Vang Vieng Accommodation: A Review

Vang Vieng, a charming town in Laos, offers a plethora of accommodation options catering to diverse lifestyles. During my recent trip in September 2016, I had the opportunity to stay at a hotel that I would like to review for those considering a visit to this captivating destination. This review focuses on the hotel where I spent my final night in Vang Vieng.

The first night's accommodation is at The Mountain View Riverside Boutique Hotel.

Accommodation for the second night: Viengtara Villa

Thrilling Activities in Vang Vieng Activity in Vang Vieng


...The Elephant Crossing Hotel was our final choice, voted on by the group, as we wanted a riverside view after previously enjoying paddy field views at Vieng Tara and mountain views at Mountainview Riverside. I booked all four standard rooms and one triple room through agoda.com, accommodating 11 people with breakfast included, at a price of 1280 baht per room. This averaged out to approximately 600 baht per person, with payment made in advance via credit card 7 days before our stay.

The four-story hotel stands on the banks of the Song River, directly opposite Wiang Tha Kan. After crossing the bridge, we arrived at our accommodation in the late afternoon, as usual. We checked in with the staff at the counter, which resembled the old-style cricket hotels in Yaowarat. We handed over our booking documents, and it seemed that the staff had not prepared the rooms for us. As a result, some of the rooms we had booked were unavailable, so they upgraded one of us to a deluxe room on the second floor. After distributing the keys to everyone, we went to inspect the rooms.

Let's take a look at the triple room first. This room is located on the 3rd floor and does not have a view. The room is a simple, open space with a bed and no additional furnishings. The amenities in the room are basic, and the overall condition of the room is somewhat dated.

Standard Room with a Large Bed

The standard room with a large bed was decently decorated, but the wear and tear and cleanliness issues suggested that the hotel has been open for quite some time. The balcony offered a stunning, unobstructed view of the Song River.

Let's take a look at another room on the 4th floor with a beautiful view. It's a room with 2 beds.

The deluxe room that was upgraded to the second floor, but the air conditioner was not cool, so I moved to the first floor. Let's take a look at the deluxe room on the second floor.

The overall condition of the rooms is quite similar, with all rooms appearing old. The only difference is the view. Even though the rooms have different prices, there is hardly any difference between them. So why pay more? Therefore, it is best to choose a standard room, especially the middle room on the 3rd floor or the corner room on the 4th floor, which have beautiful views.

Walkway and stairs

The hotel lobby and guest rooms have Wi-Fi, but the signal is weak in the restaurant area.

Let's take a look at the dining room. The view from the dining room is quite beautiful.

There is a small bar here where you can sit and enjoy a drink while taking in the atmosphere. As for the taste of the food, which we had for dinner that evening, it wasn't really to our liking. It was a bit bland and lacked any real flavor. We understand that as a hotel, they have to cater to a wide range of palates, but even when we specifically requested spicy food, it still wasn't spicy enough.

Stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts... rather bland.

The restaurant's spicy stir-fry turned out to be a coconut curry. The spiciness was non-existent.

The som tam looked good, but the taste was disappointing.

Let's take a look at the breakfast. There is a buffet line with a variety of food and drinks. It's quite extensive, and the taste is much better than last night's dinner. It's as if the chefs are completely different.




In my opinion, The Elephant Crossing Hotel was a disappointment overall, but it was tolerable. The first major disappointment was...

The hotel images advertised on Agoda are outdated. They depict the hotel when it was new, which does not reflect its current condition. This discrepancy could lead to inaccurate expectations and potentially influence booking decisions.

2. The rooms are showing signs of wear and tear due to age. Cleanliness is subpar, and the air conditioning is inadequate.

3. The receptionist at check-in confirmed our return trip reservation with Melani Transport at Vang Vieng bus station. We were assured that Melani Transport regularly picks up guests from the hotel. We reiterated our request the next morning, and the receptionist confirmed again without contacting the company. Ten minutes before the scheduled departure time, we reminded the receptionist again, who then finally called Melani Transport. It turned out that the company had mistakenly noted our return date as the 19th, even though our tickets clearly stated the 18th. We recommend that travelers double-check their bookings with the hotel staff on the final day. Fortunately, Melani Transport provided a van to transport us instead. However, the van was crowded, with four passengers per row. In conclusion, the reception staff's service was unsatisfactory.

Now that we've discussed the drawbacks, let's move on to the advantages.

1. The breakfast buffet is extensive, offering a wide variety of food options.

2. In my opinion, the Lao coffee here is the best. I have tried Lao coffee in many places, but this is the most impressive.

3. Prime location with stunning views.

Overall satisfaction, I give 6 out of 10 based on the hotel's level and price.

The Elephant Crossing Hotel is located in Wiang Tha Ram.

Accommodation details agoda

Nestled in the heart of Vang Vieng, The Elephant Crossing Hotel offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its strategic location provides easy access to the town's vibrant attractions, including Vang Vieng Hospital, Provincial Hospital, and LV Nature Tour.

The Elephant Crossing Hotel boasts an array of amenities designed to enhance your stay in Vang Vieng. From complimentary Wi-Fi to non-smoking rooms, air conditioning, writing desks, and minibars, the hotel caters to even the most discerning guests.

The essence of The Elephant Crossing Hotel is reflected in the meticulous design of each guestroom. Amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, non-smoking rooms, air conditioning, writing desks, and minibars ensure a comfortable and convenient stay. The hotel also offers a range of recreational activities, including massage services. Whether you're visiting Vang Vieng for business or leisure, The Elephant Crossing Hotel is the perfect destination for a relaxing and memorable experience.



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