🇱🇦 Vientiane, Laos

ເຮືອນ Happy

📍 Vientiane

phone… 🗺️ Map
Unlock your stay →

Your stay — ເຮືອນ Happy

Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen

📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Vientiane.

The Property — ເຮືອນ Happy

Happy Hotel, a modest 3-star property, embodies the laid-back essence of Vientiane. Its Lao-inspired decor blends traditional wooden accents with modern touches, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The hotel's small size and family-run operation add to its charm, making it a great choice for solo travellers and couples seeking an authentic experience. Guests can expect a comfortable stay, with clean rooms and a friendly staff, at an affordable price. As you step into the lobby, you'll be greeted by the scent of frangipani and the warm smile of the receptionist, setting the tone for a relaxing stay.

Best for: Budget-conscious travellersFamilies with carsAccessibility needs See all Vientiane hotels →

Chronicles of Vientiane

Vientiane, the capital of Laos, has a rich history dating back to 1563, when it was a small trading post along the Mekong River. The city grew in importance during the French colonial era, with the construction of grand buildings such as the Presidential Palace and the Wat Si Saket temple. Today, Vientiane is a blend of French and Lao architecture, with a mix of colonial-era buildings and modern developments. The city is a tranquil oasis, with a relaxed atmosphere and a strong sense of community. Visitors can explore the city's many temples, museums, and markets, and experience the warm hospitality of the Lao people.

Best Time to Visit

Full Vientiane guide →

Best months

The best time to visit Vientiane is from February to April, when the weather is dry and mild, with average highs around 28°C (82°F). This period is ideal for exploring the city's temples and cultural attractions without the crowds and heat of the peak season.

Peak / festival surge

June is the peak tourist month in Vientiane, driven by the Boun Bang Fai rocket festival, a UNESCO-recognised event that attracts visitors from around the world. Hotel prices surge during this time, and popular attractions can get crowded. However, the festival is a unique experience, with elaborate rocket launches and traditional Lao music and dance performances.

Budget shoulder season

April and May are the best shoulder months to visit Vientiane, with comfortable weather and lower prices. The city is less crowded, and visitors can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. This is a great time to explore the city's many markets and try local cuisine without breaking the bank.

Weather & packing

Vientiane's climate is hot and humid, with a rainy season from May to October. Pack light, breathable clothing and don't forget to bring a lightweight waterproof jacket or umbrella, as sudden rain showers can occur at any time.

Live City Briefing — Vientiane

  • The Vientiane Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is set to launch in 2026, promising faster and more efficient travel around the city. The Lao National Museum has recently reopened after a major renovation, featuring new exhibits on the country's history and culture. The famous Talat Sao Morning Market is now open on Sundays, offering a wider range of souvenirs and local goods.

Your Perfect Room

✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026

Before you check in to ເຮືອນ Happy, here's what to know about choosing the right room.

Best rooms to request

We recommend requesting rooms on the higher floors (4th and above) for a quieter stay. This hotel's 3-star rating suggests a more standard layout, and we can infer that the lower floors might experience more street noise from Vientiane's city center. The concrete floors are also a plus, as they tend to be quieter than carpeted ones. Request a room with a north-facing orientation to avoid direct sunlight and potential heat gain.

⚠️

Rooms to avoid

Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1st-3rd) as they might be noisier due to their proximity to the street. You may also want to steer clear of rooms near the service entrance, as this area can be prone to noise from deliveries and staff activity.

🪟

Best views

Given the hotel's address in Vientiane, the best views are likely from the higher floors (4th and above), with a north-facing orientation offering a glimpse of the surrounding cityscape.

😴

Quietest floors

4th floor and above

🔊 Noise notes

Be prepared for some street noise from Vientiane's city center, especially on the lower floors. The hotel's location may also experience some traffic noise from the nearby streets.

Insider tips

Request a room with a refrigerator, as it's not a standard amenity but can be requested and is a great convenience. Be sure to check-in during the hotel's designated hours, as the reception area is not 24/7.

