Dec 18 saw the grand opening of a new international standard hotel in Vientiane, also on the banks of the Mekong River. The 44-room Best Western Vientiane (www.bestwestern.com), is located on Francoise Ngin Rd. in the center of the Lao capital—ideal for exploring the small, sleepy and wonderfully quaint city. Rates are from US$70 (B2,112).