The former royal capital of Laos, Luang Prabang is wrapped in a time warp but it is this quaint vibe that beckons travellers to this UNESCO Heritage Site. Nestled amidst rolling hills at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers and dotted with ancient temples and monasteries, Luang Prabang is a harmonious sanctuary and a “living museum” blending Eastern and Western influences. And it is this unique mosaic of styles that is reflected in the architectural designs of the luxury and boutique properties in the city.
With sprawling mansions, hilltop havens, royal residences, colonial villas, spa retreats, heavenly hideaways, and luxurious stilt houses set in tropical gardens and verdant paddy fields, you cannot ask for a more exclusive and premium address in the city. We have curated a selection of some of the best hotels to stay in Luang Prabang which add to your mystical experiences in the city.
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Best hotels to stay in Luang Prabang
Enter the elegant and historic century-old former French governor’s private residence with 25 sophisticated and stylish villas, designed in colonial style and draped in silks, with private tropical gardens and pools.
Nestled in the stylish pavilion in the central courtyard is the Governor‘s Grill Restaurant which serves European cuisine, where you can even sign up for a culinary workshop. Relax in the pool or get reflexology in your own room or head to the traditional Lao house to try their award-winning spa treatments and customise your own spa buffet spread over two hours or pick your favourite novel from the cosy Sabai Library Lounge while sipping a cocktail.
Free bikes and shuttle rides are available along with curated itineraries and experiences including sunset cruises and spiritual ceremonies.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 9.4/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 8.9/10
(Image Credit: all.accor.com)
- Address Ban Mano, 0600 LUANG PRABANG, Lao people's democratic republic
- Website Find out more here
A symbol of grandeur blending with Lao heritage, you are at a luxurious outpost of the Aman Group and lost in a time capsule. Amantaka is enshrined inside a French colonial building right in the epicentre of Luang Prabang.
Wake up to the sight of the majestic Mount Phousi at dawn or walk around the Mekong River and delve right into curated sojourns blending spiritual experiences with cultural traditions. There are 24 elegant and palatial villas with private pools and courtyards with a deep emerald swimming pool at the centre.
Savour the local flavours at The Dining Room while The Lounge Bar serves your favourite cocktail. There are tennis courts and libraries, a tranquil spa and yoga room and if you want to dive into Luang Prabang the Amantaka way, try a photography class, attend a silk weaving workshop or get your hands dirty at a paddy field.
User Reviews:
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
(Image Credit: aman.com)
- Address 55/3 Kingkitsarath Road, Ban Thongchaleun, Luang Prabang, Laos
- Website Find out more here
The hilltop sanctuary beckons you with elegance and elan in the heart of culture, surrounded by emerald-tinged mountains and is the very haven of peace, imbibing the spirit of Luang Prabang. One of the first luxury retreats in the city, this Belmond Hotel is housed in an erstwhile royal summer mansion with 34 expansive suites overlooking the infinity pool overlooking the mountains.
Lily ponds set in tropical gardens bring in the mystical Eastern influence as you experience local flavours with legendary stories at the Tam Nam Restaurant and Bar. As night descends, strains of traditional music echo in the lawns beside the lily pond, lit with lanterns and candles- a perfect setting for a romantic meal. The treatments at the Mekong Spa are heavenly with organic ingredients and you can even get to meet a village Shaman. Bespoke Mekong cruises add to the bevvy of curated itineraries and activities.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 9.4/10
Trip Advisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 9.2/10
(Image Credit: belmond.com)
- Address PO Box 50, Phou Vao Road, Naviengkham Village, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR 06000
- Website Find out more here
Surrounded by lush paddy fields with mountains, shimmering pools and meandering streams, you feel like a picture postcard has just come alive. Pullman Luang Prabang is located 5 km and 10 minutes away from the Old Town and there are hourly shuttles and tuk tuk rides to the city. Kids are treated as royalty in this 16-hectare family-friendly retreat with three swimming pools, an air-conditioned playground, curated meals, adventures with bikes and a special Kids Club.
