I'm not sure if my less positive review (versus the other reviews on this page) is purely due to being significantly overcharged for our room at New Year but as far as I know, most places were charging a premium and there were better value places about. If I'd only paid $10 - $15 then it would have been an OK room but I expected much more than we got for $30 a night.

Our room was on the ground floor and didn't have a window (which we don't mind but they're usually the cheaper rooms). The room was quite tatty and small with twin beds, a TV with a couple of English channels, and a small bathroom with showerhead. Decor was nothing special.

Location was quiet, yes, but a bit of a walk from the main street of restaurants and bars and the night market. Staff were friendly enough.

This guest house is located at the northern end of the peninsula very near the tourist part of the town and directly opposite the Wat where the monks gather alms. We arrived on a slowboat from Pak Beng at 5:45pm and found a tuk-tuk at the top of the pier to take us straight to the place. We had room 4 at the front with one double and one single bed, air-con, tv and private shower-room/toilet for three nights over Christmas at US$15 per night. Staff were very helpful and courteous and spoke good English. The temple was a little noisy at 4am but we got used to it. Although basic, it was perfectly suitable for us and excellent value for money.

Not really much more I can add,good value for money,5min walk to river,friendly staff. Staff it appears have been told not to be so enthusiastic over trying to book tours. If tours are booked,they are the same price as travel agents etc. Also the hotel arranges pick up service to take you tour bus or boat,no extra cost. Airport pick ups can be arranged.The manager of this guest house also manages the MuongLao Guest House,which I have stayed in as well. Its a little bit dearer,but still good value. See Trip Advisor write up.He also manages a restuarant within walking distance of both hotels,but nearer to the Symoungkoun Guest House. I have found that with many years of travelling to many countries,that if you have any problems that irritate you or cannot be fixed by reception etc ask to talk to the manager,in this case Mr. Tharvone. Will stay again. Ray New Zealand

I stayed at Symoungkoun Guesthouse for 4 nights in July 2009 with my girlfriend. Our room was good but basic - we had a bed for two, a private bathroom, a TV and an air conditioner. We found everything to be very clean and safe, and the staff at the front desk was very friendly and helpful in general. Contrary to other reviews, we were not touted a single time during the 4 days we stayed there (although we always knew where we were going and probably looked self-sufficient, so that might have helped). For the price I thought it was a good enough deal - it may not be the cheapest room you can get in Luang Prabang, but at least you know you'll be staying at a pretty good place. Also, the guesthouse has a fridge in the lobby with water and Beerlao available, both of which are reasonably priced. In terms of location, the guesthouse is on the main road (Sisavangvong) in Luang Prabang, only 5 minutes from the real "center" of the action but far enough away for it to be quiet at night, except for the occassional day where the monks start drumming around 5AM (which we only noticed one day we were there and which didn't manage to keep us both awake). My only complaint is that the bathroom could have been better - it's one of those bathrooms where the bathroom is also your shower, the drain is inconveniently located on the opposite corner of the room from where the showerhead is, and the bathroom window (which isn't too big) isn't sealed from the outside (it consists of little open "vents"), which makes the bathroom muggy and could let bugs get in, although we didn't seem to have any problems with that. Nevertheless, overall we had a very good experience and I'd recommend it.