Amazing location
Phosy Thalang plays second string, often getting the spillover of people once Sabaidee is full. But it has its own merits and beats Sabaidee when it comes to location—stay here for a fantastic view of the water.
The guesthouse has simple wooden bungalows along the waters edge. Some are individual bungalows, others are split between two rooms. Some have hammocks on the front porch, others do not. It’s a hodgepodge so take a look at a couple before you decide. The ones furthest from the entrance have the best view of the lake.
The bungalows are on the rustic side. There’s a bed, window, mosquito net, fan, an electric outlet and a private bathroom with western toilet. The bathroom could have been cleaner and toilet paper wasn’t provided. Our electric shower was also broken and could only deliver a choice of scorching hot or freezing water.
WiFi is available at the restaurant and while the all-you-can-eat buffet dinner at Sabaidee makes a good case for dining out, we ordered a noodle soup for breakfast and it was made fresh and with care—a huge portion, lots of fresh vegetables and meat. Their restaurant is definitely worthwhile for a meal.
For those not pressed for time, both Phosy Thalang and Sabaidee are convincing places to linger and take a break from the road.
To find it: if doing the loop anti-clockwise, driving north from Nakai, Phosy Thalang is on the lefthand side, just before the entrance to Sabaidee.
Address: Thalang, entrance just south of Sabaidee Guesthouse
T: (020) 5880 4711;
Coordinates (for GPS): 105º3'5.19" E, 17º50'31.36" 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.
Sgl fan private bathroom | 50,000 kip | 50,000 kip |
Dbl fan private bathroom | 60,000 kip | 60,000 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 Tha Khaek Loop