With a name that translates as Royal Buddha Image, Luang Prabang was once a kingdom capital and government seat. Located in Laos, the river city has a beautiful Old Town and, as it’s home to many Buddhist temples and monasteries, you can observe the monks walking the streets each morning collecting alms. The Royal Palace, Xieng Thong Temple, Kuang Si Waterfalls and Pak Ou Caves are some of its best sites for those visiting for the first time. Built on a valley peninsula, it’s surrounded by mountainous scenery, so if you plan to stay longer than a few days, do explore the countryside too.
Aman Taka
Located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang in Laos, this hotel is part of a collection of restored French colonial buildings. The architecture also influences the decor, along with a local traditional Laotian style. Its 24 bedrooms have high wooden ceilings and four-poster beds with crisp white drapes for an extra romantic feel — and 16 have their own pools. A comprehensive spa provides signature wellness journeys with oil-free Lao massage and personalised baths with fresh herbs. There’s also a shared pool, a restaurant and a bar. Don’t be surprised if you spot a few celebs while at Amantaka — many a megastar has stayed.
Rosewood Luang Prabang
With just 23 bedrooms and concealed in the leafy jungle beside Luang Prabang, this riverside property is a regal hideaway. Stay in a room, a villa or a sumptuous hilltop tent, for a rustic-luxe adventure. Experience Laotian gastronomy, with farm-to-table ingredients, in its two restaurants; The Great House, a colonially-influenced bistro, and the Elephant Bar, set on a wooden bridge, above the river. Rosewood’s Sense spas are legendary and this one, housed in tented pavilions, seeks to cleanse, replenish and bring balance to its guests. At the heart of the property is an oval-shaped pool and natural waterfall, around which loungers and daybeds are arranged, with waiters bringing cool drinks and cocktails.
Sofitel Luang Prabang
A UNESCO-protected building, the Sofitel Luang Prabang in Ban Mano, served as the French Governor’s residence in the 1900s. As such, it’s in a residential area yet minutes from the airport and city centre and boasts heritage design. Stay in one of 26 suites here and you’ll benefit from your own private garden with gazebo and outdoor bathtub or a private pool. Take a seat in a wicker chair for drinks and dinner at the Governor’s Grill; swim in the Olympic-size pool with its pretty blue mosaic tiles; have a wander through the landscaped gardens and book some ancient Lao rituals at Le Spa.
Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel
This contemporary-classic hotel was built on the site of French officer quarters, in the centre of the city (which you can explore on bicycles loaned free from the concierge), namely the Sethathirath Road District. Low rise and balconied, the 53-bedroom building overlooking Mount Phousi, is flanked by blossom and banyan trees. There’s a 25-metre pool, a spa and a grill restaurant on its grounds. But with the night market right across the street and the river five minutes’ walk away, you’ll probably want to explore the neighbourhood of this UNESCO-listed city.