Cheuang Vanavong: Vientiane's Hidden Gem (You HAVE to See This!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Cheuang Vanavong: Vientiane's Hidden Gem – and trust me, “Hidden Gem” is underselling it. This isn't just a hotel review; it’s a full-blown love letter (with a few slightly critical notes, because, you know, I’m real). I'm throwing in everything, because let's be honest, you don't just find a hotel, you fall into it.
First Impressions: The Charm Offensive (and a Slight Bump or Two)
Pulling up to Cheuang Vanavong, my first thought wasn’t "Wow, that's architecturally stunning." It was more like, "Huh, this is way more low-key than I was expecting." And honestly? That's part of the charm. It’s not trying to be some glitzy, over-the-top mega-resort. It's got this quiet, understated elegance, like a well-worn leather armchair you want to sink into.
The lobby, which, by the way, has some serious "Laos meets modern minimalist" vibes, is where you first start feeling the warmth. The staff? Super friendly, genuinely nice. My check-in was smooth, almost too smooth. Like, "Am I forgetting something? Did I actually book this?" But no, it was just… easy. And in today's travel world, that’s a godsend.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Good Vibes (and a Very Important Note)
Alright, let's talk accessibility, because this is important. Crucially important. Cheuang Vanavong boasts facilities for disabled guests. The elevator is a lifesaver (thank you, modern technology!), and there seemed to be decent navigation throughout the main areas. However, I didn't see any specific wheel-chair accessible rooms mentioned and i didn't have a need to check. This is a HUGE detail for some travelers. Someone should go verify this and be 100% certain about any specific rooms amenities that'd be necessary. I'd contact them directly if you need the information.
Rambling on About Relaxation (Because, Yes, Please!)
Okay, so, relaxation. This is where Cheuang Vanavong really shines. The swimming pool [outdoor] is just… chef's kiss. Crystal-clear water, perfect temperature, and a pool with view that’ll stop you in your tracks (yes, I saw it from my room). I spent a solid afternoon just floating around, occasionally yelling, "ARE WE DREAMING?!" to myself (mostly because I was so relaxed, and partially because I’d had a poolside cocktail… see poolside bar).
The spa… oh, the spa. Forget your troubles, because they're gone! I opted for the body scrub and a massage. The scrub felt amazing, the massage was divine. My masseuse, bless her heart, was basically a massage whisperer. And the best part? You could easily have hopped in the sauna or steamroom immediately after, but I was so blissed out, I just wanted to nap (which is understandable, I think).
They also have a gym/fitness, though I may have skipped it. I was on vacation, okay?
Food, Glorious Food! (And the Occasional Tiny Quibble)
Listen. Let’s talk about food, because, come on. Cheuang Vanavong understands food. The Asian breakfast was seriously legit, the buffet in restaurant was impressive, and the coffee/tea in restaurant was perfect. There's the Asian cuisine in restaurant, the international cuisine in restaurant, and even a vegetarian restaurant (hello, my fellow plant-based friends!). They've got the basics covered, and then some.
The room service [24-hour] is a huge plus. Seriously, a godsend when you're battling jet lag at 3 a.m. I might have ordered a dessert in restaurant and a bottle of water (because hydration is key, people!), and both were delivered promptly with a smile.
The only teeny, tiny, ridiculously picky quibble? The coffee shop, though cute, could have been a little more tempting. But hey, I'm used to very strong coffee, so maybe it's just me being a caffeine snob.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic-Era Checklist
Okay, they understand this, the staff really care.
- Anti-viral cleaning products.
- Daily disinfection in common areas.
- Hand sanitizer all over the place.
- Hygiene certification.
- Individually-wrapped food options.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services.
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
- Safe dining setup.
- Staff trained in safety protocol.
- Sterilizing equipment.
They’re doing what they need to do to keep everyone safe. I felt totally fine in terms of safety.
The Room: Your Personal Oasis (With a Few Perks and Trivial Hiccups)
My room. Oh, my room. It was spacious, immaculate, and had that "I could live here forever" vibe. The air conditioning worked like a dream (seriously, a lifesaver in Laos heat). Free Wi-Fi was fast and reliable. And speaking of the small things, all the important details were included too, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, etc.
The extra long bed? Amazing. The slippers? Delightful. The hair dryer? Actually worked… and that’s rare. The mini bar? Well-stocked (though I may have raided the snacks immediately). The in-room safe box? Peace of mind. And the coffee/tea maker? Crucial.
