Luxury Pnd Apartments in Vientiane: Your Laos Oasis Awaits!
Luxury Pnd Apartments in Vientiane: My Laos Oasis – Or Was It? (A Very Honest Review)
Okay, folks, buckle up. I just got back from Vientiane, and after a week at Luxury Pnd Apartments: Your Laos Oasis Awaits! I'm ready to spill the tea. This place… well, it’s an experience, alright. Let's dive in, shall we? And by dive, I mean… ahem… splosh… into a hot, slightly chlorinated, but ultimately enjoyable swimming pool. (Spoiler alert: there’s one.)
First Impressions – The Arrival and the "Oasis" Promise
The online photos? Gorgeous. Seriously, they've got those perfect Instagram shots. The reality? Well, let’s just say the arrival was… chaotic. Finding it was a bit of an odyssey. The taxi driver, bless his heart, seemed as lost as I was. (Okay, maybe I was slightly lost too. Turns out, Google Maps doesn't always know the secret back alleys of Vientiane.)
But finally, we arrived. The building is undeniably nice. Modern, clean lines, and a lobby that promises luxury. The lobby had a nice air conditioning, and everyone was wearing a mask, so it gave a sense of safety. Check-in was… quick. Credit to Luxury Pnd for that. They had some kind of contactless system, which was welcome. I was too tired from the flight to deal with anything else.
Accessibility and Safety – Tick, Tick, BUT…
Alright, the good stuff first. For accessibility, Luxury Pnd seems to make a serious effort. There's an elevator, which is a godsend considering how much walking one does around the city. There were the "Facilities for disabled guests" – which I’d actually rate as pretty good overall.
Safety? Well, they've got the basics covered. CCTV everywhere. Fire extinguishers galore. Smoke alarms. Security 24/7. But, and this is a BIG BUT, the "anti-viral cleaning products" and "daily disinfection in common areas" – I kinda couldn't see it. Felt like they said it, but didn’t show it. Same with the "physical distancing of at least 1 meter". Let's just say personal space wasn’t a priority for everyone.
I remember the "staff trained in safety protocol" - which felt like a slogan. It was good, don't get me wrong, but not great.
Rooms: The Good, the Bad, and the "Could Be Better"
Okay, the room. I opted for a "non-smoking" room (thank GOD!). My god, there was a lot of stuff in the room!
- The Good: The bed was comfy. The air conditioning worked flawlessly (Hallelujah!). Free Wi-Fi was on point, which is critical. The "desk" area was functional. They also provided a "complimentary tea" and "bottle of water", which was a nice touch. The "additional toilet" was a blessing.
- The Quirks: The "slippers" were… questionable. Let’s just say they weren't exactly fluffy cloud-esque. The "balcony" was tiny.
- The "Could Improve": The view wasn’t the greatest. Just a view on the street. Also, the "soundproofing" seemed… questionable. I heard the occasional motorbike, the people walking through the hall, and some sort of karaoke going on till late.
Dining, Drinking, and the Quest for Fuel
Alright, food. This is where things get… interesting. Luxury Pnd has a lot to offer on this front. Restaurants, bars, a coffee shop, room service 24-hour (yes!). But, let’s be honest, the quality was, shall we say, spotty.
- The Breakfast Buffet: "Asian breakfast", "Western breakfast" I tried it all (ok, mostly the Western stuff because I’m a creature of habit). The coffee was weak and watery (a crime, I tell you!). The buffet setup felt a little crowded. It wasn't really bad, but it wasn’t particularly special.
- The Poolside Bar: This was a highlight. Watching the sunset with a cocktail in hand was… pretty damn good. The poolside bar gave a chill vibe, and was also the best place to people-watch!
- The "A La Carte" Restaurant: Ah, the "A la carte". Food was alright, but the service was slow. Like, really slow. "Coffee/tea in restaurant" was also available, and the coffee there was a lot better.
"Things to do?" & "Ways to Relax?" – Let the Pampering Begin!
Okay, the "spa" options are where Luxury Pnd really tries to shine. And, honestly? They’re not bad.
- The Massage: I had a massage. It was… okay. Not the best massage I’ve ever had, but it did me good, for sure.
- The Pool: The pool was the best thing! The "pool with a view" was nice, but after a day in the city, the "swimming pool [outdoor]" was an oasis of cool.
- Fitness Center: I didn’t go. I’m on vacation. But I saw it! It looked… well, like a gym.
- Body Scrub, Body Wrap, Sauna, Steamroom: I didn't try these! But I saw the list.
