yowie
longtail driver
Posts: 5

#1 Posted: 19/10/2007 - 15:08


Hi guy's
Four of us will be traveling to Luang Prabang in mid December and I was wondering I anyone can give me some idea of the availabilty of walk in accomodation at that time of year. We will be getting it late in the day as we planning to travel by fast boat from Huay Xai so was wondering if we should be booking. Also wondering if anyone has an update on the fast boat situation. Seems to be a lot of chatter about it being stopped?

Thanks

somtam2000
admin
mahout
Posts: 2421
Located in:
Indonesia

#2 Posted: 20/10/2007 - 08:49


AFAIK the fast boats are still running.

Regarding booking ahead, as long as you're willing to be flexible in your choice of guesthouse there's little need to book ahead as the bulk of places cannot be booked in advance and instead work on a walk-in basis only -- just be fast off the boat!

wigboy
newbie
Posts: 3

#3 Posted: 22/10/2007 - 06:44


Hey there. I stayed at Jaliya Guesthouse in Feb 2007. It was a nice spot a bit outside of the Hub of the city, but a nice walk to the river and the market etc. I think my room was $12 US. It was about the most I paid in 6 months in SE Asia, but the rooms and the people were great. There are a few bungalow style rooms out back as well. I would recommend you avoid the room on the main floor, near the office. It was quiet loud, so I ended up moving upstairs... problem solved. There is a bank across the street, and many great places to eat that are not frequented my "Farang", so you get a better feel of Laotian life. Great spot for seeing monks collecting alms as well. Try for a room upstairs facing the street, mine had a nice balcony.

buddha
longtail driver
Posts: 5

#4 Posted: 28/10/2007 - 19:39


Hi travellers, I am after tips about where to stay in LP. I'll be there for 11 days, and like a quiet place, simple but clean. Any ideas? Thanks

buddha
longtail driver
Posts: 5

#5 Posted: 28/10/2007 - 19:40


Re. previous message, I will be in LP for 11 days in December. Thanks

exacto
som tam seller
Posts: 646

#6 Posted: 28/10/2007 - 21:02


hi buddha,

do you have an idea of what your budget might be per night for accommodation while you are in luang prabang? if you haven't yet, take a look at the listings on the website for lp digs. they are exactly the kind of feedback from travelfish travellers that you are seeking. there is also a very good article in the features section about where to stay in luang prabang. it outlines the different sections of the city and different budget options. definitely worth a read as you make your plans.

jaliya, as wigboy recommends is a good choice in the flashpacker budget range. i also like malida, which is just around the corner and also outside the hub of the city. if you are looking for a more budget-oriented option, the cluster of guesthouses along the nam khan centered around the two Merry Guesthouses seems like another great choice. check out the listings and the associated reviews to see if any of these seem like what you are looking for. cheers.

buddha
longtail driver
Posts: 5

#7 Posted: 29/10/2007 - 10:44


Hi all, thanks Exacto fro your response. There are 2 of us and we can afford up to $35-$40 per night max. We are looking for a small , quiet place in town for about 5 nights. Recommendations so far are Oui's, Suan Maak, and Sokhai. We like small quiet, family run.Then we wish to move out of town for another 6 nights: and are considering Thongbay and Kun and Con's. Any feedback?
Also, it seems like the whole online booking thing doesn't really work, except maybe if you pay the full amount up front, which doesn't seem right. As we are travelling high season, we don't want to arrive and find nothing available.
Any tips about how to secure a booking? Anyone used 'Accomodation Luang Prabang ' website booking?
Thanks everyone,
buddha

buddha
longtail driver
Posts: 5

#8 Posted: 29/10/2007 - 10:46


In relation to previous email, please notify me of replies.

AX1
newbie
Posts: 3

#9 Posted: 7/11/2007 - 11:08


Hi
Stayed at the Thongbay four years ago and thoroughly loved the bungalow we had overlooking the river. Being outside of town, transportation was a bit of a problem...especially last year when I found foreigners are no longer able to rent moto-scooters in LP> However, bicycles are (were?) well suited to the pace there.
Enjoy.
ps - I'd drop your 'chêu lên' before arriving. Thais love nicknames but I think they'd find your current handle disrespectful.

buddha
longtail driver
Posts: 5

#10 Posted: 7/11/2007 - 13:27


Hi AX1, thanks for suggestion of Thongbay. Will give it a go. Don't worry, I wouldn't dream of introducing myself to people by my password.......Cheers.

worldstepper
newbie
Posts: 1

#11 Posted: 7/11/2007 - 17:58


you can check on www.planetholiday.com. i had used it, once. the service was o.k. and the rates was quite bargained. i hope there will be some options in Luang Prabang.

talesofloriandmark
longtail driver
Posts: 10

#12 Posted: 8/11/2007 - 14:55


just in Luang Prabang, got of the slow boat yesterday
my suggestion whatever you do fast boat or slow boat do the trip in reverse up the megong. We caught the slow boat from Houyxai bought our ticket at the dock for 730 Bhat and the experience is nothing near authentic it was an overpacked boat with more than 100 whities packed on every seat was doubled up and we had people floped out in the engine area of the back of the boat with the exhaust fumes. As for the fast boat not many of them on the river and there was lots of floating debris, for a real expeience avoid the the path and avoid doing the slow boat down the megong and go up the river the boats heading north are pretty much empty with only 5 or 6 whities as far as I could see.
just a suggestion
lori and mark
www.talesofloriandmark.com