- Internet access – wireless
- Socket near the bed
- Wake-up service
- Window that opens
- Complimentary tea
- Shower
- Seating area
- Smoke detector
- Satellite/cable channels
- Refrigerator
- Reading light
- Private bathroom
- Non-smoking
- Mirror
- Linens
- Laptop workspace
- Internet access – LAN
- Ironing facilities
- Ironing service
- Indoor venue for special events
- Desk
- Daily housekeeping
- Closet
- Coffee/tea maker
The only minor criticisms of the room? The soundproofing wasn’t perfect – I could hear a faint hum from the hallway sometimes. But really, that's nit-picking.
Everything Else: The Little Things That Matter
- Air conditioning in public area.
- Airport transfer.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events.
- Bicycle parking.
- Breakfast in room.
- Breakfast service.
- Cash withdrawal.
- Cashless payment service.
- Check-in/out [express].
- Check-in/out [private].
- Concierge.
- Contactless check-in/out.
- Convenience store.
- Currency exchange.
- Car park [free of charge].
- Car park [on-site].
- Daily housekeeping.
- Doorman.
- Dry cleaning.
- Elevator.
- Essential condiments.
- Facilities for disabled guests.
- Family/child friendly.
- Fire extinguisher.
- First aid kit.
- Food delivery.
- Front desk [24-hour].
- Gift/souvenir shop.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing.
- Hotel chain.
- Invoice provided.
- Kids meal.
- Laundry service.
- Luggage storage.
- Meeting/banquet facilities.
- Meetings.
- Meeting stationery.
- Non-smoking rooms.
- On-site event hosting.
- Outdoor venue for special events.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
- Poolside bar.
- Projector/LED display.
- Proposal spot.
- Restaurants.
- Room service [24-hour].
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
- Safe dining setup.
- Safe dining setup.
- Safety/security feature.
- Safety deposit boxes.
- Security [24-hour].
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-planned itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the messy, beautiful chaos of Cheuang Vanavong 2 in Vientiane, Laos. Consider this more of a suggestion than a rigid schedule. And frankly? I reserve the right to ditch this whole thing and chase after a particularly delicious-smelling baguette at any moment.
Day 1: Land of a Thousand Disappointments (and maybe a Buddha or Two)
Morning (ish): Touchdown in Vientiane! Forget the "early bird gets the worm" nonsense. I'm not an early bird. More like a "slightly-later-than-most-birds-but-still-struggling-to-adult" kind of bird. After a grueling flight that involved a screaming baby (not mine, thankfully), a guy who kept mansplaining aerodynamics (also not mine, thank GOD), and a serious lack of legroom, the moment the plane landed, I'm pretty sure my blood sugar plummeted. First mission: find something edible that isn't airplane food.
- Imperfection Alert: Getting through immigration was a total crapshoot. The line snaked back and forth, the air smelled faintly of jet fuel and existential dread, and I swear the officer just looked at me and sighed. Eventually, though, I got my visa – a monumental achievement, considering my natural talent for screwing things up.
Mid-Morning (ish): Check into Cheuang Vanavong 2 Guesthouse. This place… well, let's just say it's got character. The online photos are a little optimistic, but hey, it's clean enough, the air-con works (a lifesaver!), and the staff seem friendly enough.
- Quirky Observation: The tuk-tuk drivers outside are like swarms of persistent bees. They descend upon you the second you step outside, buzzing with offers. It's overwhelming, but also… kinda endearing? They're hustlers, and I respect the hustle.
Lunch: Okay, the food hunt begins. After a quick rest try some local eateries near Cheuang Vanavong 2. I've heard about sticky rice with grilled chicken, and I'm already drooling.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated joy. Nothing else.
Afternoon: Okay so, I'm going to try and visit the Buddha Park also known as "Xieng Khuan," which is about 25 km outside the city. I could hire a tuk-tuk, which feels like a logistical nightmare, or take the public bus, which sounds like an adventure, and potentially more fun.
- Ramble Alert: Okay, I'm already lost in thought about which option I'm going to take, and I'm realizing maybe I should do an itinerary for the trip based on a 5-day period, not a daily schedule. I prefer to let things flow when it comes to planning, but I also prefer to arrive at places that are more than 2 kilometers away. hmmmmm…. I've got a feeling this first day will be about figuring out how to get around.
- My Reaction: I was so sure I was smart enough to get around efficiently on my own. Turns out, I'm kind of an idiot. I asked a driver who seemed friendly about the bus route. He was probably friendly, but my ability to understand Lao isn't quite up to par. I ended up taking a private car. Whatever. No regrets. Xieng Khuan didn't disappoint!