Amenities, Services, and the Little Things:
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Yes, works well.
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Laundry Service: Reliable.
- Daily Housekeeping: Efficient.
- Currency Exchange: Convenient.
- Everything Else: They had it all pretty much.
The Downsides – Where Paradise Crumbles (A Little)
Okay, here's where things get real.
- The Small Niggles: Little things added up. It took time to get a towel. Sometimes the elevator felt slow, a bit erratic.
- The "Luxury" Illusion: Okay, it's not quite as luxurious as the photos suggest. It's comfortable, yes. Modern, sure. But the "luxury" tag? Maybe a tad ambitious.
- The Service Variance: The staff were mostly lovely. But some were better than others. It's like… a patchwork of personalities.
The Emotional Rollercoaster – Was it Worth It?
Look, despite the slight imperfections, I did enjoy my stay. The location was nice, really. I felt safe enough. The overall experience was pleasant. BUT the "wow" factor was missing.
Final Verdict: Should You Book?
If you want a comfortable, modern base for exploring Vientiane with good access facilities then YES. If you're searching for true luxury and a flawless experience… temper your expectations, or you might be a little disappointed.
My Final Recommendation: A Quirky and Honest Offer!
Forget the generic reviews! Here's the REAL offer:
Book your stay at Luxury Pnd Apartments and get:
- A guaranteed comfortable stay in Vientiane! (With a decent bed!)
- Free Wi-Fi Because let’s face it, you need it to post all of your Instagram pics from the pool.
- A fun experience! The staff is mostly great, and the location is pretty convenient.
- One free cocktail at the Poolside Bar (While supplies last!) Trust me, it's the best part.
- You also get the chance to write a review… and tell the world what you really think! (Just like I did. You are welcome!)
BUT…
- Prepare for a slightly imperfect, but still enjoyable, stay.
- Don’t expect perfect luxury. Aim for comfortable and convenient.
Book now, and prepare for a Laos adventure! Click here to book!
Kuching's Hidden Gem: Kenyalang Urban Lodge - Unbelievable Stay!
Alright, here we go. Buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned itinerary. This is… well, this is me, loose in Laos, specifically at the Pnd apartment in Vientiane. And things are already kinda… happening.
Day 1: Arrival, Chaos, and Coconut Dreams
- Morning (ish): Landed in Vientiane. The air hit me like a humid, fragrant hug. (Okay, maybe a humid, slightly aggressivehug.) Immigration was… a thing. Let's just say, I swear the officer was judging my passport photo. He finally stamped it after what felt like an eternity, and I practically skipped out, ready to conquer Laos.
- Afternoon: Found the Pnd apartment. It's… charming. Let's go with that. The aircon’s humming like it's about to launch into space, and the tiny balcony overlooks a courtyard where a gaggle of chickens seems to run the roost. They clearly haven’t seen a stranger.
- The Hunt for Lunch: Oh, god. Lunch. Armed with a map that looked suspiciously like my toddler's crayon art, I wandered. Got hopelessly, splendidly lost. Ended up at this tiny little shack with a sign that might have said "Pho." The Pho? Divine. Life-affirming. I slurped it down like I hadn't eaten in a week. (Which, considering the airplane food, I hadn't.) Met a local woman who insisted on practicing her English on me. We giggled for a good half hour. Pure joy.
- The Coconut Incident: Back at the apartment after getting lost in the market. The heat was sweltering, so I decided I needed a coconut. Found a guy selling them. He hacked one open with this massive machete, hands flying at a speed that terrified me. The coconut water? Ambrosi-… okay, a bit on the meh side. But the attempt, the sheer Lao-ness of the whole thing? Worth it. I sat on my balcony, sweat dripping, and felt like I had achieved something. Important.
- Evening: Attempted to locate a rooftop bar. Got distracted by the smell of grilling meat wafting from a street stall. And the sound of laughter. Ended up eating skewers with a group of locals. My Lao is atrocious, but somehow, we understood each other. Laughing until my stomach ached – and realizing that this is what travel is about.
Day 2: Temples, Tuk-Tuks, and a Total Food Coma
- Morning: Decided to be a Cultural Tourist. Went to Wat Sisaket. The architecture is beautiful. But here's the thing. I’m not good at temples. Standing, staring, praying? It feels…performative. I'm more of a "wander aimlessly and get distracted by the intricate carvings and the pigeons" kind of person. Which I did. Apologetically.
- Mid-morning. Tuk-tuk time! I haggled (badly) for a ride to Patuxai, the Victory Monument. And then… well, I stood in awe. It's… unexpected. It felt a bit like Paris and a bit like… Laos. This unexpected blend of grandeur and grit is very captivating.
