Ban Pako

Ban Pako, also known as Ban Pako Eco Resort, is an ecotourist resort lodge and ancient site along the Nam Ngum River, approximately 50 kilometres northeast of Vientiane, Laos. The area has major archaeological significance with the remains on an ancient temple which has been excavated and revealed evidence of ancient metal working and textile making in the area and shows that the inhabitants had advanced skills in pottery. The resort has 22 rooms and the buildings are low and made traditionally with thatched roofs.

From Vientiane

When making a reservation ask them to arrange for a boat to meet you. From the central bus station (at Talat Sao/the morning market) take bus #19 at 11:00 sharp – as of 2015 it’s the ancient blue and white beasts, a truly local bus experience. Station staff are helpful in directing you to the proper bus, or you can ask your hotel to write “19” in Lao for you. Don’t believe tuk tuk drivers telling you the bus has already left. Costs 10,000 kip, pay the driver directly when he asks for the fare. Take the bus to Ban Somsamai (1.5 hours) where a boat should be waiting for you at the landing. From there it’s a beautiful 30-minute journey on the river to the lodge (60,000 kip).

Source https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ban_Pako