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3 Nagas Luang Prabang, Laos

A Luang Prabang staple, this hotel has been offering excellent location, quality and service. The hotel is set on two sides of the road in old-world wood buildings. The rooms are wood paneled and lovely and the bathrooms are  big with all the amenities. Walking distance to the night market and a great hotel for seeing monks in the morning.

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: Location. Beautiful wood building.
Downside: Can be a bit noisy.

Karma: Enlightened

Three Nagas obviously focuses a lot on their immediate surroundings, helping villages close to them deal with their trash and supporting festivals and buying local products, but they also have gone beyond to support the larger community.

The hotel donates items to a local orphanage as well as supports a preschool project helping minority preschools in the area. You can see a touching video about the project they help to support here: YouTube: 3 Nagas.

They do ask for donations from guests, but haven't yet started guests involved in their projects…hopefully this is the next step!

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
July 2009

Read comments from guests: 3 Nagas

This hotel had only been open 3 days when I visited so it was hot off the presses and I loved it. It's built on a hill overlooking the Nam Khan River with town across from it. The rooms are big and airy and decorated in a modern design. The swimming pool is long and beautiful and also has a gorgeous view of the river. This hotel has the advantage of big rooms and a pool, but is also an easy hop to town, I can't wait to go back!

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: A beautiful view of the river and a quiet location. Trendy, trendy, trendy.
Downside: It's new so there may be some kinks. They might rely too heavily on their sister hotel, Apsara 1.
Insider Tip: They offer a boat across the river that will put you right in the UNESCO town.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
November 2009

Read comments from guests: Apsara Rive Droite

Karma: Novice

While this hotel has a great local staff and they do contribute to festivals and local events, they aren't giving consistently to any project. With that said, they do steer guests in the right direction, showing them the Stay Another Day web site and recommending Big Brother Mouse.

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The Bellerive Boutique Hotel is a fresh addition to the growing number of hotels that can be found in Luang Prabang. It offers something hard to find in Luang Prabang, riverfront luxury accommodation a minutes’ walk from restaurants, shops and the night market. Bellerive infuses Lao and Colonial designs simply throughout the 8 rooms available. All rooms are spacious with modern amenities (except TV), large colonial windows and most importantly, pristine views of the Mekong river.

The hotel comprises of two buildings offering two types of rooms, the Frangipani and Tamarind. The Frangipani offers a New York style loft with a pleasant seating area and balcony on first level with a staircase leading to lofted bed (JW favorite). The Tamarind has bigger rooms but has no balcony or lofted bed. If the view from your room isn’t enough you may cross over to their garden terrace on the Mekong bank and enjoy a sunset cocktail.

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: Located in center of the peninsula allows easy access to heart of the city but surprisingly doesn’t accompany all the city noise.
Downside: In almost all of the rooms the glass shower is not enclosed .So, you better be comfortable taking an exposed shower to your roommate!
Insider Tip: Request the Deluxe Frangipani room. It is located on the corner of the building with a 180 degree view from the wrap around balcony.

Reviewed by: Nicole Long
April 19, 2010

Karma Rating: Novice

At the date of this review, the hotel is only 6 months old. They support the local Wat by buying a meal for the monks and novices daily, regardless if they have quests or not. Supporting the local temple is important and noble for such a small hotel and hopefully with time they will be able to extend their community involvement even further.

One of Luang Prabang's newest hotels, Chanthavinh has more than just the standard “Mekong view.” It's about as close as you can get to the river without falling in. It has a charming collection of stilted teak bungalows set on the right bank of the Mekong, across and downriver from town. The management is very attentive and a pier is being built to make the boat ride to town more convenient for guests. The riverside restaurant and swimming pool have gorgeous views, but the gardens and surrounding jungle are definitely the highlights.

Rating: Socks On
Upside: A secluded escape from city life and complete immersion in the sounds and sights of nature.
Downside: Town is a boat ride away.
Insider Tip: The pottery village, Ban Chan, is a short walk from the resort.

Reviewed by: Kristina Ensminger

La Résidence Phou Vao Luang Prabang, Laos

This hotel makes me want to wear a white flowing dress and drink gin and tonics overlooking the pool! La Residence pampers you without being ostentatious. They cover every detail including paying to light up Mount Phousi at night so their guests can enjoy the view. The rooms are all spacious with huge windows and private decks. The bathrooms are also huge and full of light. Even though they charge more for the pool view rooms I prefer the garden view rooms as a more private option.