Built in traditional architectural style in a bucolic setting, there are 123 rooms and suites including a pool villa. Feast on gorgeous views from the sprawling balcony of your spacious rooms with lofty vaulted ceilings. The lakefront restaurant L’Atelier serves both international and local cuisine while you can unwind with a glass of wine at The Junction or sip a cocktail at the H2O Pool Bar by the deck.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 8.7/10
Trip Advisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 8.8/10
(Image Credit: all.accor.com)
Image Credit: all.accor.com
- Address Ban Pong Wanh, 06000 LUANG PRABANG, Lao people's democratic republic
- Website Find out more here
Located in a verdant valley with rivers and streams, this romantic hilltop resort crowned by a colonial-styled mansion and inspired by French-Lao style is just a ten-minute drive away from the city. While there are 17 elegant pool-facing wooden rooms and villas, you can also experience adventurous glamping in the woods at any of six luxurious safari-styled tents.
Immerse yourself in cultural traditions, embark on a spiritual quest, or trek in the wilds as the resort curates your experiences based on the concept, “A Sense of Place.”
Binge on delicious authentic Laos cuisine at The Great House and enjoy a sundowner at the Elephant Bridge Bar, perched on a wooden bridge overlooking the valley with your favourite cocktail. Meditate on bird calls or indulge in traditional treatments at the spa.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 9.3/10
Trip Advisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 9.5/10
(Image Credit: rosewoodhotels.com)
- Address Ban Nadueay Village, Luang Prabang, 06000, Laos PDR
- Website Find out more here
Nestled right in the heart of the Old Town, surrounded by temples and palaces, cafes and markets and just a five-minute stroll to the river, Avani + evokes colonial charm set in a chic contemporary style.
A large swimming pool is at the centre of this barrack-styled structure, with 53 rooms and suites, a luxurious spa and a fitness centre while the Main Street Bar and Grill serves a fusion of Asian and European dishes.
Curated itineraries and complimentary bike rides are arranged but nothing is more surreal than waking up at dawn, listening to chants, attending Tak Bat or the almsgiving ceremony and imbibing the spiritual vibes at the temples.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 8.9/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 9.1/10
(Image Credit: avanihotels.com)
- Address PO Box 1142, Setthathirath Road, Hua Xieng Village, Luang Prabang 06000
- Website Find out more here
French architecture and Lao design blend together to create this classic luxury retreat, located in the atmospheric Old Town. The historic luxurious 3 Nagas Hotel evokes an old-world charm with a mystical oriental vibe. Golden Buddha sculptures adorn the restored wooden colonial villas that have 15 suites, decorated with silk fabrics with large verandahs and tiled floors with dancing Apsaras adorning the walls.
The 19th-century Lamache House once hosted the Royal Court talks and later became a famed ice cream parlour patronised by royalty. The early 20th-century Khamboua House is a symbol of traditional Lao design. Listen to soulful music as you feast on authentic Lao cuisine in the alfresco courtyard at the 3 Nagas Restaurant and Bar. Be it conventions, conferences or just private celebrations, there is a space for every event.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 8.9/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 8.7/10
(Image Credit: all.accor.com)
- Address Vat Nong Village, 0600 LUANG PRABANG, Lao people's democratic republic
- Website Find out more here
You are staying in a restored historic estate that was the childhood home of Prince Soupha-Nouvong, the First President of Laos, where nostalgia still lingers amidst the palm-fringed pools, the tastefully designed artefacts and the fine art that adorns the walls.
The Satri House has a colonial touch with 28 capacious suites and rooms with an esoteric personality, with local cultural accents. Relax in the ornamental pool, pamper yourself in the bijou spa, experience fine dining with local savouries at the restaurant, enjoy a glass of cocktail with a book or walk around the luxuriant garden lost in a daydream in this boutique property.
If you are in the mood for some adventure, book the Satri Boat and embark on a secret cruise along the Mekong River in a large barge with an open roof terrace.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 9.4/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 9/10
(Image Credit: satrihouse.com)
- Address 057 Photisarath Road – Ban That Luang, Luang Prabang – Lao P.D.R
- Website Find out more here
Located on the banks of the Khan River in a picturesque hamlet, the Apsara River Droite gives you a slice of the authentic Lao experience. Cross the river via a quaint long-tailed boat and you will reach the celestial Apsara property.
