Most of the province’s 12 hotels and 46 guesthouses sit in the town’s centre, a 2.5-km protrusion into the Xe Kong’s flow. Paved roads and a choice of transportation from neighbouring Champasak, Salavan, and Sekong province lead to Attapeu Town, on the eastern edge of the Bolaven Plateau and close to waterfalls and a jungle boat ride.

Hotel prices run around $30-45, while you can find a clean and comfortable guesthouse for less than $10. Bigger rooms with some charm are closer to $15. Many accommodations are decked out in wood panelling, with rooms opening to balconies and fresh air.

Facilities vary, and your choice often depends on your needs as well as price. While hotels tend to offer in-room Wi-Fi, not all guesthouses do, and it’s best check before booking. Almost all rooms have satellite TVs (with few if any Western channels), hot-water showers, and air conditioning, though less expensive fan rooms are available.

Some hotels have restaurants, though most selections are Lao, Thai, and Vietnamese. Several guesthouses offer complimentary coffee in their lobbies. A handful of establishments have staff who speak some English, Thai, French, and German.