Luang Prabang

Until the communist takeover in 1975 Luang Prabang was the royal capital of the Kingdom of Laos, and has the wonderfully redolent architecture you’d expect from the capital of such a graceful, yet colourful nation. Its unique beauty, plus the bustle of its markets and the gentleness of the population - known for its numerous monks, make this one of the most popular tourist destinations in Laos, so there’s plenty of accommodation competing to be included on our Guru’s list of the best places to stay in Luang Prabang.

Luang Prabang’s traditional feel is helped by its 11:30 curfew, and peace reigns of an evening, so if you want to stay up any later than that you’ll need your choice from our best places to stay in Luang Prabang to have its own bar. But it’s worth getting up early in the morning with the rest of the city to enjoy the procession of monks and the gleam of the golden temples in the early morning sun.

Hundreds of monks and novices live in Luang Prebang, in the hundreds of temples and monasteries, most of which are in the main part of the city between the Nam Kahn and Mekong Rivers, below the steep hill where you’ll see one of the city’s largest wats, Wat Chom Si.

Wat Xiang Thong is another impressive local landmark covered in an exceptionally beautiful tree of life mosaic. The Royal Palace Museum is also unmissable, a blend of Lao and French design with wonderful Gauguin-esque murals and plenty of interesting exhibits labelled in English. Visitors will also want to explore the Handicraft Night Market and faste as much of the local cuisine as possible!

Our pick of the best places to stay in Luang Prabang has something for all tastes and budgets, whether you're here on a very tight budget or looking for five star luxury, where money is no object.

For great value

• Mekong Villa @ Ock Pop Tok cannot be beaten when it comes to value for money. The four atractive rooms are individually designed and sit amid a craft centre overlooking the mighty Mekong. It's slightly off the beaten track but you can borrow a bike for exploring or jump on a free tuk tuk into town!
• Indigo House Hotel offers traditional Laotian style with a contemporary twist. It's got a roof terrace with a view, a cafe for healthy snacks and it's walking distance to some of the city's top sights.
• My Dream Resort is a charming collection of bamboo bungalows overlooking the Nam Khan river. It's a bit out of town, but perfect for a peaceful stay that won't break the bank.
• Maison Dalabua is the epitome of value chic. Individually designed rooms are a clever blend of traditional and contemporary. There's a superb pool for cooling off and you're just minutes from the centre of town. Doubles start from as little as £50 per night B&B,

For a luxury stay

• If you have unlimited funds, there really is only one place to stay: the Amantaka. The twenty four suites ooze understated elegance and the spa is simply superb. Add to that Laotian/French cuisine, excellent service and a beautiful location....
• Belmond La Residence Phou Vao has similarly grand credentials and will not disappoint. Perched atop a hill just outside town, you'll find wonderful views, stunning interiors and an infinity pool to die for. The restaurant is highly recommended too.
• Hotel de la Paix is a cluster of Colonial buildings cleverly converted to provide 25 luxury suites, each with private garden, spa style bathroom and some with their own plunge pool.

For romance

• Satri House is a lovingly restored property not far from the centre of town. Rooms are beautifully decked out, some with four posters, there are lovely gardens with a pool and a fab spa with herbal steam room.
• Luang Say Residence boasts twenty three luxurious suites with romantic muslin draped four posters and private terraces. There's beautiful lush gardens dotted with lily ponds and a large pool and an excellent fine dining restaurant.

For foodies

• The Apsara is a traditionally Lao property just off the calm of the Mekong River, decorated with plenty of dark wood and brightly coloured silks. The 13 rooms have lovely four poster beds, but also the benefits of a modern bathroom, plus there’s an excellent restaurant.
• 3 Nagas boasts a restaurant that's been voted the best Lao cuisine in town, plus you'll find spacious rooms and suites, verdant gardens and you're in walking distance of at least thirty UNESCO Heritage temples!

For families

• The Sanctuary is located in historic buildings in the centre of the city. Elegant rooms overlook the gardens and lily pond and there are connecting rooms available for families. It's great value too.
• Sala Prabang spreads its rooms amongst seven historic townhouses and they've kept many original features including exposed stone walls and beamed ceilings. Families are welcome here and there's no additional charge for an extra bed if your child is under 7!

For boutique chic

• Le Sen is an ultra stylish boutique hotel a short tuk tuk ride from town. Come here for minimalist interiors, an inviting pool and delicious food.
• Kiridara Hotel offers modern elegant accommodation in a hillside location, so you've got the views too. There's a dreamy infinity pool, sleek interiors and seriously good spa.
• Apsara Rive Droite is ideal for a chic stay if you don't want to be in the heart of the action. And it's got a great restaurant.

For colonial style

• The Belle Rive Hotel is a conversion of three beautiful Colonial buildings overlooking the Mekong. You'll find high ceilings, rosewood furniture and local textiles - all very evocative of days gone by.
• Ansanga Maison Souvannaphoum is a colonial beauty located in the ancient heart of Luang Prabang. Stunning exteriors and interiors, plus an excellent spa and pool.
• Villa Santi is a converted 19th century villa where classic french colonial and traditional Laotian design has come together in style. There's a small plunge pool and the restaurant's headed up by the daughter of the last King's head chef.
• Villa Maly is yet another colonial pick - a property that was once owned by local royalty. Rooms are airy and decorated with a 1930s vibe and there's a wonderful pool for unwinding after you've had your fill of temples!

For river side location

• Mekong Riverview Hotel is the place to stay if you want a top riverside spot. There's wrap round balconies for drinking in the views, and the rooms are elegant and sophisticated.

Still not sure which is the best place to stay in Luang Prabang for you? Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Luang Prabang or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.