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Region: Vientiane And Surrounds> Province: Vientiane> Location: Vang Vieng
May Lyn
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Vientiane
Stylish and spacious, bargain priced rooms in downtown Vientiane.
Air-con rooms: US$22
Great alternative to Vang Vieng town
Across the river from Vang Vieng
Vientiane Province
Tel: (020) 604 095
Description
Amiably eccentric Irishman Joe who owns May Lyn has built most of it himself, and he's still at it -- his most recent endeavour is a distinctive sauna set in the lush grounds he perpetually tends. The slightly wild gardens, teaming with gorgeous butterflies (particularly in the early morning hours) hold a pleasant, old style (original) house, charming basic wooden bungalows and bamboo terrace rooms. All are clean and fairly bare with the added touch of a rack to hang clothes and a hammock on the small wooden balcony. The result is one of Vang Vieng's top spots. On the opposite side of the river to Vang Vieng town, the small village is charming and quiet (in direct contrast to Vang Vieng itself) and is a much better place to observe Lao small town life than the touristic town centre. A nearby permanent suspension bridge completed in 2007 has however meant that this side of the river is now becoming colonised by other bungalow operations. The secluded simplicity of May Lyn is hence becoming eroded.
Total rooms: 15
Dbl fan share b'room
4 USD (low season)
4 USD (high season)
Bungalow fan share b'room
6 USD (low season)
6 USD (high season)
Bungalow fan private b'room
7 USD (low season)
7 USD (high season)
Added to Travelfish on: 29th August, 2005
Last visited or updated on: 23rd May, 2007
Guest feedback
Garden looked nice - No rating given
By Dr_Kob ( total comments: 3 
) Stayed here 12/2007
A bit remote. Not sure if would want to walk there at night by myself (15 minutes to town).
Such a contrast to town - 
By marianwarren ( total comments: 13 ) Stayed here 12/2006
Have to agree with everything cathrionas said (and we copped the rooster too). Certainly no Ritz but a glimpse of an earlier Vang Vieng.
Miss it lots. Recommended - 
By cathrionas ( total comments: 2 ) Stayed here 1/2007
May Lyn guest house is at most a 10 minute walk from town across rickety but safe, wooden bridges and its well worth it. The owner, Jo Foley has a big heart and when he is in the restaurant you know about it – he built these wooden bungalows on stilts himself with his experience as a carpenter in London. There is a lovely relaxed atmosphere here because of the ways the hut-bungalows are set out in the garden, the cosiness of the restaurant area and because the place is away from the town where most of the bars are set up for backpackers to watch back to back episode of various telly series. We had everything within a stones throw except internet but that is no big shame as its readily available in the town. The only down side (if you can call it that) is the rooster that made his call every hour or so right outside my hut. It is worth knowing 2 things before you get there: The first time you get there, you will be likely to cross a bridge for which you will have to pay a small one off fee for maintenance, and the huts have cold water showers attached but there are hot water showers onsite but you need to ask about them
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