Where to stay in Laos

Long considered Luang Prabang’s finest hotel, Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao is a member of the prestigious Belmond hotel collection. A luxury boutique Spa hotel with just 34 rooms, it combines the old world French colonial charm of Luang Prabang with a true sense of style. Situated on Phou Vao Hill (translated as the Hill of Kites), around a twenty minute (2km) walk from Luang Prabang town, its unique vantage point ensures that guests enjoy panoramic views over the surrounding countryside, rice paddies and rivers.

This two day cruise is a wonderfully relaxing way of travelling from northern Thailand, along the legendary Mekong River, to Luang Prabang through some of Laos’s most spectacular scenery. Travel by converted rice barge through remote areas of this mountainous region, stopping off to visit local villages on the way and sampling some delicious local food. You’ll break your journey half way at Pakbeng, staying in simple but comfortable ensuite accommodation with a local welcome.

Bordered by the lush forest of the Laos countryside on the outskirts of beautiful Luang Prabang, Rosewood is an intimate gem surrounded by serene mountains with a captivating outlook.

This elegant historical retreat perfectly suits the spirit and atmosphere of Luang Prabang. Lovingly converted and extended from a former royal residence, the architects have clustered authentic colonial buildings among beautifully manicured gardens, complete with lily ponds to create a serene old-world style with a cosy vibe.

Life on the upper Mekong is the antithesis from its bustling southern banks in the Mekong Delta. Running through Northern Laos, this section of the river slowly meanders through the captivating landscape of Laos from the Thai border through to the charming town of Luang Prabang. Local life here has remained unchanged for centuries and a journey by boat offers authentic encounters with the local villages that can’t be accessed by road. You’ll cruise through ever changing, jungle clad mountainous scenery, past small villages, seeing fishermen casting giant nets and stop off at small ethnic minority hamlets.

Located in a protected forestry area along the Nam Kat River in Oudomxay province, this rustic, but charming retreat is a wonderful place to base yourself for a few days exploring this magnificent corner of North-Eastern Laos. Surrounded by verdant, mountainous landscapes and Kamu Hill-tribe villages, there is plenty to explore here.

On the banks of the Nam Ou River, three hours north of Luang Prabang, the spectacular views of the surrounding limestone karst mountains from Mandala Ou Resort are breathtaking.

Locations don’t get much better than this. Bang on the banks of the lower Mekong and gateway to explore the Bolaven Plateau, Si Phan Don (4000 Islands) and Wat Phou; River Resort has uninterrupted views over the tranquil waters and across to the verdant paddy fields.

The original destination hotel of choice for the sleepy Lao capital, the Settha Palace combines history with colonial elegance and comfort.