We did have trouble finding accommodation at one point in Laos – the week of Christmas! There were plenty of rooms available really, just not four or five days in one place. So we stayed in a different guest house each night for a week. It was a bit of a hassle, but it actually made us see all different sides of town that we might not have otherwise explored, so fair enough! 🙂

Though my favourite thing about Laos accommodation was in Vientiane – the place where we stayed was perfumed. Apparently it was a sort of Laotian answer to citronella – a scent that keeps the bugs away. It smelled lovely (and not overpowering) and worked as we never saw a single mosquito there, even though there were tons outside the front door. I asked what it was and the lady in charge told me it was her grandmother’s secret! She wouldn’t tell us anything more – but in the sweetest of ways. 🙂

@Kirk: Yessss… sometimes, it definitely feels like a compromise;ideally, you’re always looking for a gem that’s equivalent to western standards . But you’re right– there are pros and cons. Seeing the spectrum can feel like a mixed bag of culture shock and novelty. Mostly, it puts your sensibility of the country’s lifestyle into perspective.

@Laura: You’re welcome.