Rating: Everything Off
Upside: Gorgeous views over the valley and Mount Phousi. Amazing service. The spa is great and not too expensive. The best in Luang Prabang.
Downside: Everyone knows it's the best so it's tough to book.
Insider Tip: Schedule to have dinner here one night, the pumpkin soup is amazing and the melting heart chocolate desert did just that!

Karma: Novice

It's sad to see a hotel that excels in everything it does fall down a little when it comes to giving back. La Residence does offer guests a chance to donate to a local orphanage or the Provincial Hospital, but they don't have any literature about the projects in their rooms or lobby. If asked the hotel will take guests to visit the orphanage or hospital, but we hope this hotel will think about taking their commitment to the next level.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
November 2009

Read comments from guests: La Résidence Phou Vao

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Le Bel Air Luang Prabang, Laos

This hotel is 100% Lao owned and operated and while I think this is what causes a few of the hiccups it is also one of its greatest charms. Located on the Nam Khan River, it's an oasis of green gardens with lovely traditional styled bungalows. The manager explained that they are still doing some remodeling and working out some of the details, but he did tell me how important service and cleanliness is to him and his staff and that definitely shows, so while my bath did leak slightly and I couldn't find anywhere to hang my towel and the glass bathroom was a bit odd, the smiles at breakfast definitely made up for it and made me want to return.

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: Beautiful location overlooking the river and the old bridge. A charming and genuine staff. Great value for money.
Downside: A few little oddities like a glass bathroom in the new deluxe rooms and no windows in the old deluxe rooms.
Insider Tip: You can walk across the old bridge and then get a tuk-tuk to avoid the bad road.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
November 2009

Our Team Weighs In/Comments from Guests: Le Bel Air

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Maison Souvannaphoum Luang Prabang, Laos

Once the residence of Prince Souvannaphouma, this hotel blends French colonial architecture with chic, contemporary design. Since Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, most upscale hotels are located outside of town in order to offer modern luxuries like swimming pools. Maison Souvannaphoum is the exception to the rule, equipped with a swimming pool and television sets, this is the only hotel of its kind in the town center. It has a fantastic Angsana Spa and the gift shop in the lobby is filled with unique handicrafts commissioned by the hotel and purchased directly from the artisans to support local business.

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: It's the best combination of location and luxury in town.
Downside: The flip side to a prime location is the din that accompanies it.
Insider Tip: Book the Maison, Laos, or Champa room (all former bedrooms of the royal family) and receive a special welcome package reserved for Journeys Within guests.

Karma: Enlightened

When you're walking down a lovely tree lined street in Luang Prabang you should probably send your thanks for the shade to Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel! As part of the Banyan Tree Hotels this property has high expectations set by it's management and they seem to be meeting the goal and exceeding it. In 2009 Maison planted 2,243 trees in Luang Prabang, exceeding the goal of 2,000 trees. Working with members of the community to plant the trees is not only environmentally great, but it is helping teach awareness to the local community about the environment and what we can do to help.

Maison doesn't stop with the environment, in 2009 they also supported Sithane Primary School, where they repaired classroom ceilings, painted walls and doors, planted trees, repaired the school's fence, and shared health and hygiene techniques with administrators. The hotel also exhibited artwork sharing the local culture, with any sales benefiting the school.

Reviewed by: Kristina Ensminger

Read comments from guests: Maison Souvannaphoum

A rather new concept this hotel specializes in longer term guests, but is willing to accept shorter stays as well. Built in two homes with a more open floor plan this hotel is beautifully decorated and situated. The swimming pool has an amazing view of the river and the hotel feels more like a villa than a hotel. This is a great hotel if you want a quiet environment outside of town and like a more untraditional hotel.

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: Beautiful location overlooking the Mekong. A great pool. No kids allowed so a quiet retreat for adults.
Downside: Out of town and the road is bad. Sometimes hard to find staff if you need something.

Karma: Novice

While Mekong Estates does buy local products and support a local Wat they aren't supporting any community initiatives or helping their guests get involved in any local projects. They have a staff training program which will make your stay better, but haven't gone beyond their own doors.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
November 2009

Located overlooking the Mekong, this hotel is a lovely addition to the Luang Prabang options. The rooms are big and have flat screen TV's and, in my experience, the best beds in Laos. This hotel does however have one big problem, the toilet! Set in its own room off the main bedroom, there seems to be a huge design flaw – when sitting on the toilet I could barely close the toilet room door. If the toilet room was in the bathroom it wouldn't be a huge problem, but if the door is left open you look straight in from anywhere in the bedroom. It is such a shame because the rest of the amenities and design are great and the staff are lovely, but if traveling with long-legged people this could be an awkward hotel.

