About 3km out of town on the way to the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, the AERC is universally known as the ‘Australian Club’. It’s probably best known for its brilliant salt-water pool, right next to the Mekong River, though the barbecues held every second and last Friday of the month (except in June and July) are also popular. There is also an air-con squash court (open from 6am to 8.30pm). Short-term memberships can be arranged for US$10/20 per single/family per day, or you could go as the guest of a member (US$2).