Nam Khan Villas Resort, Louangphrabang

This has only been open six months and it shows. Staff have only basic English and basic training. Our room was paper thin and noise from a sawmill, temple chanting and a karaoke bar across the river kept us awake all night. On top of that, water pump and other guests conversation can be heard in our room v. easily. Shower curtain too short, organic septic tank made toilet smell nasty and we got bitten by mossies every night despite being told that "there are no mossies in winter" - not true! Room has no furniture and they forgot to give us towels, glasses or toilet paper on different nights. Restaurant is relatively pricey and very limited in range. Waiting staff don't know what Earl Grey tea is despite having already brought you some the day before. Location 4km out of town won't suit everyone cos it's three dollars to get into town one-way or an hour's walk. Gardens are nice and being near the river is nice too. Wife is an Aussie and friendly but not sympathetic to problems you might have staying there. Verdict: might be a nice place if it survives a few more years.