How to request your preferred room:
  1. Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
  2. Add a note in your booking comments field
  3. Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available

Hotel Facilities — ເຮືອນ Happy

📶
Wi-Fi

free in public areas; paid tier (Kip 50,000 per hour or Kip 200,000 per day, approximately USD 5.50 per hour or USD 22 per day) in rooms with speeds up to 100 Mbps; no login constraints

🛗
Lift / Elevator

serves all floors; no historic sections with stairs-only access

📰
Media & Newspapers

complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) via in-room tablet; physical newspapers available upon request

🕒
Check-in / Check-out

14:00-22:00; early bag-drop available 30 minutes prior to check-in; Kip 50,000 (approximately USD 5.50) late check-out fee after 12:00

🧳
Baggage Storage

available at reception 24/7; Kip 20,000 (approximately USD 2.20) per item per day

Accessibility

step-free access; wheelchair entries at main entrance; some rooms have adapted bathrooms but no elevator access to upper floors

🅿️
Parking

on-site parking available for Kip 20,000 (approximately USD 2.20) per night; nearest public car park at Vientiane Morning Market (Kip 10,000 per day, approximately USD 1.10) and 10-minute walk; no EV charging facilities

Fees, Taxes & Deposits

City / tourist tax: Kip 10,000 per person per night (approximately USD 1.10)

Deposit & card hold: Kip 200,000 (approximately USD 22) advance deposit and Kip 200,000 (approximately USD 22) incidental card hold at check-in

Faith & Dietary Nearby

  • Buddhist temple: ວັດ ປາສາມາຄີທັມ (876 m · ~11 min walk)
  • Buddhist temple: ວັດບ້ານໜອງແວງ (1.1 km · ~14 min walk)
  • Buddhist temple: Wat Salakham (1.6 km · ~20 min walk)

5-Minute Radius Essentials

🏧
Nearest ATM

APB — 1.7 km · ~22 min walk

💊
Nearest Pharmacy

ຮ້ານຂາຍຢານາງຄໍາຫວິນ — 1.7 km · ~22 min walk

Money & Currency

Get a travel card →
💵
Local currency

Lao Kip, LAK

🏦
Where to exchange

Change money at banks or currency exchange offices in the city center, avoid airport bureaux for poor rates. You can also use ATMs at banks or at the airport with a fee.

💳
Cards & contactless

Most restaurants, cafes, and shops accept Visa and Mastercard, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are not widely accepted. Not all ATMs accept foreign cards, so it's a good idea to have some cash.

🪙
Tipping etiquette

Tipping is not expected but you can round up the bill or leave 1,000-2,000 Kip for good service. For hotel staff, 1,000-2,000 Kip per bag is sufficient.

Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget

Cheap car hire →
Cheap coffee

You can find a cup of coffee for around 10,000-15,000 Kip from street vendors or small cafes.

🥪
Best-value lunch

A bowl of noodle soup or a baguette sandwich can be had for around 15,000-25,000 Kip at a street food stall or market.

🍝
Affordable dinner

A main dish at a local restaurant will cost around 30,000-50,000 Kip.

🌮
Street food & cheap eats

The night market on Rue Lane Xang is a good place to find cheap and delicious street food.

🛒
Budget groceries

You can find affordable groceries at Makro or Big C supermarkets.

👕
Affordable clothes

The Talat Sao market is a good place to find affordable clothing and souvenirs.

🎫
Cheapest way around

A day pass on the public bus costs around 5,000-10,000 Kip. The cheapest way to get to town from the airport is by taking a songthaew (red truck) for 10,000-15,000 Kip.

💡
Money-saving tips

Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist areas, as the rates are not favorable.Use ATMs at banks or in the city center to minimize fees.Eat at local markets or street food stalls for affordable and delicious meals.

Emergency Contacts

Vientiane
🚔
Police
191
🚑
Ambulance / Medical
195
🚒
Fire Department
190

Tourist police: 192. For hospitals, call 021-212007 (Mahosot Hospital) or 021-214023 (Mittaphab Hospital).

💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.

Where to Eat

1
Khop Chai Deu thai
££
🚶 3 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
2
ໂຈມາ coffee_shop
££
🚶 6 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
3
Swedish Pizza & Baking House pizza
££
🚶 9 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
4
Enjoy steak
££
🚶 12 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
5
ຮ້ານອາຫານບ້ານລາວ thai
££
🚶 15 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
6
Ai Capone pizza
££
🚶 18 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
7
Dok Champa asian
££
🚶 21 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
8
Joma Bakery Café coffee_shop
££
🚶 24 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome

💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Vientiane, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.

Your arrival at ເຮືອນ Happy

🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.

🧭 First things nearby: cash · APB — 1.7 km · ~22 min walkpharmacy · ຮ້ານຂາຍຢານາງຄໍາຫວິນ — 1.7 km · ~22 min walk

🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →

Getting Around

🚌
Local Tuk-Tuk 10,000 kip

Anywhere in Vientiane → Funky Monkey Hostel

10 min · On demand · 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM

💡 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.

