Luang Prabang is a lovely historic city in northern Laos that offers endless character and unique cultural experiences. The city has a lot going on, from its gorgeous temples and French-colonial architecture to its vibrant markets and stunning crystal blue waterfalls like the popular Kuang Si Waterfall. 

The city is teeming with temples, and with over 50 temples, you’ll have plenty to choose from! The most popular is the colorful Wat Xieng Thong, a beautiful temple complex dating back to the 16th century. If you’re into history, visit the Royal Palace Museum, which will give you insight into the country’s rich past. 

Stop by the lively night market to sample local delicacies and tasty street food. In the morning, before you head out to explore the rest of the area, get up early to experience one of the most ancient traditions and top Luang Prabang attractions, called Tak Bat.

This Alms Giving Ceremony dates back to the 14th century and involves hundreds of Buddhist monks rising early in the morning to collect their daily contributions from the locals. It usually begins around 5:30 or 6:30 am and takes place across the city.

With so much to see and do, you’ll want a nice hotel to come back to at the end of an action-packed day. Luckily, Luang Prabang is home to all sorts of historic old-world hotels, chic boutique retreats, and luxurious riverside resorts. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in Luang Prabang to help you plan your perfect getaway to this underrated and sometimes overlooked Southeast Asian city!

Where to Stay in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang has world-class boutique hotels dotted across the city. Some of the more upscale hotels can be found in three main areas, including Old Town, the Mekong Riverside area, or along the Nam Khan River. No matter what neighborhood you stay in, you’ll get to experience the patchwork of traditional Lao wooden houses, hints of French-Indochina architecture, and glistening temples. 

One of the most popular neighborhoods and ideal places to stay in Luang Prabang is the Old Town. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to some of Laos’ most well-known temples, including the atmospheric Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai.

This is also the neighborhood where the nightly street market is held, so you’ll be steps away from all the action. If you want to be in the heart of the city, stay here in one of Old Town’s charming guesthouses or boutique resorts for a memorable stay. 

The other options that are popular areas for accommodations include the riverside areas. Both along the Mekong and the Nam Khan rivers, there are an abundance of historic villas, mansions converted into boutique hotels, and luxury resorts. Most of the accommodations found here have their own longtail riverboats and can arrange sunset cruises and other expeditions for you during your stay. 

The 12 Best Hotels in Luang Prabang, Laos

1. Maison Houng Chanh

For a stay that feels more like a home than a chain hotel, Maison Houng Chanh is one of the most unique hotels in Luang Prabang. Designed like a traditional Lao home, but with all the services and amenities of a luxury hotel, your vacation will be a memorable one. Not only will you be surrounded by beauty, but the building itself is steeped in history. 

The owners carefully restored the building in 2005, as well as the surrounding Lao-colonial buildings. Three of the buildings are actually listed as UNESCO World Humanity Heritage sites. To explore the city, the old town is within walking distance or you can take one of the hotel’s complimentary bikes. 

This 3-bedroom hotel is elegantly decorated, with wooden floors and lots of French-colonial elements. It’s easy to unwind here after a long day since you’ll have access to a private pool and hot tub in their lush tropical garden. Relax in the living room or hang out on the outdoor terrace that provides great views of the city.

You can also enjoy other 4-star amenities like a complimentary breakfast, fresh flowers changed daily, and even a massage parlor that offers various Lao-style massages. There’s also a kitchen, but every morning you’ll be greeted by room service that will serve you breakfast that’s fit for a king. For other meals, just head to the hotel’s restaurant, which serves up homemade tasty Lao and French cuisine. 

2. Rosewood Luang Prabang

For one of the top luxury hotels in Luang Prabang, the Rosewood ticks all the boxes. Surrounded by dense jungle, this resort offers a few unique options – from Riverside Rooms to Waterfall Pool Villas to Hilltop Tents. 

Nestled along the riverbank, each of the rooms is inspired by nature, with giant French doors that open up to the gardens and floor-to-ceiling windows that make the space feel light and airy. 

Upgrade to a Luxury Tent, where you can step outside on the wraparound deck that provides 360-degree views of the mountainscapes. The space includes a private dining area and is elegantly decorated with textiles and patterns from the area’s Indigenous hill tribes. 

If you prefer more space, book the Waterfall Pool Villa, which boasts an outdoor wooden bathtub, a private balcony with a dining area and a bar, and your own plunge swimming pool. In the middle of the property, you’ll find a pool and a natural waterfall, where you can spend the afternoon working on your tan on the sunbeds, cabanas, and daybeds. 

