Your stay — Venn Hostel
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The Property — Venn Hostel
The Venn Hostel feels like a clean, quiet base camp for savvy travellers passing through Vientiane. Its lobby is minimal and functional — white walls, wooden furniture, a noticeboard with bus timetables — and the vibe is efficient rather than cosy. Private rooms offer decent value for a short stopover, and the dorm beds are firm but comfortable. It suits budget-conscious solo travellers and pairs who want a no-frills, central location near the Mekong riverfront.
Chronicles of Vientiane
Vientiane was established as the capital of the Lan Xang kingdom in the 16th century, later falling under Siamese and then French colonial rule, which left a legacy of shophouses, villas and wide boulevards. Its architectural evolution mixes Buddhist temples like Pha That Luang with French neoclassical public buildings, creating a low-rise, sleepy urban atmosphere. After independence in 1953 and a period of isolation under the Pathet Lao, the city reopened slowly from the 1990s, developing a relaxed, riverine identity that draws backpackers and expatriates. Today Vientiane remains the political and commercial hub of Laos, yet retains a village-like calm rare among Southeast Asian capitals.
Best Time to Visit
Full Vientiane guide →Best months
November to February: cool, dry and sunny, with temperatures in the mid-20s°C and low humidity. This is the most comfortable period for temple-hopping and cycling.
Peak / festival surge
December–January is peak season, driven by the dry cool weather and the That Luang Festival (usually late November/early December). Hotel prices in Vientiane can rise 20-30% during this window, but availability is still reasonable apart from festival dates.
Budget shoulder season
March and October offer near-perfect weather (dry, warm) with fewer tourists. Rooms at Venn Hostel and similar properties often show discounts of 10-20% compared to peak season. Avoid April–May unless you can handle 38°C heat.
Weather & packing
July is the wettest month in Vientiane, with downpours most afternoons. Pack a compact umbrella and quick-dry footwear — flip-flops will leave you with soaked feet in city puddles.
Live City Briefing — Vientiane
- The Vientiane-Vang Vieng high-speed railway continues to see rising passenger numbers; book tickets at least two days ahead during July school holidays.
- Patuxai Monument is open to the top after renovation work completed in early 2025, offering new views over the city.
- Visitors should carry cash — many smaller eateries and tuk-tuk drivers still don't accept cards, and ATMs can run out of banknotes on weekends.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Venn Hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the 2nd or 3rd floor at the rear of the building, away from the street. These upper floors offer slightly better airflow and less street-level bustle, and the lack of a lift means less foot traffic noise from stairwells.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms facing the street; Vientiane’s tuk-tuks and motorbikes can be loud until late, and the lobby/street noise filters in. Also avoid rooms near the hostel’s common areas or bar if you’re a light sleeper.
Best views
Rooms at the rear of the 3rd floor may overlook a quieter courtyard or neighbouring buildings, but expect a typical city view. Street-facing rooms get the local traffic and shopfronts.
Quietest floors
2nd to 3rd floor, rear side. These floors strike a balance between being above street noise and not requiring too many stairs (no lift).
🔊 Noise notes
The hostel is on a central Vientiane street with frequent tuk-tuk and motorbike traffic until around 11pm. The absence of a lift means guests using the stairs can create hallway noise on the 1st floor. The hostel’s bar or common room may also generate noise until closing.
Insider tips
1. If you arrive by car, park on the quieter backstreet to the south of the hostel—less dust and street activity. 2. Check in early afternoon to request a rear room before they go; the front desk can usually adjust if you ask politely.
- 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 — Venn Hostel
Free WiFi throughout, speeds around 20 Mbps down. No login—just connect to 'Venn Hostel' network.
No lift. Property is a two-storey building with stairs only.
No newspaper service. Common area has a bookshelf with guidebooks and magazines.
Standard check-in from 14:00. Bag drop available from 08:00. Late check-out until 12:00 costs 50,000 LAK; after 12:00 charges full night.