Evening: Dinner near the guesthouse – whatever looks tasty, smells delicious, and doesn’t involve deep-fried things (mostly).
- Emotional Reaction: I'm exhausted, but in that good, satisfying way. The kind of tired that comes from exploring, experiencing, and maybe, just maybe, a little bit of getting wonderfully lost.
Day 2: Temples, Temples Everywhere (and Trying Not to Screw Up)
Morning: Wake up, force down a questionable-looking breakfast (probably a baguette), and hit the temples. The first stop: Wat Sisaket with its 6,000+ Buddha images.
- Opinionated Language: The amount of gold leaf on display is borderline obscene, but also undeniably beautiful. It's like being punched in the face with beauty, and I'm not complaining.
Mid-Morning: Next up, Wat Ho Phra Keo, which used to house the Emerald Buddha (now in Thailand). I try to be respectful of the culture, but also, I'm clumsy. I'm going to need to be extra careful not to trip and accidentally kick over a priceless relic.
- Imperfection Alert: I almost did trip. Twice.
Lunch: Refueling is crucial. I'm thinking a local noodle place.
Afternoon: Pha That Luang, the golden stupa that's basically the symbol of Laos. It's even more impressive in person. I spend a good hour just staring at it.
- Letting Things Get Messy: I'm starting to realize that I need to just let go of my need to "do" everything. I might just wander aimlessly through the streets, get lost, and see what happens. It's liberating, and slightly terrifying.
Evening: Sunset drinks along the Mekong River. This is mandatory.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: The sunset is unbelievable. Seriously, mind-blowingly, soul-achingly beautiful. I sit there, sipping my Beerlao, and feel a sense of peace I haven't felt in ages. This is why I travel.
Day 3: The Slow Life and Market Mayhem
Morning: I wake up late and I decide to change the pace. Walking around the town. Finding a coffee shop.
- Rambling Alert: I have to find an actual local market. The kind where you can buy anything, including insects on a stick.
- Opinionated Language: I'm sure there are some fantastic markets that are not filled with all the tourist traps, but finding them is not so easy.
Lunch: Back street food. This is where the good stuff is at. No question.
Afternoon: Massage time!! I need it. My body hates me at this point. I get an hour of Lao massage.
- Doubling Down on One Experience: It was one of the best experiences of the trip. I could have stayed all day.
Evening: Night market. This is going to be a sensory overload. Food, clothes, souvenirs… I'm going to need a strong will.
Day 4: Adventures Beyond the City
Morning: Time to get outside Vientiane! I'm thinking of doing a day trip to the Buddha Park again, or checking out the Plain of Jars.
- Messier Structure: Okay, let's be honest. Planning this part is going to be a struggle. I need to figure out transportation, which means more tuk-tuk negotiation (wish me luck!).
Lunch: Wherever I end up, I'll find food. It's a guarantee.
Afternoon: Exploring all the beauty.
Evening: Back to Vientiane. Dinner, relax, and prepare for a late night.
Day 5: Farewell, Laos! (For Now)
Morning: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Because, let's be real, I haven't bought anything yet.
- Emotional Reaction: A bittersweet feeling. I'm sad to leave, but I'm also excited to go home and sleep in my own bed.
Lunch: One last delicious meal. Where should I go?
Afternoon: Prepare to head to the airport.
- Quirky Observation: I'm pretty sure I'm going to be slightly traumatized to sit in the same seat on the plane again.
Evening: Adios, Vientiane. You've been wonderful.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I’m already dreaming of my return. And I have a feeling that this is just the beginning.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is subject to change based on my whims, the weather, the availability of sticky rice, and the general chaos of travel. Embrace the mess. Enjoy the ride. And don't forget to tip your tuk-tuk driver!
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Cheuang Vanavong: Uh... Yeah, You Should Probably See This (But Here's the Messy Truth)
Okay, seriously... What *IS* Cheuang Vanavong? Like, lay it on me, straight.
Alright, fine. Cheuang Vanavong is this... shrine? Temple? Art installation? Honestly, it's all of the above, and none of them. It's this bizarre, overgrown garden-of-sculptures-kinda-thing tucked away in Vientiane. Think of it as a quirky Laotian outsider art project that someone (probably a little obsessed) poured their heart, soul, and a whole lotta concrete into. It's not the slick, polished tourist trap you might be expecting. Prepare for something... unique.