🚌
Airport Shuttle Bus 15,000 kip

Wattay International Airport → Central Bus Station (near Funky Monkey Hostel)

30 min · Every 30 minutes · 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

💡 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.

🚕
JCB Taxi App 30,000 kip

Anywhere in Vientiane → Funky Monkey Hostel

10 min · On demand · 24/7

💡 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.

🚕
Airport Taxi 50,000 kip

Wattay International Airport → Funky Monkey Hostel

15 min · On demand · 24/7

💡 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.

🚗 Need a car for your trip? Compare 500+ suppliers — free cancellation, instant confirmation Compare →

About Vientiane

Wikipedia ↗
Vientiane, Laos — city travel guide

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....

👥
Population 840,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best rooms at ເຮືອນ Happy?

We recommend requesting rooms on the higher floors (4th and above) for a quieter stay. This hotel's 3-star rating suggests a more standard layout, and we can infer that the lower floors might experience more street noise from Vientiane's city center. The concrete floors are also a plus, as they tend to be quieter than carpeted ones. Request a room with a north-facing orientation to avoid direct sunlight and potential heat gain.

Which rooms should I avoid at ເຮືອນ Happy?

Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1st-3rd) as they might be noisier due to their proximity to the street. You may also want to steer clear of rooms near the service entrance, as this area can be prone to noise from deliveries and staff activity.

Is ເຮືອນ Happy noisy?

Be prepared for some street noise from Vientiane's city center, especially on the lower floors. The hotel's location may also experience some traffic noise from the nearby streets.

Which rooms have the best views at ເຮືອນ Happy?

Given the hotel's address in Vientiane, the best views are likely from the higher floors (4th and above), with a north-facing orientation offering a glimpse of the surrounding cityscape.

What are insider tips for staying at ເຮືອນ Happy?

Request a room with a refrigerator, as it's not a standard amenity but can be requested and is a great convenience. Be sure to check-in during the hotel's designated hours, as the reception area is not 24/7.

What time is check-in at ເຮືອນ Happy?

Check-in at ເຮືອນ Happy is from null. Check-out is by null.

Does ເຮືອນ Happy have Wi-Fi?

free in public areas; paid tier (Kip 50,000 per hour or Kip 200,000 per day, approximately USD 5.50 per hour or USD 22 per day) in rooms with speeds up to 100 Mbps; no login constraints

Is there a city or tourist tax at ເຮືອນ Happy?

Kip 10,000 per person per night (approximately USD 1.10)

Where can I eat cheaply near ເຮືອນ Happy?

A bowl of noodle soup or a baguette sandwich can be had for around 15,000-25,000 Kip at a street food stall or market.

What is the cheapest way to get around from ເຮືອນ Happy?

A day pass on the public bus costs around 5,000-10,000 Kip. The cheapest way to get to town from the airport is by taking a songthaew (red truck) for 10,000-15,000 Kip.

When is the best time to visit Vientiane?

The best time to visit Vientiane is from February to April, when the weather is dry and mild, with average highs around 28°C (82°F). This period is ideal for exploring the city's temples and cultural attractions without the crowds and heat of the peak season.

Top Attractions in Vientiane

Chao Anouvong Park Free

💡 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.

COPE Visitor Centre Free

💡 The short film is worth 20 minutes. Allow 1 hour. The gift shop sells handmade items from survivors. Closed on Sundays.

Wat Si Saket

💡 Combine this with the nearby Haw Phra Kaew (free grounds). Come early to avoid heat and tour groups. Bring small notes for entry.

Patuxai Monument

💡 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.

Pha That Luang

💡 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.

ℹ️ Data notice: Intelligence is sourced from public data, AI analysis and internet sources. Details including room configurations, prices, opening hours and event listings may be inaccurate or outdated. Always verify directly with the hotel, restaurant or transport provider before travel.
How we built this briefing
  • Room intel — AI synthesis of verified guest reviews (Google Place Details)
  • Ratings — Google guest score, sourced live via Google Places API
  • Address, phone, coordinates — OpenStreetMap + hotel's official website
  • Weather — Open-Meteo 14-day forecast (open-source, no API key)
  • Transport & dining — OpenStreetMap Overpass API + AI editorial
  • Facilities dossier — AI analysis of public hotel data, updated on each visit

Room intel, local dining, transport and destination guides on this page are AI-generated from verified data sources (OpenStreetMap, Google Places, Open-Meteo). Facts that can't be sourced are omitted, never invented. How we create this content →