With a select few units and a slight distance from the city center, Mekong Estate is a haven for those who like some privacy. Like a regular lived-in house with room, bathroom, living room, kitchen and veranda, expect to see some imperfections like slight wear and cobwebs. There's nothing pretentious about it, but it's comfortable, spacious, serene (except for that one day the rooster was particularly energetic), tastefully decorated and provides great views whenever you feel like staying in. Breakfast is served at a time of my preference, swimming was also great later in the day (January mornings are chilly and foggy), but I enjoyed relaxing on the veranda staring out on the Mekong. The passenger boats and fishermen plying the river are unobtrusive, and you will sometimes hear children playing on the banks, women tending to the vegetable garden, or fishermen mending their boats. Wi-fi was reliable except for a very brief power outage one morning; there was no tv in my suite but it didn't matter to me; the bathtub was good for soaking after a day of hiking. Situated past the main road and local houses/shops, it's secluded but not unsafe. If you're the sort who likes to roll out of bed into the tourist action, this isn't the place for you. It's about a 10-minute cycle into town (complimentary lockable bikes provided) or you can take the tuk-tuk. It also takes me 15 minutes to walk back from the Night Market, not a problem in cool temperatures.