I went expecting something *spiritual*, you know? Like, deep meditation vibes. Ended up with a serious case of "what in the actual world is going on here?" It's brilliant in its weirdness, and also, I think, a little bit… unfinished. Which is kind of awesome.
Is it actually worth the trip? Like, is it 'Instagrammable' or just… weird? (Be honest!)
Look, if you’re all about pristine photo ops and perfectly curated travel experiences, maybe skip it. Seriously. Seriously, it's not necessarily 'Instagrammable' in the filtered-perfection sense. It’s more… 'weirdly photogenic' if that makes any sense. It’s decaying beauty? Maybe?
But if you're in the mood for something offbeat, a little dusty, a little bit… *magical* in its own wonky way? ABSOLUTELY, go. It’s the kind of place that sticks in your memory long after you’ve forgotten the perfectly posed shot of your lunch. Plus, the quiet... it's incredible. You're surrounded by the city, but it's so peaceful.
How do I *get* there? And is it a pain? (Because "getting around" in SE Asia can be.)
Getting there is… well, it's part of the adventure, isn't it? You'll need to either grab a tuk-tuk (bargain hard, they'll try to rip you off!), a taxi (slightly more expensive, but less awkward), or rent a motorbike (if you're feeling brave… *and you have a license*!). It's a bit outside the main tourist area, so be prepared for a drive. My tuk-tuk driver, bless his heart, got a little lost. We ended up circling the same block three times. I was convinced we were going to end up in another province entirely. But eventually, we made it!
*Pro Tip:* Download an offline map on your phone. Trust me. You'll thank me later.
So, what's actually IN this place? Like, describe the sculptures! Give me the juicy details!
Okay, ready for this? Imagine… a giant, reclining Buddha. Then, add a whole host of mythological figures. A guy with a crazy beard. A series of concrete "rooms" with more sculptures in them (some of which are inexplicably rusty, others… not). I saw some dragons, some mythical creatures… it's all a blur, honestly. It's a riot of symbolism, a chaotic symphony of concrete and… well, time. Time has not been kind to some of the structures, which only adds to the charm.
There were also these weird, kinda spooky, figures. I swear one looked like it was judging me. I wasn't sure if I liked it… it was beautiful, in its own way, then again… I got a little freaked out. It was hot, I was tired, and the sheer *scale* of it all… it was a LOT. But wow, the level of artistry *and* imagination… It's impressive.
Anything I Need to Know *Before* I Go? (AKA, Don't Make Me a Fool!)
Oh, YES. Definitely.
- Bring Water. Seriously. It gets hot, and there isn't much shade. Dehydration is not your friend. I nearly passed out. Don't be me.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes. You'll be doing a fair bit of walking, and the pathways are uneven. I wore sandals and regretted it *instantly*.
- Bring Cash. You *might* get away with a card, but don't count on it. Small bills are always a good idea for tips and any entry fees.
- Be Respectful. This is a place of (potential) religious significance. Dress modestly (cover your shoulders and knees). There's a temple on site. You may want to remove your shoes before entering the temple.
- BEWARE of the Dogs. There are guard dogs roaming around. I'm not gonna lie, when I was there, I think one was a stray who was following me. I am NOT a dog person, I panicked. I went and hid behind another tourist... awkward. It was okay in the end. But be careful!
Okay, spill the tea! What was your *favorite* part of the experience? Be honest!
Okay, here's the REAL truth. The *best* part… was probably the total and utter *surreality* of it all. I mean, I'd seen pictures, read reviews… but nothing could have prepared me for the actual experience of walking through that overgrown, concrete wonderland. I was alone at first, and then another small group arrived, but I had this vast sense of being lost in an entirely unique world. It's like stepping into someone's dream, or maybe, their slightly messed up, but ultimately fascinating, fever dream. I spent at least an hour there, just wandering, getting lost, and honestly, feeling a little bit… bewildered, but also… completely captivated. It was a feeling of total awe.
There was one particular sculpture… a giant, reclining Buddha with this serene expression on his face, overgrown with a little moss. I just stood there, staring at it, for ages. The details were amazing. The whole place had this quiet energy about it, that… it was worth the trip just for that feeling. It almost made me forget the heat rash I was slowly developing. Almost.
Any downsides? Anything I *didn't* like? (Be critical!)
Okay, I'm not going to lie, it wasn't all sunshine and concrete Buddhas. Here's the (slightly) messy part:
- The Heat: Vientiane is HOT. Cheuang Vanavong is mostly outdoors. Bring water, sunscreen, and embrace the sweat. Seriously.Around The World HotelsCheuang Vanavong 2 Vientiane Laos
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