Pongkham Residence

The guesthouse is in a quiet area a small distance from the city center. Using the free bicycles, the center can be reached in 10 minutes but even walking there won't take longer than 20-30 minutes. The couple managing the residence are very kind. The husband, Wan, was a guide for a long time and has great detailed advice about everything there is to do and see in and around Luang Prabang. Breakfast is served at a big table and includes eggs, fruits, bread, milk and coffee. This is a nice occasion to get to know other guests if you're so inclined.

Nothing.

Whatever I liked was undermined by the owner's deceit in asking for payment in US Dollars.

The double beds are actually two single beds put together. There is a kettle in the room but no cups or glasses (couldn't work that out). My room overlooked the communal dining table which was noisy at times. If you enjoy eating breakfast at a communal dining table with a lot of complete strangers this is the place for you (more like a hostel set up). Unfortunately, the downside for me is that the owner asked for payment in USD stating that it was worth more than the Lao KIP. In November 2022 the Laos Gov't made it illegal for all businesses to ask for payment in any currency other than the Lao KIP in order to shore up the failing economy. When I asked the owner if he knew that it was against the law to ask for payment in USD he hung his head & did not answer. When I asked again he did not look at me & said>>>"it doesn't matter" It seemed that he did know that he was breaking the law & was being deceitful. While presenting his establishment as a wonderful communal, family affair there seemed to be some underhanded behaviour going on. It DOES in fact matter because the country of Laos (one of the poorest countries in the world) relies on the KIP for its economic survival. It is doing the country of Laos and the Lao people a great disservice by asking for payment in other currencies. If the KIP fails...the country fails. Foreigners stop paying in other currencies & when asked to do so...refuse!!! A report in the Lao Times (May 2023) states: "...payment in foreign currency is prohibited: payment for goods, services...must be made in LAK. Payment via a bank account holding foreign currency must be converted prior to proceeding with a payment..." "... advertisements of the price of goods or services in a foreign currency are prohibited" (how that applies to advertising on Booking.com is an interesting question.)

Very good place, wonderful breakfast, very quiet during the night, and the room is clean !

Comfortable stay, nice breakfast - we liked being able to socialise around the big table. Comfy beds and a nice balcony. A bit further out but the use of free bikes was super - the bikes are great quality too.

The shower didn't fit in the holder so water went everywhere. Had to hold it by hand.

you can use the bikes to go to the center, a bit removed, quiet and peaceful

The owners are very friendly ready to assist if there is a problem with the accommodation or external issues that they can help with

Very nice and helping hosts, who gave me some precious advices when planning my day trips and rest of journey in Laos. Pretty rooms and nice atmosphere in the residency. Was nice to use bicycles freely. A bit out of the touristy city center but that was perfect for me.

Pongkham Residence is perfect place for travellers who want to stay in a quiet area in Luang Prabang. Rooms are clean and very well taken care of. Its family owned guesthouse and you will get very useful help and tips for your stay in Luang Prabang. Breakfast is delicious and perfect way to start your day. Its a great value for money! Highly recommended. Stayed there 10 days and would go back any time.

staff was very friendly and helpful. very quiet location. can easily bike around all of Luang Prabang or rent a scooter to drive to Kuang Si waterfall.