Destinations

5-Star Hotel Guide

Laos

Imagine temples and ancient Buddhist relics, cruises along the Mekong river and trekking to waterfalls

Laos
Laos

5-star hotel guide to Laos

Hugged by the warmth of Thailand and tranquility of Vietnam, Laos is emerging as a luxury destination with an enviable little black book of inspired addresses. Imagine temples and ancient Buddhist relics housing centuries of history amidst swathes of mountains reaching up to the heavens.

Luang Prabang - a top travel tip

Combining a trip to landlocked Laos with time in Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia or Vietnam creates an unforgettable Indochina adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Luang Prabang is the gem, situated in northern Laos, but still just an easy 1.5 hour flight from Bangkok or 3 hrs from Kuala Lumpur.

Luang Prabang feels like nowhere else. The mix of Indochinese faded French colonial grandeur, with over 30 sacred 'living' temples, along with traditional Lao village life is entrancing. But if that is not enough to consume you, this UNESCO World Heritage Site sits on a peninsula that greets the merging of the hallowed Mekong and Nahm Khan Rivers, surrounded by a half-crown or valley of mist-tipped jade-green mountains, which turn a hazy purple at dusk. Yes, this place is physically beautiful. Combine that with the intoxicating blend of spirituality, culture, history, trendy, boho-chic, world-class hotel comfort, creativity and fantastic Gallic cuisine … and…you’re spellbound. 

You cannot visit Luang Prabang without a cruise along the Mekong river to take in the sights of tropical forests, rice fields, quaint villages and silk worm farms. With laidback charm, untamed natural beauty and warm hospitality, Laos is a jewel of a find in Asia.

In Luang Prabang we would recommend the exceptional 5-star Amantaka with its beautiful architecture, serene interiors and supreme luxuries. Unfortunately, the lovely Azerai in Luang Prabang has now changed hands and is no longer connected with the person who inspired it,  Adrian Zecha, so we have delisted this property until we can be assured it operates at the same level. For the moment, to experience Azerai you will need to head for Vietnam's Mekong Delta and stay at Azerai in Can Tho.