Free luggage storage behind front desk for same-day check-in/out. Long-term storage (multi-day) not offered.
No step-free access. Entrance has two steps; no ramp. No ground-floor rooms; all dorms and privates are upstairs. Not suitable for wheelchair users.
No on-site parking. Street parking along Chao Anou Road is free (first-come, first-served). Nearest public car park is at Lao Plaza Hotel (5-minute walk), charging 20,000 LAK per overnight stay. No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking for non-refundable rates; refundable rates hold 200,000 LAK cash or card imprint at check-in for incidentals.
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
Exchange at gold shops or banks along the main streets for the best rates; avoid the airport and tourist bureaux which give poor rates.
Cards accepted in upscale hotels and larger restaurants, but most local eateries, markets, and transport are cash-only; contactless is rare.
Not expected, but rounding up a small bill or leaving a few thousand kip is appreciated for good service; taxis don't expect tips; hotel staff may take a small tip for exceptional help.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A simple local coffee (iced or hot) from a street stall costs around 10,000–15,000 LAK.
A bowl of noodle soup or a plate of fried rice from a local shop is about 25,000–40,000 LAK.
A main dish like larb or stir-fry at a local eatery costs roughly 30,000–50,000 LAK.
The Chao Anouvong night market along the Mekong and the morning market near That Dam offer cheap eats like grilled meats, papaya salad, and skewers.
Phimphone Minimart and Lao M Plaza are common budget supermarket chains in Vientiane.
Talat Sao (Morning Market) is the main spot for affordable clothing, textiles, and souvenirs.
Rent a bicycle (around 20,000–30,000 LAK per day) to explore the city; from the airport, a jumbo (tuk-tuk) into central Vientiane costs about 50,000–70,000 LAK.
Eat at local noodle stalls and market food stalls instead of restaurants. Use shared tuk-tuks or walk between nearby attractions. Bring an empty water bottle to refill (tap water is not safe to drink, but many guesthouses offer free filtered water).
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 Venn Hostel
🕒 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Venn Hostel?
Request a room on the 2nd or 3rd floor at the rear of the building, away from the street. These upper floors offer slightly better airflow and less street-level bustle, and the lack of a lift means less foot traffic noise from stairwells.
Which rooms should I avoid at Venn Hostel?
Avoid ground-floor rooms facing the street; Vientiane’s tuk-tuks and motorbikes can be loud until late, and the lobby/street noise filters in. Also avoid rooms near the hostel’s common areas or bar if you’re a light sleeper.
Is Venn Hostel noisy?
The hostel is on a central Vientiane street with frequent tuk-tuk and motorbike traffic until around 11pm. The absence of a lift means guests using the stairs can create hallway noise on the 1st floor. The hostel’s bar or common room may also generate noise until closing.
Which rooms have the best views at Venn Hostel?
Rooms at the rear of the 3rd floor may overlook a quieter courtyard or neighbouring buildings, but expect a typical city view. Street-facing rooms get the local traffic and shopfronts.
What are insider tips for staying at Venn Hostel?
1. If you arrive by car, park on the quieter backstreet to the south of the hostel—less dust and street activity. 2. Check in early afternoon to request a rear room before they go; the front desk can usually adjust if you ask politely.
What time is check-in at Venn Hostel?
Check-in at Venn Hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Venn Hostel have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi throughout, speeds around 20 Mbps down. No login—just connect to 'Venn Hostel' network.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Venn Hostel?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Venn Hostel?
A bowl of noodle soup or a plate of fried rice from a local shop is about 25,000–40,000 LAK.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Venn Hostel?
Rent a bicycle (around 20,000–30,000 LAK per day) to explore the city; from the airport, a jumbo (tuk-tuk) into central Vientiane costs about 50,000–70,000 LAK.
When is the best time to visit Vientiane?
November to February: cool, dry and sunny, with temperatures in the mid-20s°C and low humidity. This is the most comfortable period for temple-hopping and cycling.
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.