We’re returned to Vientiane for our last night in this locale, and back amongst familiar surroundings at the Hotel Beau Rivage Mekong.

True to it’s name, the hotel is set just across a rough dirt road from the Mekong River, almost within swimming distance from the Thai border. Daubed in bright pink and red, with Lao and Soviet-era flags flying above the doorway it stands out amongst the others in particularly garish fashion.

Get past the dubious exterior paintwork though, and inside you’re greeted by smiling friendly staff who always remember who you are, and some of the nicest boutique rooms you’ll find anywhere in the world. Well kitted out with all the modern necessities (including the English lifeblood of tea and milk) and decorated with tribal textile art and prints, the accommodations are spacious and comfortable enough to make you want to stay more than one day.

The hotel itself doesn’t have any catering facilities, but the next door Spirit House bar conveniently provides a good quality breakfast (as well as lunch and dinner for reasonable cost) and has a handy open WiFi network for netbook-toting travellers.

The only downside to this place is that we aren’t staying longer.