In preparation, I had read a number of accommodation reiews for Vientiane and one was worse than the other - everything from overpricing and inadequate facilities to hopeless staff. My hopes were therefore low and I decided to look for a place before reaching Vientiane. 10k from town I passed a guesthouse that looked a little too expensive, but Thailand had taught me that there's not always a connection between looks and price (still talking about accommodation) - not this time either. I got my own big room with aircon, fridge, bathroom and the bike stored in my room for USD 12, which would have cost more than double downtown...