Laos forum

I usually stay at Peters guesthouse called "Manichan". Rooms are great and clean with aircon. Don't know about the rooms in the main house, but the ones outside with ensuite bathroom are great. Peter has a great breakfast in the morning served at a big table shared by everybody. Fruits and water for free all day.

Don't know about the rate, but feel free to check his website http://manichanguesthouse.com/

I've stayed at 3 really nice places including Manichan GH, Villa Meung Lao and Souksavath GH. The best bargain is Souksavath located within shouting distance of the Joma Bakery (near the P.O.) - I paid $12. in Nov 2010. Nicest room was the (new) Villa Meung Lao for $40. in Nov 2011. In 2010 I also stayed at the Manichan - only one of the 3 with breakfast, and a really gourmet breakfast it is - I believe the room was $30. The last 2 places are within shouting distance of Wat Mai, and all 3 are close in.

(If you go behind the Joma, there's an entire street of little GH's - no real need to prebook, and most are inexpensive)

All of these places are on the Hobomaps which you can download - correction, Villa ML is not on the map since it's brand new.

I have stayed in Somjith Guest House (the old building, they have a new bungalow just next door) last year. Loved the teak in the old house - practically the whole house is built using teak wood. the boss is a nice and honest middle age man. the area is quiet and relax, yet just a short walk of 5 to 10 minutes to the actions in the center city area. also, the alleys around this place has at least 50 other guesthouses, you can walk around and choose.