Mekong Riverside Lodge Review
Mekong Riverside Lodge was such a relief after a long day on the slow boat. I thought I heard the angels singing as I made it to my room. Here is my honest review of the lodge and the surrounding area.
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Mekong Riverside Lodge Review
I was under the impression that the slowboat was already dropping us off in Luang Prabang and was not prepared for a night in Pakbeng. Fortunately, I had enough internet signal to book a night on Booking.com while I was still on the boat.
The Mekong Riverside Lodge has a gorgeous vantage point overlooking the river and is across from the Mekong Elephant Sanctuary. Getting off the slowboat and finding a place to relax and take a shower was first priority on my agenda. Without any previous knowledge of needing a room in Pakbeng, I couldn’t afford to be picky. Luck was with me and I chose well.
Where is the Mekong Riverside Lodge Located?
Mekong Riverside Lodge is visible from the river as you come in to the dock. The address is V4RH+VCM, Pak Beng, Laos. Walking will take about 5-7 minutes to get up the steps from the boat, then turn right to follow the road upward. At the intersection, turn left and the Lodge is on the left-hand side.
Due to the issues with my ankle, a man helped carry my luggage up the steps of death and placed them at the top.
Then he informed me he would drive me to the Mekong Riverside Lodge in the sidecar of the motorbike, and my luggage was put in beside me. I was so grateful because hills are difficult for an ankle with no flexion. Plus it was nearly 95 degrees outside and not walking was just a blessing. And he refused my tip! He was an angel and offered to come in the morning to carry our luggage back down to the dock.
The Pros and Cons of My Brief Stay at the Mekong Riverside Lodge
As in all my other hotel reviews, these pros and cons are just based on my wants and needs while traveling. You may agree with me, or not, but at least you have more details to help you make an informed decision. Knowledge is power!
Pros of My One Night Stay
The very first pro was the fact that this place was easy to book and such a welcomed and well-deserved haven after spending a day on the hard wooden bench of the slowboat to Luang Prabang. Read more about it here.
I really thought I heard the angels of heaven singing to me as I walked up to the outdoor reception desk right at the street entrance.
Staff
Although it was just a one night stopover, the lovely lady at the reception desk offered me a glass of iced butterfly pea flower lemonade. So refreshing after a long hot day on the boat. The other man had driven me and my luggage up to the entrance and the reception desk was just a few steps away.
She checked me in and showed me to my room which was a few steps down from the reception area. Then she carried my bags down for me and I held tightly to the railing to get down the steps. I was so tired. Not much interaction with the staff for such a short visit, but they answered my questions and reminded me that breakfast was included with my accommodations and just across the street.
Room Design
The room was gorgeous. A sharp contrast between the dark wood and the white linens created such a peaceful atmosphere and somehow diminished the heat from outside.
Wooden shutters covered the windows overlooking the deck and created a nice breeze off the river. This was how you cooled the room, along with the fans, and an included mosquito net helped keep you safe at night.
The deck was such a peaceful place to sit and watch the river slowly moving by. Shared with the room next to me, the deck provided two separate seating areas, one for each room. I never saw or heard anyone in the room immediately next to me. Longboats tie up at the dock visible below and the elephant sanctuary is directly across the river from the Mekong Riverside Lodge. Wooden adirondack chairs and small side tables created a comfy place to chill out and enjoy the Pakbeng scenery.
In the room, two chairs situated in front of the shuttered windows provided even more seating to relax. The room was spacious and completely suitable for my visit.
Bathroom
As is typical with many Asian bathrooms, this one was considered a wet room where the shower is open to the toilet area. Clean slippers provided outside the room help to keep you from slipping on the wet tiles of the bathroom. Large, fluffy white towels were plentiful and also included hand towels and washcloths.
Location
The Mekong Riverside Lodge is one of the first buildings you see as you reach the area and dock. For those with complete mobility and strength, it’s a quick 5 minute walk up the hill with your luggage or backpack. If you have limited mobility like me, then there are people who will assist you in reaching the lodge quickly.
Noise Levels
Once night fell, the area was completely peaceful with no noises to disturb my sleep. This is an isolated area and was perfect for a quiet night’s rest.
When we first arrived, we did have about 10 minutes of yelling and screaming a few rooms down, but that is nothing against the Mekong Riverside Lodge. Some of our slowboat companions arrived at the lodge quite intoxicated and began fighting amongst themselves. Some colorful language followed but didn’t last very long. The sound of their argument carried across the water and I believe the staff informed them quickly and it ended as fast as it started.
Price
The cost for the room with the included breakfast was $30.00 from the Booking.com website. Due to my being unaware of needing a room in Pakbeng for the night, I didn’t do any research beforehand. Other less expensive options were available but I didn’t feel the need to pinch pennies to share a dorm with many other travelers. A private room is what I wanted and it was worth every penny of the $30.00.
Cons at the Mekong Riverside Lodge
There wasn’t much to be displeased with here at the Lodge. For a one-night stay, it was totally adequate and actually quite pleasant. Please keep in mind that these cons are just my opinion and you can pick and choose from them to find what might matter to you.
Comfy Bed
Once again, the hard Asian mattresses played havoc with my poor bones. This isn’t something that is really a mark against the Mekong Riverside Lodge, but I cannot get used to these hard beds. I was so tired that this wasn’t too much of an issue for me here.
Restaurant or Cafe
Although breakfast was included with our stay, the restaurant gave us a set breakfast that was just ok. They did have a full menu with other breakfast options but we weren’t given an opportunity to order anything else. Toast, eggs, juice, and coffee was the meal for the day. It was fine, but I would have liked to look over the menu.
