Your stay — Villa Lao
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 — Villa Lao
Villa Lao is a 3-star hotel that feels like a tranquil oasis in the midst of Vientiane's bustling streets. Its Lao-inspired architecture and lush gardens create a sense of calm, while the staff's warm hospitality makes guests feel welcome. The hotel's USP lies in its commitment to sustainability, with solar-powered energy and a focus on local community engagement. This hotel suits travellers looking for a relaxing base to explore Vientiane's laid-back atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. As you stand in the lobby, the scent of frangipani and the sound of gentle water features transport you to a peaceful haven.
Chronicles of Vientiane
Vientiane, the capital of Laos, was founded in 1560 by King Setthathirath, marking the beginning of a rich cultural and historical journey. The city's architecture has evolved over the centuries, with French colonial influences evident in the grand buildings and streets. Today, Vientiane is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends Lao, French, and Buddhist cultures, with a strong emphasis on spirituality, community, and tradition. The city's Pha That Luang temple, a stunning example of Lao architecture, is a must-visit attraction. Visitors can also explore the vibrant night market, where local vendors sell everything from handicrafts to street food.
Best Time to Visit
Full Vientiane guide →Best months
The ideal months to visit Vientiane are April and May, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 32°C (90°F), and the crowds are manageable. These months offer a perfect balance of pleasant weather and fewer tourists, making it an excellent time to explore the city's attractions.
Peak / festival surge
June is the peak month for tourism in Vientiane, with the annual Boun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) attracting visitors from across the region. Expect higher prices for accommodations and increased crowds, but the festival's vibrant atmosphere and stunning fireworks displays make it a unique experience. Hotel prices tend to surge during this period, so book in advance to secure the best rates.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season, September to November, offers a great balance of mild weather, fewer crowds, and discounts on accommodations. Expect average highs of 28°C (82°F) and gentle breezes, making it an ideal time to explore the city's temples, markets, and cultural attractions without the peak-season crowds.
Weather & packing
Vientiane's climate is characterized by a distinct wet season, so pack lightweight, quick-drying clothing and a waterproof jacket to be prepared for sudden rain showers. Don't forget to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the intense midday sun.
Live City Briefing — Vientiane
- The Vientiane Bus Terminal has been renovated and now offers a more efficient and comfortable travel experience for visitors and locals alike.
- The That Dam Pagoda, a stunning example of Lao architecture, has undergone restoration work and is now open to visitors, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- The Vientiane Night Market has relocated to a new location, offering a wider range of food and souvenir options, including a new section dedicated to local handicrafts and artwork.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Villa Lao, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on higher floors (4th or 5th) for a quieter stay. These rooms are likely to be further away from the street noise, which can be significant in Vientiane's urban center. Additionally, being on a higher floor may also reduce the noise from the hotel's services and lift.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms on the ground floor or first floor may be noisier due to proximity to the street and potential foot traffic.
Best views
Given Villa Lao's address in Vientiane, rooms on the higher floors (4th or 5th) may offer views of the city or surrounding areas, although this cannot be confirmed without more specific information.
Quietest floors
4th and 5th floors
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for potential street noise, which can be a common issue in urban areas like Vientiane. This may be due to the hotel's location on a main road or the surrounding city environment.
Insider tips
Take a short walk to the nearby Talat Sao Market for a local shopping experience and to sample street food. Request a room with a fan or air conditioning, as the tropical climate in Vientiane can be hot and humid.
- 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 — Villa Lao
free, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, including the historic guesthouse wing
complimentary digital newsstand with PressReader and The Financial Times
14:00 - 23:00, early bag-drop available; 12:00 late check-out fee of 50,000 LAK
available at front desk; free for guests
step-free access, wheelchair accessible entrance, some rooms have structural limitations
on-site parking available for 10,000 LAK per night; nearest public car park at Vientiane Night Market (5-minute walk) for 5,000 LAK per day; no electric vehicle charging facilities
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 2,500 LAK per person per night
Deposit & card hold: 50,000 LAK advance deposit and 200,000 LAK 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
Exchanging money at the airport or tourist bureaux can result in poor rates, it's best to exchange at a local bank or a reputable currency exchange office, such as those found near the Morning Market.
Credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted at tourist-oriented businesses, but cash is still king, especially at local markets and street food stalls, and mobile payments are not common, but increasingly accepted at some restaurants and shops.
Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving small change (about 500-1000 Kip) for good service is appreciated.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can be found at local markets or street vendors for around 5,000-10,000 Kip.
A bowl of noodle soup or a baguette from a street vendor costs around 15,000-20,000 Kip.
A simple dinner at a local restaurant can cost around 30,000-50,000 Kip for a main course.
The night market on Thanon Setthathirath and the area around the Morning Market are good places to find cheap eats.
Big C and OK Mini Market are common supermarkets in the area.
Local markets such as the Morning Market and Talat Sao offer affordable shopping options for clothing.
The cheapest way to get around is by songthaew (red trucks) which cost 5,000-10,000 Kip per ride, or by bicycle or on foot.
Avoid eating at touristy restaurants, opt for local eateries, use public transport, and shop at local markets to save money.
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 Villa Lao
🕒 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 Villa Lao?
Request rooms on higher floors (4th or 5th) for a quieter stay. These rooms are likely to be further away from the street noise, which can be significant in Vientiane's urban center. Additionally, being on a higher floor may also reduce the noise from the hotel's services and lift.
Which rooms should I avoid at Villa Lao?
Rooms on the ground floor or first floor may be noisier due to proximity to the street and potential foot traffic.
Is Villa Lao noisy?
Be prepared for potential street noise, which can be a common issue in urban areas like Vientiane. This may be due to the hotel's location on a main road or the surrounding city environment.
Which rooms have the best views at Villa Lao?
Given Villa Lao's address in Vientiane, rooms on the higher floors (4th or 5th) may offer views of the city or surrounding areas, although this cannot be confirmed without more specific information.
What are insider tips for staying at Villa Lao?
Take a short walk to the nearby Talat Sao Market for a local shopping experience and to sample street food. Request a room with a fan or air conditioning, as the tropical climate in Vientiane can be hot and humid.
What time is check-in at Villa Lao?
Check-in at Villa Lao is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Villa Lao have Wi-Fi?
free, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Villa Lao?
2,500 LAK per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Villa Lao?
A bowl of noodle soup or a baguette from a street vendor costs around 15,000-20,000 Kip.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Villa Lao?
The cheapest way to get around is by songthaew (red trucks) which cost 5,000-10,000 Kip per ride, or by bicycle or on foot.
When is the best time to visit Vientiane?
The ideal months to visit Vientiane are April and May, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 32°C (90°F), and the crowds are manageable. These months offer a perfect balance of pleasant weather and fewer tourists, making it an excellent time to explore the city's attractions.
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.