The staff at the Elephant Bridge Bar can serve up all sorts of handmade cocktails using local herbs and spices grown in their organic garden. They also offer culinary cooking classes where you can learn the classic dishes of the country and then dine underneath the stars. 

3. La Résidence Phou Vao, A Belmond Hotel

Set atop a hilltop overlooking the mountains and rivers, Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao is just a short boat ride to Luang Prabang. Besides being a serene sanctuary, this is one of the most enchanting boutique hotels in Luang Prabang. Book a stay here, and you’ll get luxury rooms, as well as an array of cultural and wellness activities to keep you entertained.

Here, you can take a cooking class where you’ll start at the bustling Phousi Market to pick up fresh produce and ingredients. Their local chef will guide you through the techniques and preparation of an authentic 3-course Lao meal. After your cooking class, reward yourself for all your hard work with a pampering session at their spa, where they use locally sourced botanicals on their custom-made spa menu.

For special occasions, ask the staff to organize their romantic 500 Candle Dinner. You and your partner will enjoy a romantic meal with the tropical garden and lily ponds as your backdrop. Local musicians maintain the mood with traditional music during your Lao- or Western-style barbeque dinner, which is served by your own personal waiter. They also offer a traditional dance show, where they entertain guests with performances that have been passed down through generations.  

With 32 stunning suites, all rooms offer sun-soaked private balconies, dramatic mountain views, or open up to exotic garden views. All luxurious suites offer rosewood furnishings, handmade textiles, and thoughtful touches like fresh flowers and local fruit. This hotel also offers one of the city’s only infinity pools that seems to go on forever into the surrounding jungle. 

At night, you can dine at the Yardbird House, which serves delicious fusion-style Japanese and Lao dishes, before taking in libations at the Mountain Bar, the open-air lounge that is a great place to relax and meet other travelers.  

4. Sofitel Luang Prabang

Located in the heart of Luang Prabang, the 5-star Sofitel Luang Prabang boasts colonial charm intertwined with modern luxuries. The hotel may be small, with just 25 suites, but this means the staff will be able to cater to your every need.

Originally built as a French governor’s residence in the 1900s, the stunning suites come in various sizes: garden villas, poolside villas, or 1,300-square-foot residences. They are decorated in the finest silk and Laos artifacts and each opens into a private garden or a private plunge pool to relax in your own space. 

For the ultimate experience, upgrade to the Signature Governor’s Residence. This private villa features high ceilings, generous seating and dressing areas, and an expansive garden with an outdoor gazebo and even an outdoor bathtub that’s surrounded by bamboo.

After exploring the city, you can dive into the Olympic-size swimming pool in the beautifully landscaped garden or maintain your fitness routine in the state-of-the-art fitness center, which features the latest workout equipment. If you are into group classes, ask the staff to book you instructors to teach yoga or Pilates.

In the bar, you can borrow a book from an extensive library and snuggle up by the fireplace with a glass of vintage wine. To treat yourself, the on-site spa is a place for indulgence where ancient Lao massage techniques give you the ultimate spa experience.

For dining, you won’t have to leave the property. Try the gourmet Governor’s Grill, where you can enjoy specialty dishes like local buffalo meat, decadent pastries, and other cuisines from world-class chefs. 

5. Burasari Heritage Luang Prabang

In the heart of the Old Town neighborhood, the Burasari Heritage is housed in a traditional Lao wooden house. Once you step inside this beautiful hotel, it’s no wonder why it’s consistently highly ranked as one of the best places to stay in Luang Prabang. 

The small hotel features a handful of rooms and suites. All deluxe rooms and suites are adorned with teak flooring and paneling, super-sized king beds, and antique, colonial-era furnishings that will transport you to another time. Upgrade to the Deluxe Balcony Suites for your own private access to a terrace and veranda overlooking the Nam Khan River. 

One thing that makes this one of the best Luang Prabang hotels is that it offers bicycles and experiences, like sunset cruises and culinary cooking classes. To really treat yourself, splurge at the hotel’s on-site spa and book a package like the Healing Moon Hot Stone Therapy. It uses warm lava rocks to melt away all your stress and tension. Plus, if you are traveling with kids, they even offer a kid’s spa menu to help relax the little ones.

One of the advantages of this hotel is the riverside dining at the hotel’s restaurant called the Red Rose. This fine-dining restaurant is super romantic. 