The other issue is that the restaurant wasn’t open for dinner. I joined up with my newfound traveling friends for dinner and we had to wander up and down the street to find something to eat. Their website shows some delicious looking meals that we weren’t able to experience while in Pakbeng. I was looking forward to sampling some authentic Laotian food.
No Air Conditioning
Perhaps I am basing this on my American standards, but I would have loved an air conditioner in the room. Temperatures were hovering between 85-95 and I was hot! Thankfully there was a powerful standing fan at the foot of the bed that helped cool the room down tremendously.
Amenities at the Lodge
Our stay wasn’t long enough to really worry about amenities and there weren’t many available. I call the amenities the kind and friendly staff and the available breakfast in the morning before we departed for Luang Prabang. And the refreshing shower that actually worked!
Costs for My Stay at the Lodge
As mentioned above, the cost for one night came to $30.00 USD. I didn’t have time to do any research or comparison shopping for a place to stay in Pakbeng. It’s possible there were other less-costly choices, but I was totally fine with spending $30.00 USD.
There are several hostel options down the street, but that was not my plan on this trip. I preferred a private room and bathroom for a good night’s sleep. This was so welcomed after that long day sitting on the boat. If you’re interested in some hostels in Pakbeng, then check them out here.
Final Thoughts With An Eye Toward Accessibility and My Preferences
Traveling to Laos was a physical challenge for me, so make sure to be prepared for the obstacles you may have to face. Here are some I dealt with.
- the steps up from the boat
- the steep road and hill to reach the Mekong Riverside Lodge
- several steps down to reach the rooms of the Lodge
I received much welcomed help with getting my luggage up the stairs and then driven to the Lodge. It would have been much more time-consuming and tiring if I had to do this myself. The few steps down to the room entrance were made doable by using the sturdy railings along the side.
The bathroom shower was easy to use since there was no tub side to have to worry about. Slippers provided for use in the wet room helped avoid any potential slips on the wet floor tiles. It was an acceptable place to stay for someone with my kind of limited mobility.
Honest Opinion From My Personal Visit
Although I do not think I will ever get to Pakbeng again, I would be more than willing to stay at the Mekong Riverside Lodge again. It provided a restful place to clean up and sleep after an extremely long day on the slowboat. I highly recommend this place if you ever are brave enough to travel to Luang Prabang by the slowboat from Thailand.
Transportation To and From the Mekong Riverside Lodge
Traveling on the river is the most common way to get to Pakbeng. I traveled here on the slowboat from Thailand on the way to Luang Prabang, which is the way most people reach Pakbeng. Some people come by the slowboat and others take a speedboat for a nominal fee. Please be aware that the speedboats are considered dangerous and many accidents and breakdowns occur frequently.
There is also a local bus station about 2 kilometers outside of the town. You can hire a tuk tuk for the short ride to the station. The bus to Udomxai, which is about 145 kms away, can take a long time with frequent stops for passengers. Once there, it is possible to change to another bus station to continue your journey through Laos.
What’s Nearby?
Although Pakbeng is a small town, these activities can make for a pleasant and memorable visit. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the natural and cultural beauty of Laos.
1 Local Markets
Exploring the local market in Pakbeng is a great way to experience the culture and daily life of the residents. You can find local produce, crafts, and a variety of foods. It’s an excellent opportunity to try some Laotian dishes and interact with the locals.
2 Pakbeng Temple (Wat Sin Jong Jaeng)
This small but beautiful temple offers a glimpse into the local religious practices and architecture. It’s a peaceful place to visit and offers nice views of the town and river.
3 Visit to Elephant Camps
There are a few elephant camps near Pakbeng where visitors can learn about elephant conservation and even interact with these majestic animals. It’s an educational experience that highlights the importance of protecting wildlife. And the elephants are just magnificent beasts. Check out more about an elephant park here.
4 Hiking and Nature Walks Near the Mekong Riverside Lodge
The area around Pakbeng is lush and green, making it perfect for short hikes or nature walks. You can explore the nearby hills and forests, enjoy the fresh air, and perhaps discover some local wildlife.
5 Boat Trips to Nearby Villages
Taking a boat trip to nearby ethnic villages can be an enriching cultural experience. You can learn about the different ethnic groups in the region, their traditions, and ways of life. Just make sure you are not on a tight schedule to catch the next slowboat out at a specific time.
FAQ About Traveling in Laos
How do you travel to Laos?
You can reach Laos in several different ways. I traveled by slowboat from Thailand, but you can reach Laos by car, bus, train, or plane. I actually returned from Luang Prabang by plane to Chiang Mai. If you’d like to experience Laos for yourself, send me a message and I’ll assist you with the planning.
Is Laos safe to travel to?
In general, yes it is. I never felt unsafe during my time in Laos. Being a foreigner makes you a target for thieves, so keep an eye on your belongings. Be aware that your fellow travelers may also provide more of a danger to your personal items than Laotian people. Stay alert and take precautions as you normally do when traveling.
Is Laos cheap to visit?
Absolutely. As in most places in the world, the prices have increased over the past few years. Laos still remains a hidden gem of a country waiting for you to explore while still staying on a tight budget. Many travelers created a budget of approximately $20 per day and can do it easily by staying in hostels and eating local foods.
In Conclusion – The Mekong Riverside Lodge
The Mekong Riverside Lodge was a welcome resting area after a long day sitting on the slowboat from Thailand. Although I don’t believe I’ll ever visit Pakbeng again, I highly recommend this lodge for anyone brave enough to tackle the slowboat. Read more about my experience on the slowboat here.
Laotian people are kind and helpful and the staff at the Lodge were the same way. This place provided the perfect place to recuperate from the long boat ride. It prepared me for the continued slow ride down the river to Luang Prabang.