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: Views of the river are magical. Breakfast was delicious. Try the banana crepe with vanilla sauce.
Downside: The toilet and its lack of legroom!
Insider Tip: The hotel golf cart will take you free of charge to any spot in town.

Karma: Novice

Located in old-town Luang Prabang, overlooking the amazing Mekong River I feel that this hotel gets daily reminders that we need to look after the beauty all around us as well as the community we're a part of. Mekong View is slowly starting to find projects to be involved in and we look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the next year. At the moment they take fruit twice a week to two temples in town so the monks are assured of a good meal that day. They also have added streetlights to the Northern tip of Luang Prabang so it's easier to walk in this area at night. Urban, the owner of the property is the head of the Hotel Association and is looking to set up a plan so all hotels can contribute to Luang Prabang. We look forward to hearing what they come up with!

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
November 2009

Our Team Weighs In: Mekong View

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I've loved her clothes for years so why wouldn't I love her hotel! Located in a quiet neighborhood outside the UNESCO zone, this hotel just recently opened and is slowly working out the kinks and I feel is destined to be a popular choice. The rooms are big and decorated with lovely antique pieces. The bathroom is huge and offers a great rain shower. The hotel has a charming old-world feel while still having all the modern amenities, including a pool.

Rating: Socks On — but only because of the funny flooring choice
Upside: Tastefully decorated and spacious rooms. A great pool to cool off in.
Downside: Check and make sure construction is done. A little way out of town. The outside flooring tiles are used in the room and while I like the look they do feel a little grainy and grubby.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
November 2009

Our Team Weighs In: Satri House

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Villa Lotus Luang Prabang, Laos

The best value for money in the UNESCO Heritage section of the city. The rooms are basic, but very clean and the staff are lovely. The expat owners are great to chat with and have fun stories of living in Laos.

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: Great location. Great value for money. A really nice staff.
Downside: The monks go right past your hotel in the morning so it's easy to roll out of bed and watch them go by.

Karma: Nirvana

This is the little hotel that could! Andrew, one of the owners, is the director at Deak Khum Pa Orphanage where the hotel helps provide food, donations of school materials, clothing, additional buildings and maintenance. Andrew helps to organize teachers and arranged work parties for clean up and maintenance. The hotel collects donations from guests and puts this towards the upkeep and day to day expenses of the orphanage. Because of the need in the last year Lotus Villa now provides breakfast five days a week and has committed to this support so the orphanage can feel secure. As long as guests give notice they are welcome to visit the orphanage and see where their donations are going.

Andrew isn't the only owner going above and beyond, Jacinta, another owner, volunteers with the National Museum as a conservator and is working on training and conservation projects with them. Rich, the last owner, works with Jacinda mentoring local business owners on how to better market to Western travelers. Lotus Villa also gets their staff involved whenever possible, showing them that they too possess the power to initiate change. This may be a small hotel, but they are having a big impact!

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
July 2008

Read comments from guests: Villa Lotus

This beautiful 33 room art-deco boutique hotel might be one of the newest in Luang Prabang, but definitely feels like one from the past. Located minutes from the town centre, Villa Maly offers a quiet alternative amongst a lush and pristine landscape. The hotel comprises of seven small buildings surrounding the historic home of the late Prince Khamtan and Princess Khampieng, which was built in 1938. The exterior is simple and elegant but you will find the rooms filled with rich colors, patterns and mahogany wood. Draw back is a bathroom offering little light and slightly bizarre, but the rest surely makes up for it. Villa Maly is one of only two hotels that offers the luxury of a swimming pool within the UNESCO World Heritage site, which you will find rewarding after a day of trekking or temple hopping in Luang Prabang. The hotel fuses together French colonial and Laotian styles in a way that leaves you feeling nothing less than royal.

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: Old time feel with modern amenities such as swimming pool, restaurant, spa, hair salon and shop selling local handicrafts.  
Downside: Ten minute walk into town centre.  
Insider Tip: If the 10 minute walk into the centre of town is not on your agenda, grab a bike or shuttle free of charge!

Reviewed by: Nicole Long
October 2009

The Villa Santi is a Luang Prabang staple and for a while was the go-to hotel for guests that wanted to stay in town. Over the last couple of years the building had gotten a little tired and I had started to move guests to some of the newer hotels as well as the better value-for-money places. The Villa Santi has now started to reinvent itself and we way be returning to this pretty little place. Once a Royal Palace the old house now houses 5 suites, featuring sitting areas, comfy beds, flat screen TV's and great bathrooms with my favorite colonial bathtub. These rooms are fresh and airy and they surround a lovely courtyard. While I still don't love the old building, the suites are a luxurious downtown option and good value for money.

