After staying at the Villa Philaylack for three nights, we decided to find something a bit "closer to the action," and with a balcony view of the Mekong. Following a meal at one of our favorite river-view restaurants, we checked to see if one of the two balcony rooms at the Kongkham Guesthouse was available.

We were happy to get room number 7, just above the reception area, for only $20 a night (talked down to $18 if we didn't use the A/C). We looked at the room before taking it, and at first pass it looked quite comfortable, although it had two single beds rather than a double bed. The bathroom looked like it had been redone in the last year or two, although quite small (you stand less than a foot from the toilet to shower).

The floor and ceiling, as well as the window casings, were hardwood and very homey. The balcony view was quite nice, but the lock on the balcony door was broken, so when I closed it on the first night, I was not able to reopen the... more