Not only will you get the best views of the river, but they offer top-notch wines, local beer, and craft spirits paired with a classic Lao and Thai menu. If you need a nightcap, head to the hotel’s lounge for a game of billiards or to sample one of their single malt whiskeys or imported cigars. 

6. Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel

Indulge in the ultimate tropical luxury at the Avani+ in Luang Prabang. Located just steps away from major attractions like the night market and the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center, the location of this boutique hotel is perfect for your stay. It’s also within walking distance of the Wat Mai Temple, the Royal Palace, and the Mount Phousi viewpoint.

The hotel offers 53 rooms and suites, all thoughtfully decorated with Hmong artwork and teak furnishings. The rooms have an open-air setup, with patios or balconies overlooking the pool or surrounding neighborhood.

It’s easy to stick to your wellness routine here. They have one of the best gyms in town, with an array of cardio machines and the latest equipment. After a hard workout, pamper yourself with a bespoke spa experience, a tailored spa treatment designed specifically for your needs and mood.

Plus, this hotel offers unique and memorable experiences that other hotels don’t. Here you can book a meditation with a monk at a nearby monastery, where a monk will guide you through a peaceful meditation session. If you are more of a foodie, book the Chef’s Table Degustation, where you will be treated to a 3-course meal that is specially curated with tantalizing seasonal and local ingredients.

7. The Luang Say Residence

Surrounded by tropical gardens, the elegant 32-room The Luang Say Residence is one of the most iconic hotels in Luang Prabang. Taking inspiration from 19th-century French explorers, the hotel’s amenities include a swimming pool, a library, the 1861 bar, and the fine dining La Belle Epoque restaurant. 

Indulge your senses in one of the Pioneer Suites, which are open-air villas that have terraces and bay windows that open up to mountain views or the hotel’s gardens. Each of these suites offers two floors and sleeps up to three people, with colonial-period furniture arranged on Lao wood flooring. 

For families or larger groups, book the Explorator Suites, which are located on the upper floor of the main residence. The lounge area comes equipped with an antique-style writing desk and the large doors open up to garden-view terraces. The spacious spa-like bathrooms feature egg-shelled lacquer bathtubs, walk-in showers, and double vanity units.

Plus, a private concierge service is available to arrange daily activities, from visiting nearby picturesque waterfalls to sunset cruises. At night, hang out in the super swanky 1861 bar, where you can try cocktails and pretend you are in France thanks to colonial-era furnishings like marble tables, a cozy fireplace, and traditional bistro chairs on the terrace. 

8. NamKhan Ecolodge

If sustainability and being eco-friendly is a top priority for you when choosing accommodation, the NamKhan Ecolodge is one of the best hotels in Luang Prabang. Located just a few miles from the city and surrounded by the Nam Khan River on three sides, you’re totally encompassed by nature. 

Just because they place an emphasis on the environment does not mean they skimp on luxury, though. Instead, the owners created the perfect place to reconnect with nature, relax, and re-energize without sacrificing comfort.

For a more comfortable stay, book one of the suites, which are outfitted with handcrafted furniture, a large double bed, and a bathroom with a built-in bathtub, a double vanity sink, and complimentary environmentally-friendly toiletries.

For a group or small family, the Farm Suite is a must. It was built using sustainable materials and is surrounded by a lush tropical garden. Inside, it’s decorated with handmade teak furniture, a large double bed, a sofa bed, and an en-suite bathroom with a rain shower. If you feel more like roughing it, the Namkhan glamping tents overlook the river. 

There are plenty of wellness and outdoor activities offered here, and the fitness center offers you a multitude of sports equipment. Plus, marked trails through the forest present the perfect opportunity for a short jog or mountain bike ride. To cool off, take a tip in the natural pool with a rock waterfall that is completely surrounded by a lush garden.

The river provides plenty of water sports, including tubing, kayaking, and swimming. They also offer daily yoga, meditation, and Qigong classes from fully qualified teachers throughout the year. To keep with the wellness theme, there’s also an on-site spa and a farm-to-table restaurant that provides healthy options to maintain your fitness regime. 

9. 3 Nagas Luang Prabang – MGallery Hotel Collection

Located just a few steps away from the Royal Palace Museum, 3 Nagas is one of the most atmospheric Luang Prabang hotels. Featuring Executive Suites and Deluxe Rooms that overlook the city, you’ll be in the heart of all the action. 

Every room comes with a king-size 4-poster bed or twin beds, traditional weavings, exotic Lao fine art pieces, and large windows that open up to heritage city views or the botanical garden. For additional space, book the grand Executive Suites with spacious living, dining, and balcony areas that are right above the daily almsgiving ritual.

