It may look a little run down, but this joint is located in a prime location. The Lao Phouan, named for the people who lived in the area before the Lao Loum, is a narrow building crammed in the centre of town, just down from the old bus station. Rooms are small but clean. One is a premium suite (despite costing the same as the others), and has a small sitting room with a window out over the main street. Other rooms share a light and airy seating area and small balcony, also at the front of the building. All rooms have a private bathroom, with western toilet and hot shower. The rooms have been decorated in recent years, putting this option ahead of some of its shabbier rivals.
Ban Phouan