- Lunch: Food Coma Incoming: The market. Oh, the market! I was hungry. Really hungry. I saw everything. Noodles, spring rolls, sticky rice everywhere. Fried bananas. Fruit I didn't recognize. I tried it all. I devoured a papaya salad that set my mouth on fire but was totally worth it. By the end, I waddled out, absolutely stuffed.
- Afternoon: Napped. A long, glorious nap, fueled by carbs and culture. The air con roared and I felt…complete. The power went out mid-nap. I woke up, grumpy initially, but then thought, "meh, classic Laos." Went back to sleep.
- Evening: Decided to find a riverside restaurant. Stumbled upon a "sunset viewing" spot, complete with a giant inflatable banana. I sat there, drinking a Beerlao (which is delicious) and watching the sun melt into the Mekong. It was cliché, but perfect.
Day 3: Sticky Rice Redemption and a Riverboat Revelation
- Morning: Attempted to perfect the art of eating sticky rice. (I make a mess. every. single. time.) Took a cooking class and learned to prepare a spicy larb. It tastes okay but in the class I was distracted by the other student who kept complaining that she was too hot. In a cooking class!
- Lunch: Still trying to master the art of not turning my face red from the spiciness. Today, an absolute triumph. Almost got it right. I celebrated with a mango smoothie. Possibly the best mango smoothie of my life.
- Afternoon: The Riverboat: So, I’d booked a slow boat down the Mekong. (Yes, I know. Tourist central.) But the river is… magical. As the boat glided past lush green banks, and local villages, I realized this isn't just about the destination; it’s about the journey. The boat was rickety, the seats were hard, the noise was deafening, but I was relaxed and finally felt like I was breathing. I made random acquaintances with a German couple who shared their snacks and we spent the day trying to understand each other.
- Oh, The Food (Again): A riverboat can be a recipe for disaster. I ended up eating more noodles from the boat vendors. I knew it would be…questionable. But, look, you can't live on mango smoothies alone, can you? I survived with no stomach troubles.
- Evening: Landed at a small port and spent the evening in a guest house in a town with one street. The night was quiet. There was a strange symphony of crickets and the occasional distant laugh. I wrote in my journals and I felt a sense of serenity.
Day 4: Departure. And Already Planning the Return
- Morning: Breakfast. The guest house breakfast. I ate a simple fried egg and toast. Woke up with a sense of sadness, knowing my time in Laos was coming to an end.
- Getting to the Airport: The tuk-tuk ride to the airport was a blur of sights, sounds, and smells. I felt a pang of sadness. Laos is, quite simply, enchanting.
- The Airport: A mad dash. Security was… a thing. The waiting area was filled with a mix of exhausted travelers and people that just appeared to be… waiting? I spent the time people-watching, feeling the bittersweetness of leaving.
- Flight: Sat near a couple and the wife was complaining for the entire flight. She was complaining about heat. About the seat. About the food. I wanted to tell her to get over it. Instead, I just smiled and looked out the window, where I could still see some of Laos.
- Final Thoughts: Laos is messy, it's imperfect, and it's utterly, breathtakingly wonderful. I came here with expectations, and Laos blew them all away. I'm already planning my return. And this time, I'm staying for longer. Because four days is just… not enough.
Notes:
- This itinerary is, by no means, comprehensive. Some days, I probably wasn't even sure what day it was. But that’s part of the fun, right?
- Expect the unexpected. Things will go wrong. Embrace it.
- Talk to people. Connect. Laugh. Get lost. Eat everything.
- Bring sunscreen. And bug spray. And maybe some Immodium. (Just in case.)
- Go to Laos. Just go. Seriously. You won't regret it.
Luxury Pnd Apartments in Vientiane: Your Laos Oasis Awaits! (Or Maybe Not... Let's See!)
So, what *exactly* makes these "Luxury" Pnd Apartments... Luxury? Brag a little!
Okay, okay, let's be honest, the word "luxury" gets thrown around more than a bouncy ball at a birthday party. But Pnd Apartments tries *hard*. We're talking (allegedly) spacious layouts, swanky modern furnishings (think IKEA-esque, but slightly fancier), and often, views of... well, sometimes the Mekong River, sometimes just a really nice-looking parking lot. They’ve got air con that *mostly* works (more on that later!), infinity pools that might actually be infinity (or just a slightly-smaller-than-expected pool), and a concierge service… who's actually really nice when they're not busy trying to decipher your pigeon Lao.