To get out and explore, ask the staff to give you a bike out on loan. Plus, guests are allowed to use their partner hotel facilities if they want to go for a swim or workout in their fitness center, just a short walk away. 

For a dinner to fit a king, you won’t have to go far. The hotel’s restaurant and bar is located nearby. Here, you can feast on succulent Lao cuisine to the gentle sounds of traditional music in the alfresco courtyard. Wind down your evening at the oriental-themed Nagini bar that serves creative handmade cocktails in a Victorian-era mansion.

10. Satri House Hotel

Housed in what once was the residence of the Prince of Laos, the 31-room Satri House is steeped in regality, offering one of the most luxe hotels in Luang Prabang. Refurbished in 2002 as a hotel, the owners have kept the historic details and upscale Indochine design. Now, the resort consists of six colonial-style buildings, with 14 Deluxe Rooms, 14 Junior Suites, and three Satri House Suites, all refined and individually decorated.

The hotel is within walking distance of the city’s famous night market. The location cannot be beat since you’re in the heart of the old town and near all the shops and restaurants. For the ultimate experience, book the hotel’s boat, the Satri Secret Cruise, to explore the Mekong River in style. 

If you want to pamper yourself, book a spa treatment, which all starts with a relaxing lemongrass- and lime-infused footbath. The spa also includes a large, romantic hot tub, a cool plunge pool, and a steam room. 

Lounge by the two pools and enjoy views of the beautifully landscaped garden, or make a reservation at the hotel’s open-air fine-dining restaurant for a pleasant evening in. Here, you can sample local Lao delicacies as well as Western specialties.

To stay in a piece of history, book the Satri House Suite, which is recognized as a UNESCO Heritage Site. It was once the Royal House of Prince Souphanouvong and was built at the turn of the 20th century. Expect nothing but the best – this suite is full of old-world charm and comes furnished with a king-size canopy bed, polished hardwood floors, antique furniture, and art from the French colonial era. 

11. The Apsara Rive Droite

To reach the hip Apsara Rive Droite on the banks of the Nam Khan River, you’ll have to take the hotel’s longtail slow boat, called the Apsarian Queen, across the river, which just adds to the experience. It’s located across from the main neighborhoods, just a short 2-minute boat ride, but in this small village, it feels authentically Laos. If you’re looking for unique boutique hotels in Luang Prabang, this is the place!

This effortlessly cool and sophisticated hotel has only nine rooms, which means you might have the entire place to yourselves. All of the glamorous rooms have large balconies and verandas that open up to the jade-colored pool and stunning river views. All rooms come equipped with huge beds, spacious walk-in showers, and a mini-bar. Plus, they are decked out with fine Lao art and antiques. 

During the dry season, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the Bamboo Bridge, which will take you to the old town where you can go shopping, temple-hopping, and exploring. If you prefer to do it by bicycle, those are also available, too, and the longtail boat can be used whenever you want to cross the river – just ask the staff. 

At night, if you don’t choose to dine in the city, there’s also a small wine bar and restaurant. It may be tiny but they have an extensive list of wines. Pair it with tapas, like a plate of Spanish hams and cheeses, and you’ll have a solid night out!

12. The Belle Rive Boutique Hotel

For some of the most stunning riverside views, The Belle Rive Boutique Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Luang Prabang. Out of all the hotels listed, this beautiful hotel offers the best Mekong experience since it’s directly on the shore and overlooks the mighty river. 

Starting at 7:30 am, you can enjoy your generous complimentary breakfast on the restaurant’s terrace, which is the best spot for boat-watching. Plus, they offer breakfast all day, so if you want to spend the morning exploring the waterfalls or the town on one of the hotel’s free bikes, just ask the staff for a brekkie when you return.

You won’t fear missing out because each of the hotel’s stunning rooms and suites faces the Mekong River. Just choose your style! The hotel is made up of four houses, each with its own style ranging from traditional Lao to colonial to maisonette to more of a contemporary design. Plus, each comes topped with a complimentary mini-bar that’s refilled daily.

The hotel also goes the extra mile to be eco-friendly. They swap out glass bottles instead of plastic and most of the restaurant’s food is sourced from the hotel’s on-site organic garden. Even though there isn’t a pool, you can relax on the lounges that overlook the river. Plus, most of the city’s main attractions are easily within walking distance – making this another one of the best hotels in Luang Prabang! 

That completes our list of the 12 best Luang Prabang hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Luang Prabang? Comment below so we can add them to the list!

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