River Droite is equally heavenly with a touch of intimacy with nine spacious rooms, clad in dark wooden tones with terraces, an emerald-tinged pool, a tastefully designed restaurant serving local authentic dishes and a quiet library. Head to the main Apsara to try any of the 40 wines from the Wine Bar and you can even charter a cruise to a lost temple with your butler for an exotic lunch.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 9.3/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 9/10
(Image Credit: secret-retreats.com)
- Address Ban Phanluang, Nam Khan River, Luang Prabang, Laos, 6000
- Website Find out more here
Nothing comes close to an authentic cultural experience of Laos than staying in a traditional home, 20 minutes from the city centre in a quiet neighbourhood. Houng Chanh meaning poetic image is sheer poetry in wood and the old house has been restored and retains its original design and local accents with four rooms including a dining room, set in a tropical garden with a covered jacuzzi and an outdoor kitchen.
Breakfast is complimentary while you can avail of services of English and French-speaking locals besides security who will be there to assist you. Explore the city with a complimentary bicycle and you will also be provided with a mobile phone with a local number for any requirement.
User Reviews:
Trip Advisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 10/10
(Image Credit: maisonhoungchanh-luangprabang.com)
- Address Ban Meuna, B.P 749, 06000 Luang Prabang, Laos PDR
- Website Find out more here
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(Feature image credit: all.accor.com)
Related: These Are Laos’s Best Hotels, Spas, Pools and More in 2023
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What are the best stay options in Luang Prabang?
Luang Prabang offers a mix of sprawling mansions, hilltop havens, royal residences, colonial villas, spa retreats, heavenly hideaways, and luxurious stilt houses like Sofitel Luang Prabang, Pullman Luang Prabang, Rosewood Luang Prabang, Satri House Luang Prabang, 3 Nagas Luang Prabang, Maison Houng Chanh among others.
– What are the top tourist attractions in Luang Prabang?
The top tourist attractions in Luang Prabang are the Wat Xieng Thong Temple, the Royal Palace Temple and Museum, Mount Phou Si, Kuang Si Waterfalls and Butterfly Park, Pak Ou Caves, Whiskey Village and Night Market.
– What are the best things to do in Luang Prabang?
Visit the Buddhist temples — there are over 30 of them, attend the almsgiving ceremony, climb Mount Phou Si for sunrise or sunset, go to the Night Market, and go on the River Mekong cruise among other things.
– What are the in-budget stay options at Luang Prabang?
Luang Prabang Rosie Place, Apsara River Droite Luang Prabang, Sadakham Hotel, and Mekong River View Hotel are the budget stay options in Luang Prabang.
– What are the most expensive stay options in Luang Prabang?
Rosewood Luang Prabang, Avani + Luang Prabang, Amantaka Luang Prabang, Sofitel Luang Prabang, La Residence Phou Vao – Belmond Hotel, Luang Prabang, Pullman Luang Prabang are some of the most expensive stay options in Luang Prabang.
– What are the best food to explore at Luang Prabang?
Some of the local foods to try in Luang Prabang include Kaipen, a traditional snack made from algae, Mok Pa, steamed fish in banana leaves, Or Lam, the buffalo stew, Larb, minced meat salad, Som Tam, papaya salad, Kanom Krok, coconut rice pancakes and Jaew Bong, the traditional chilly sauce.
– What are the best hotels near the airport at Luang Prabang?
Some of the best hotels near the airport at Luang Prabang are The Nam Khan, Apsara River Droite, Three Nagas Luang Prabang, My Dream Boutique Resort, Madilao Hotel, Luang Prabang Villa Sirikili Hotel among others.
Written By
Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi is passionate about everything that is local — from cultural traditions to art and architecture and believes that people make places. A slow and mindful traveller from India, you will often find her listening to stories of people or just sitting in a cafe and watching life pass by. Travelling is a way of life for this former media professional ..Read More
