Thongbay Guesthouse Review in Luang Prabang

The unique Thongbay Guesthouse in Luang Prabang is one of the more excellent places I have stayed while travelling throughout Indochina.

This family-run guesthouse is located just ten minutes from the Luang Prabang Airport, and I had the pleasure of staying at one of the bungalows facing the Nam Khan River and Phousi Mountain.

Because of my exceptional hospitality and experience here, I am doing this review of the Thongbay Guesthouse in Luang Prabang for anyone heading here.

Thong Bay Guesthouse entrance.

Located in the main town area, the Thongbay guesthouse requires a local tuk-tuk drive that takes you to and from town for US$3 to $4 a trip.

The plus side of staying at this guesthouse is that you will be one with culture and nature, away from the noise and modernization.

Thongbay Guesthouse compound.

My stay here at Thongbay was that when I visited Vientiane, I stayed at their sister’s guest house called Thongbay Vientiane.

While I stayed there, I learned about the Luang Prabang branch from the manager and immediately booked my stay before heading here via a flight on Lao Airlines.

On arrival at the airport, I was greeted by one of the Thongbay guesthouse staff, who ushered me to my waiting Tuk Tuk Van.

The staff was super polite and friendly, and basic English was used. I was surprised that the Lao people spoke decent, easily understood English.

Bungalow units facing Nam Khan River.

Reaching the guesthouse, they had a reasonably large gate that kept you in privacy. Meaning a private compound guesthouse with well-manicured gardens and landscaping.

I had no idea how Thong Bay in Luang Prabang would look like the one in Vientiane was decent.

When I saw the place here, I thought this was such a paradise for a bargain. Mind you, the bungalow with a river view cost me only US$28 a night (2008 price).

Bungalow room beds.

River Bungalow Thongbay Guesthouse

Arriving at the bungalow, I could not believe how well taken care of it was. Authentic walls, roofing and the area was spacious!

These bungalows come in doubles or triples (family rooms) and are carefully built along the Nam Khan River’s hillside, producing amazing views.

They were out of doubles, so we got a triple for a double-room bungalow price. That was excellent Lao hospitality if you ask me.

The bedroom at Thongbay Guesthouse.

The beds were much better than the Vientiane Thong Bay, and the decorations were tastefully selected, with various pieces of Lao silk placed around the room.

The walls were traditionally weaved designed, and the entire place was made from natural wood except for the bathrooms.

Extra-large bathrooms and well decorated.

Walking into the bathrooms, I was pleased to know it was extremely spacious and clean. Something that was really looked into. I could not find a fault here as everything was perfect.

They come with modern bathrooms and toilet facilities, suitable for Westerners and Asians. A lovely potted plant was also tucked in the corner, giving it some green.

Unique shower system with natural light.

Even the shower area was unique, made from natural stone with a skylight. Hot water, tiled floor, and stone walls looked like a 5 Star resort bathroom minus the bathtub.

Honestly, this was an excellent deal for the price I was paying. They have managed to change the concept of traditional guesthouses to more boutique-style accommodations in simple terms.

View of farmers from my balcony.

I spent a reasonable amount of morning observing the local Lao people going about their farming across the bungalow and Nam Khan River.

The locals have plots of land where they plant local vegetables and herbs. You would see Lao children happily playing with rubber tubes down by the river as if there were no worries.

Amazing Lao Breakfast.

The guesthouse here also has an excellent breakfast ordered the night before on a notice board and delivered to your room in the morning.

A great system where before you go to bed, just go up to the notice board in the reception area, choose your breakfast and write it down on the board with your room number and time.

They then send it to your room in the morning with gentle knocks on your door calling out your name. I will vouch for the local Lao breakfast. It is one of the best I have ever had on my trips to Laos.

Guesthouse Utilities:

• Fan
• Mini Fridge
• Mosquito Netting
• Private Bathrooms
• Hot/Cold Shower

Food Served:

• Lao Style Food
• Western Style Food

Prices as of Nov 2009:

• Garden Bungalow – U$24 – $28
• River View Bungalow – US$29 – $34
• Family Bungalow – US$35 – $40

Distances and Prices for Tuk-Tuk or Walking

• Airport Transfers – $6 to $8 per trip
• Trip to town – $3 t $4 per trip
• From Airport – 10 minutes via tuk-tuk
• From the main town – 10 minutes via tuk-tuk / 30 mins via walk

If you are heading to Luang Prabang in Laos to explore this beautiful country, you must spend at least four to five days here.

Some of the beautiful places to visit in Luang Prabang include the Pak Ou Buddha Caves, which is known as one of the main attractions.

Also, I encourage you to explore the unique Lao cuisine for the food travellers as there is much to experience compared to Cambodian or Thai food. Things may look similar, but they indeed are different.

I have also written a roundup of 10 Things to do in Luang Prabang for those who want to know more and narrow down what they want to do on a shorter stay.

If you want some comfort for lodging, I recommend you try this place and hope you enjoyed my Thongbay Guesthouse Review in Luang Prabang.