Pan Guest House

Pan was quite a find after a bad start in another hotel. It didn't look overpriced for the location but had an external appearance which simply felt good. I enquired about rooms. They were between 500 and 750bht. The expensive ones had little balconies and views over the Mekong. I was trying to stay on budget and opted for the cheapest. It was a room with no window but don't let that put you off. It was a reasonable size and very colourful with a pink bedspread and large green fridge which was stocked with ice cold water. The air con was set to Arctic winter so I turned it up to 28. A fan was in a corner and was totally silent. The bed was large and comfortable, the bathroom had an excellent hot water shower system and was spotlessly clean. Two large bath towels, thick and fluffy, were part of the kit and the wifi was lightening fast and worked in the room. The room was cleaned daily and sheets changed daily. I was so impressed with Nong Khai and Pan that I stayed for a total of six nights instead of the planned two. The Pan is a good place to explore the huge local market and its little Thai style cafe/restaurant is perfect for a cheap breakfast or lunch. It closes in the evenings but there is no shortage of top quality food in dozens of restaurants along the waterfront. This town hasn't been taken over by tourism so get in fast and enjoy its friendly atmosphere and people.