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: Amazing location on the main road. The “fountain” is a great place to cool off. The restaurant is delicious.
Downside: The old building is still old and the rooms are dark so it still isn't my first choice.
Insider Tip: The “fountain” is lovely and no one will mind if you want to relax in it.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
November 2009

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Green Park Hotel Vientiane, Laos

There aren't a lot of options in Vientiane which is why when we found this one we were so excited. The hotel is an oasis with ponds and gardens throughout and big airy rooms. The pool is lovely and they have a small business center and gym. It is a little way from town, but worth the drive!

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: Nice big rooms and lovely grounds. Quiet location.
Downside: The “green park” next door is more like an abandoned lot. Breakfast buffet is a bit generic.

Reviewed By: Andrea Ross
July 2009

La Folie Lodge Don Deang Island, Southern Laos

Just getting to La Folie is an adventure, but an adventure of the best kind because there's a prize at the end. You drive an hour from Pakse, take a very unique two-canoe boat for about 20 minutes and then are met at the shore by a tractor engine pulling a cart – complete with chair! By far the most fun I've ever had getting to a hotel!

The rooms here are simple (no TV, minibar, etc.), but they are spacious, clean and have amazing views of the Mekong. They offer free bicycles to explore the islands which is a must, as long you can ride with one hand, because the other will be busy waving back to all the kids and villagers you peddle past. After the bike ride the gorgeous pool is a welcome relief – like everything else, it has an amazing view of the river.

In terms of service Axel, the German manager, takes a hands-on approach to the hotel, which is needed because all the staff are hired locally from the island population. This is a very good thing for the island, but does mean there's a lack of English, having Axel around helps aleve that problem.

I think this is a great way to have a break from touring, but still soak up the culture and beauty of Laos and of course, the mighty Mekong.

Rating: Between Socks On and Socks Off, in other words, a very nice and clean eco-lodge.
Upside: Amazing location. Extremely nice staff and manager. The hotel is obviously a positive part of a lovely island community
Downside: There is limited English spoken by the lower-level staff. I loved the food for two days, but not a huge selection and no other options on the island.
Insider Tip: If there ever is a problem with translation then ask for Mr Alom, the amazing assistant manager speaks flawless English and is just a gem!

Reviewed By: Andrea Ross
November 2009

Our Team Weighs In: La Folie Lodge

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Pakse tends to be a one-nighter town and for that purpose the Pakse hotel fits the bill. The rooms are a good size and are clean, but basic. The rooftop restaurant was the best part of the hotel with very friendly staff and a lovely breeze. Check in and check out seemed more complicated than it should have been, but not too big a hassle. All in all, it does the job, but nothing above or beyond.

Rating: Socks On
Upside: Great location near the market. Lovely view and a lovely breeze at the rooftop restaurant.
Downside: Nothing special about the rooms. Service is a bit “confused.”
Insider Tip: The local market is almost directly across the street and it had a great kids play area.

Reviewed By: Andrea Ross
November 9, 2009

Our Team Weighs In: Pakse Hotel

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The best overall option in Vang Vieng is the Thanvansouk Resort and Hotel. The hotel is divided up into two basic style rooms with either river or garden views. There are 36 bungalows and rooms that run parallel to the Song River offering stunning panoramic views of the Phadeng (Red Cliff), lush forest, and Lao river life. The rooms give an overall rustic mountain feel with tasteful simple décor and teakwood structure.

All rooms have modern amenities including the highly sought after bathtub (rarely seen in Laos) and a private terrace. All the riverfront rooms have chase lounges perfect for getting some sun, reading a good book and taking in the sunset surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Along the riverfront are benches and porch swings so if you choose a garden view room you still get a great view of the sunset.

If the amazing view isn't enough to relax you a stroll through the flower and exotic plant filled property sure will. The hotel river front restaurant offers a range of South East Asian and Western cuisine with warm and friendly staff. The included breakfast is basic, but the misty morning mountain view with grazing goats and horses on the opposite bank makes breakfast all that much better. The Thanvansouk isn't the newest in town, but if it ain't broke, why fix it?

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: The overall ambience is the beautiful rustic scenery. The entire feel of the property is peaceful nature.
Downside: You could have nature a little closer than wanted with a family of ants trekking through your room.
Insider Tip: During your stay you could meet a Laos celebrity! The daughter of the wonderfully friendly family who owns and runs Thanvansouk is a famous Laos Pop singer, Eluna Thanvansouk. Lao celebrities are not as jaded as our western ones so be sure to ask for an autograph.

Reviewed By: Nicole Long
May 9, 2009