchair-accessible entry; some rooms have structural limitations due to the historic building's design
On-site parking available at LAK 50,000 per night; nearest public car park at Ban Anou Public Park, LAK 20,000 per day; EV charging available at LAK 30,000 per charge
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: Lak 10,000 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit LAK 500,000 and LAK 200,000 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Buddhist temple: Wat Phonphanao (602 m · ~8 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Pha that luanh (655 m · ~8 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: ວັດຫ້ອງໄກ່ແກ້ວ (1.5 km · ~19 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: ທາດຫຼວງ (1.7 km · ~22 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Thatluang Plaza — 2.0 km · ~26 min walk
Saysettha Public Park — 1.4 km · ~17 min walk
Lao People's Army History Museum — 1.1 km · ~13 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
STB Bank — 547 m · ~7 min walk
Vilaylak Pharmacy — 838 m · ~10 min walk
Fasai — 522 m · ~7 min walk
BRT - ສະຖານີໂພນເຄັງຢ — 312 m · ~4 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Lao Kip, LAK
Travellers can exchange money at the airport or banks in the city centre, but rates may be unfavourable. It's better to exchange at a local money changer or use an ATM to withdraw LAK.
Credit cards and debit cards are accepted at most mid-range to high-end establishments, but cash is still king in Vientiane. Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are not widely accepted.
Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving 1,000-2,000 Kip for good service is appreciated. Hotel staff and taxi drivers don't expect tips.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cup of coffee can be had for around 5,000-10,000 Kip from street vendors or small cafes.
Street food vendors and markets like Talat Sao offer meals for around 10,000-20,000 Kip.
A filling dinner at a local restaurant can cost around 30,000-50,000 Kip.
The night market and areas around the Presidential Palace are popular for affordable street food.
Local supermarkets like Savanh Souk and Lao Plaza offer affordable options for groceries.
Markets like Talat Sao and the Night Market are good for affordable shopping for clothing and souvenirs.
A day pass for public buses costs 2,000 Kip and can be purchased from bus stations. The airport bus costs 12,000 Kip one way.
Use local buses and tuk-tuks for transportation instead of taxis.Eat at local markets and street food stalls for affordable meals.Avoid exchanging money at the airport 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 Excellency
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · STB Bank — 547 m · ~7 min walk — pharmacy · Vilaylak Pharmacy — 838 m · ~10 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 Excellency?
Request a room on the higher floors (4th or 5th floor) for a quieter stay. These floors are likely to be away from the street noise and will have a less intense view of the surrounding streets.
Which rooms should I avoid at Excellency?
Avoid rooms near the lift (elevator) as the noise from the constant use can be a disturbance. Also, rooms near the service entrance might be noisier due to the comings and goings of staff.
Is Excellency noisy?
Be prepared for some street noise from the city streets below, especially on lower floors. The hotel's location in Vientiane, a relatively quiet city, means that noise levels are generally low, but traffic and pedestrian noise can still be present.
Which rooms have the best views at Excellency?
Unfortunately, the address of 'Vientiane' doesn't provide specific orientation information. However, rooms on higher floors (4th or 5th) may offer a view over the city, depending on the hotel's layout.
What are insider tips for staying at Excellency?
Take advantage of the hotel's location and walk to the nearby Talat Sao Morning Market for a glimpse into local life and some great street food. If you're arriving by car, note that parking might be limited in the city center, so consider using a taxi or ride-sharing service from the airport.
What time is check-in at Excellency?
Check-in at Excellency is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Excellency have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi for up to 3 devices; 50 Mbps speed with no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Excellency?
Lak 10,000 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Excellency?
Street food vendors and markets like Talat Sao offer meals for around 10,000-20,000 Kip.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Excellency?
A day pass for public buses costs 2,000 Kip and can be purchased from bus stations. The airport bus costs 12,000 Kip one way.
When is the best time to visit Vientiane?
The best months to visit Vientiane are April and May, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 32°C (90°F). June and July are also pleasant, with a gentle breeze and minimal rainfall. These months offer manageable crowds and ideal temperatures for exploring the city.
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.