I went with a friend who'd lived in a *really* posh condo in Singapore. He took one look at the "marble" countertops in the kitchen (which, let's be real, felt more like… textured laminate) and just *sighed*. "Well," he said with a wry smile, "it's certainly *aspirational* luxury." And that, my friends, might just be the perfect summary.
Are they *actually* worth the price tag? Because Vientiane is… well, it's not Monaco.
Ah, the million-dollar question! It really depends on your perspective. If you're coming from, say, a backpacker hostel, then YES. Absolutely. You'll feel like royalty. If you're used to true five-star hotels… maybe temper your expectations.
I paid a premium for a river view. And the view *was* beautiful… except the construction site next door started hammering at 7 am. Every. Single. Day. Luxury? Debatable. Slightly sleep-deprived? Undeniably. Look, the price is arguably okay. The value depends on whether you're willing to pay for the *idea* of luxury, more than the pure, unadulterated *experience*.
What about the location? Is it convenient, or are you stuck in the boonies?
Location, location, location! This is where things get... variable. Some Pnd apartments are in prime real estate, close to the Mekong, restaurants, and the night market (which, by the way, I *love*). Others are a bit… further afield. I swear I took a tuk-tuk for 20 minutes, at one point, and it *felt* like we were leaving the city limits entirely.
Definitely check the *exact* address before you book. Google Maps is your friend. Especially if you, like me, enjoy a quick stroll to a decent coffee shop. Also, traffic in Vientiane can be… let's say, "leisurely." Factor that in. A "short" tuk-tuk ride can quickly turn into an epic adventure in traffic mayhem.
Tell me about the pool, the dreaded pool!
The pool! Ah, the shimmering promise of aquatic bliss! Right, buckle up because the pool situation is a roller coaster. Now, the *best* pools at Pnd are truly lovely. Infinity edges, clean water, sun loungers... the works. They're amazing, especially on those scorching afternoons, I spend my *entire* afternoon in the pool, the best part of staying in the apartment.
Then there are the… less glorious pools. I remember one time checking in to this apartment and the pool looked… murky. It looked like someone had accidentally dropped a whole bottle of green dye in it. I *swear* I saw a frog in that pool that could've starred in a horror movie. I didn't get in. The next morning there was a maintenance guy in the pool, so I guess it was fixed! So yeah, check those Instagram stories. Be sure the pool is getting some love before you commit to it!
How's the Wi-Fi? Because, you know, modern life.
The Wi-Fi. Ah, my old nemesis. Okay, it’s generally *there*. Sometimes. Frequently, it just… *blinks*. It's the kind of Wi-Fi that makes you appreciate dial-up. One minute you're streaming Netflix, the next you're staring at the spinning circle of doom.
I remember one time I needed to make an important Zoom call. I swear, the Wi-Fi decided to stage a full-blown mutiny. I spent the whole call hovering near the router, praying to the digital gods. I had to apologize to everybody, and I was just *mortified.* So, yeah. Pack your patience. Or, better yet, buy a local SIM card with data. You'll thank me later.
What if something goes wrong? Like, say, the air conditioning decides to take a vacation… in the middle of the humid season?
Oh boy, now we're getting to the real meat and potatoes of the Pnd experience! This is where the concierge staff REALLY earn their keep. Their English might be, shall we say, "imperfect," but they are generally lovely and very understanding. However, things breaking down are... a possibility.
The air con! Oh, that infernal box. I once stayed in an apartment where the air con died. At *3 am*. In the middle of July. I tried the concierge, but they were, understandably, asleep. I spent the next few hours basically basting in my own sweat. Imagine a human being slowly turning into a Laotian noodle – that was me. Finally, the morning came, and they fixed it, but the memory still haunts me. Just know, things may break. Be prepared to sweat a little, and keep your cool… literally and figuratively.
Are there any hidden fees or things I should watch out for? Like the dreaded "cleaning fee?"
Always. There are ALWAYS hidden fees! Read the fine print, people, read the fine print! Cleaning fees are common. Extra charges for electricity are also a possibility. And watch out for the mini-bar! That teeny bottle of water that costs the same as a whole case at the local 7-Eleven.
Then there was the incident with the "lost" laundry. I sent out some clothes, and a few items… vanished. Poof! Gone! The concierge denied all knowledge. I suspect a black hole of a laundry service, to be honest. So, yeah, keep an eye on your belongings. And, again, READ THE FINE PRINT! It might save you a headache… and maybe a few shirts.
Okay, so, final verdict: Should I book one? Will I regret it?
