Thongbay Guesthouse is perhaps the best guesthouse I have ever stayed at. It's located further away from town, but therein lies the charm. You are able to escape the tourists in Luang Prabang. It is about a 15 minute walk to peninsula and the night market, so it's still close enough.

I stayed at the bungalows that face the Nam Khan River. The views of the river are amazing. Each bungalow has a balcony with mats. Each morning after waking up, and evening before going to sleep, I would spend about 15 minutes relaxing on the balcony mats while enjoying the view of the river and the other side. During the day, you can see farmers on the other side of the river tending to their crops.

The rooms simple, but clean and spotless. Although basic, the room decor is very warm and welcoming. The beds are comfortable and come equipped with a mosquito net. Bathrooms are clean as well. The employees are all very attentive and friendly. If you are too lazy to walk to town, they also provide an hourly shuttle into town that runs in the mornings and late afternoons. Otherwise, a tuk tuk can be hired to take you back for around 30,000 - 40,000 kip.

Awesome views, relaxing atmosphere, great service, clean and comfortable rooms, affordable rates, what more can you ask for!? Stay here! You will not be disappointed!

We stayed here during a month long trip around SE Asia and it was one of the nicer places that we stayed. When you're visiting area's that can be crowded with tourists it's nice to be able to take a short tuk tuk ride to leave the busy streets behind. Thongbay is located in a beautiful spot above the river and the staff really keep the lush gardens well manicured. This provides a great view in the mornings when you are served fresh breakfast on your bungalow balcony at the time you requested the previous night. The bungalow we stayed in was very comfortable with a large, clean bathroom. The staff were always very welcoming and were willing to help with anything that you requested. I would definitely stay here again.

We stayed here from 4th January to 8th January. It was by far our favourite place we stayed on our 3 week trip of SE Asia. The bungalows are beautiful and arranged around the most beautiful gardens.
We stayed in one of the bungalows overlooking the river. It was a unique experience eating breakfast on the balcony whilst watching the local farmers start a days work. The rooms were spotless and oozed character.

The staff were top drawer. They were always available and helpful when required but didn't pander to you, something that I find uncomfortable.

I certainly agree with the review below. The main problem was the noise of the gongs and religious chanting that went on for over 4 hours some nights. This did certainly disturb sleep. However, it has not been mentioned before so I wonder whether it was a rarity.

I WOULD recommend this place as the positives heavily outweigh the noise problems but some ear plugs may be advised as Thongbay like everybody else can't choose their neighbours

Thongbay is a place with enormous appeal and potential and I am disappointed that I can not give it more than three stars.

As other reviewers have pointed out, the guesthouse is situated in a lovely riverside location ten minutes outside of town. It is one of the most picturesque properties I've ever stayed out and I was immediately enchanted by the lovely landscaping, views, and charming bungalows. Service was attentive and kind, and rooms were clean and in good condition.

What brings Thongbay's rating down was the fact that we didn't get a good night's sleep during the three nights of our stay. The mattress was by far the hardest I have ever slept in: I know that beds in Laos and Thailand are much harder than beds in the west, but this was really awful: Felt more like a board with a sheet over it than a bed. It was by far the most uncomfortable we experienced during our three weeks in SE Asia.

Also, be prepared for lots of night noise if you stay here. This is not the fault of the hotel but the surrounding area is not particularly quite: There is a nightclub or karaoke bar nearby which blasted music till 1130 each night we were there, which was followed by the gongs for the monks, screeching of the roosters, and howls of the dogs shortly before dawn. We stayed at another rural property outside Luang Prabang a few nights later, which was totally silent all night. The guesthouse we later stayed at in L.P was also very quiet, so I think Thongbay is just unfortunately located near a particularly lively village.

This is a beautiful guesthouse with a plethora of lovely touches but I would not stay here again.