The Best Luxury Hotels in Luang Prabang, Laos

Built with indigenous materials and designed with French and Lao sensibilities, this stunning hilltop resort is a work of art in itself. Choose from 17 palatial riverside rooms and villas, or embark on a glamping adventure in one of the six luxury tents – each with a large deck with plenty of seating and elevated views over the pin-drop-quiet valley.

Named for a celestial nymph in Hindu and Buddhist culture, this modern resort sits on the banks of the tranquil Nam Khan River and offers comfortable lodgings in a beautiful setting. Rooms feature vivid colours and include local touches such as Lao textiles and artwork. For food, the in-house restaurant, Paste at the Apsara, serves inventive plant-based dishes, such as crunchy cured rice balls with kaffir-lime zest and red-curry paste, as well as in-depth tasting menus.

For those looking for an idyllic tropical getaway, you’ll love the wood and flagstone interiors, bamboo furniture and lush greenery at the elegant My Dream Boutique Resort. The well-dressed rooms come with private balconies and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that flood the interior with natural light. After a day of adventure – the hotel can arrange homestays in local Lao villages, waterfall trips and floats along the Mekong’s tributaries – indulge in a therapeutic massage at the spa, or take a dip in the large outdoor pool.

Named for the mythical half-human, half-cobra beings, this opulent hotel comprises three structures built in the atmospheric Indochine-era style. Tucked within wood-shuttered, whitewashed walls are 15 spacious rooms, each beautifully decorated with dark woods and silk weavings and featuring serene views of the surrounding gardens. While the hotel loans bicycles for free, you don’t have to venture far to enjoy delicious food. The in-house 3 Nagas Restaurant serves Lao classics such as khoua kai sai khing (stir-fried chicken with ginger) or mok paa (fish steamed in banana leaves).

This five-star retreat sits atop a hill, complete with resplendent views of the viridian mountains surrounding Luang Prabang. With just 34 suites, expect privacy and exclusivity. Each room features large picture windows, and some include an outdoor terrace. For a romantic meal, book a 500-candle dinner at the gazebo near the lily pond, set to the sounds of traditional Lao music; it’s one of many above-and-beyond experiences – including sunset cruises, visits with a village shaman and more – offered by this stately Belmond stay.

Formerly the French governor’s private residence in the 1900s, this refurbished property now houses 25 villas with shuttered windows, hand-carved bed frames and exquisite Lao textiles. Each comes with a private garden; the best include a private pool. If you’re feeling peckish, visit the acclaimed Governor’s Grill, which sources local ingredients, or try your hand at traditional Lao cooking at a workshop taught by the hotel chefs.

As it’s only a five-minute walk from the mighty Mekong River and several heritage temples, this luxurious hotel in Laos is the perfect base for exploring the Unesco-listed town. Yogis will appreciate the peaceful pavilion on the hotel lawn, while those with green fingers can lend a hand at the hotel’s rooftop garden before learning to prep classic Lao dishes. Back in your room, comfort comes courtesy of plush, expansive beds, rainfall showers and twin vanities.

This colonial-era mansion is where the first president of Laos lived as a boy, and at the turn of the millennium, it underwent a complete makeover, transforming the estate into a boutique hotel. Hidden among pond- and palm-dotted grounds, you’ll now find 28 character-packed rooms and three suites accented with local Lao artefacts and antiques. During your stay, you can take a dip in the large outdoor pools, catch up on your reading at the library or savour a cocktail at the garden bar. You can also book a trip on the Satri Boat for a languorous cruise down the Mekong at sunset.

This stylish four-star stay is in the heart of Luang Prabang, giving you easy access to key attractions such as the Royal Palace, the 18th-century Wat Mai and Mount Phousi. The 24 pared-back rooms, each with a balcony or private garden, are soothing and neutral, accentuated with modern art pieces. Tuck into a satisfying meal at Chef’s Table Luang Prabang Restaurant, or pamper yourself with room service. An outdoor pool is a great foil for the tropical heat.

Adjacent to the Night Market and within 30m (98ft) of the famed Wat Manorom, this beautiful property is set around a leafy courtyard and a large outdoor pool. Rooms offer a home-from-home vibe, with luxe touches such as a free-standing tub in the executive suite and an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

Āman is synonymous with high-end luxury, and its hotel in Luang Prabang is no exception. At the foot of Mount Phousi, this charming resort stretches out across a historic garden estate, with 24 lavish villas, most of which come with private pools in enclosed courtyards. The concierge can arrange local experiences, such as meditation classes, silk-weaving workshops and even a photography masterclass with pro snapper Hans Berger.