Our top 10 places to stay in and around Don Dhet
Crowd pleaser
It’s a tale of two accommodation at Mr Tho’s, the original river bungalows with the enormous communal balcony equipped with hammocks and perfectly shaded throughout the day, and then the 2016 upgrade which delivered modern building blocks across the lane and flashy two-storey concrete and tile affairs with air-con.
The wooden bungalows on the river remain the more popular and economic of the two options. In fact, they were fully occupied when we swung by so we couldn’t get a closer look. They are simple but do have a fan, private bathroom with western toilet and cold water bathroom. It’s a bit pricey compared to others. Crazy Gecko is about the same rate and Mama Leuah is cheaper.
Travellers searching for more comfort should be pleased with the new additions. The spacious rooms are equipped with air-con, WiFi, hot water bathrooms, clean linens, mosquito nets, glass doors and curtains. We do prefer the upper level since it has wooden floors that stretch out onto the wide communal balcony.
The owner is a really friendly chap who is happy to answer questions and help travellers make arrangements such as boat transfers and excursions. It’s definitely pricier than some joints, but the owner speaks English, it’s a reliable pick and a getaway from the tourist crowd. For those looking to hit up the bars every night, the distance will probably be an inconvenience.
Getting here can actually be easier than a lot of places. Mr Tho’s is located just south of the secondary boat landing, what used to be the French pier. The boat can drop you off here for an additional 5,000 kip.
Address: Don Dhet, sunrise side 1.4 km from boat landing
T: (020) 5592 8598; (020) 5668 7181;
Email: mrthobungalow@gmail.com
Coordinates (for GPS): 105º55'29.08" E, 13º58'53.07" N
See position in Apple or Google Maps: Apple Maps | Google Maps
Room rates: Under US$10
What we were quoted as a walk-in.
| Bungalow fan private bathroom | 80,000 kip | 96,000 kip |
| Dbl air-con private bathroom | 130,000 kip | 180,000 kip |
Reviewed by
Cindy Fan
Cindy Fan is a Canadian writer/photographer and author of So Many Miles, a website that chronicles the love of adventure, food and culture. After falling in love with sticky rice and Mekong sunsets, in 2011 she uprooted her life in Toronto to live la vida Laos. She’s travelled to over 40 countries and harbours a deep affection for Africa and Southeast Asia. In between jaunts around the world, she calls Laos and Vietnam home where you’ll find her traipsing through rice paddies, standing beside broken-down buses and in villages laughing with the locals.
Our top 10 places to stay in and around Don Dhet
