Best hotels in Laos

Part of the superstar Aman hotel group, Amantaka certainly lives up to its wonderfully luxurious name. An old French hospital that has been transformed into a boutique retreat with all the trappings, expect a perfect blend of new and old, exquisite food, private pools, chic decor, lush gardens and organic spa treatments. Whilst you'll find more than a few delightful hotels in Luang Prabang, Amantaka is probably the most opulent and the perfect add on if you want to send off (or begin) your trip with a bang and a great dollop of fabulous Laos hospitality.

Set on a 30,000 square-metre plot on the banks of the Mekong in the southern province of Champasak, River Resort is a lesson in eco-friendly sustainability with a stylish touch. First up, the private patch of land ensures the preservation of hundreds of native flora and fauna. At the hotel, produce is homegrown in the rice paddy and vegetable gardens, recycling and composting are vital and over 90% of staff are employed from local villages. If you're looking to explore the natural beauty and spectacular, untouched wilds of Champasak and feel good about where you're staying, River Resort is your spot.

Looking to add a swish of style to your stay in Vang Vieng? There's no better spot than the Riverside Boutique Resort. As you might have guessed, the hotel is located right on the banks of the Song River and offers breathtaking views of the iconic limestone karsts that dot the surroundings. Within walking distance of the town and its tempting offerings (try the night market for all sorts of delicious local tastes), the resort is far enough away from the hubbub to feel private and really quite relaxed.

Built in 1932, Settha Palace Hotel ticks all the boxes for a luxurious and utterly charming stay in the capital. Scoring maximum points for its location right in the heart of town, step inside the doors and into your very own oasis of calm and tranquility. Owned once again by the same family who ran the hotel in its heyday (it was lost for a time during the change of regimes), the Palace has been meticulously restored to its former glory and a wonderful sense of personal history is evident throughout. An excellent restaurant and a blissful pool nudge it just over the edge of excellent.

If you're heading off the beaten track to Nong Khiaw, and looking for somewhere to lay your head at the end of a long day adventuring day, Mandala Ou is just the ticket. Set amongst the limestone mountains of the sleepy village, the little hotel is bursting at the seams with rural charm. Simplicity is the watchword, but in the best possible way; it's certainly not a trendy resort packed with stylish furnishings, but it is a spot that feels like the 'real' Laos. You'll enjoy the usual hotel comforts of a restaurant and pool, and there's even a sauna and a small bike hire, but aside from that, Mandala Ou is perfectly, wonderfully unpretentious - and we love it.

Pakbeng is a small and sleepy village in northern Laos, set alongside the mighty Mekong River. Whilst the village might only be a stopover on your Laotian adventure, Le Grand Pakbeng will ensure you spend your time here in comfort. The resort is peppered with 45 villas and suites and provides plenty of spots to just kick back and relax, giving you a chance to regain your land legs after a few days cruising. The vertiginous, hillside setting provides spectacular views too, to be enjoyed either from your private balcony or from the infinity pool. Bliss.

There are a number of lovely luxury resorts residing in Luang Prabang, but Belmond La Residence Phou Vao can lay claim to being the first - and dare we say, one of the best. The fabulous resort is a little outside the city, and once you've clambered down from your tuk-tuk, you'll feel like you've escaped to a luxury jungle oasis, complete with ornamental ponds, glittering swimming pools and tropical flower beds. It's not just the surrounds that make it a worthy contender for your attention though, for the immaculate service, exquisite food and heaven-sent spa all speak for themselves.

Situated on the lazy Don Daeng island in the middle of the Mekong River, and under the watchful eye of a spiritual mountain, La Folie Lodge is an excellent jumping off point to explore Champasak. A mere boat-ride from the famous Wat Phou temple and accompanying archeological site packed with intricate carvings, it's perfect for culture vultures looking to explore. Whilst the location is spectacular, the hotel is also a delight with traditional stilted bungalows, outstanding service, pretty views and delicious cuisine. You'll come for the sights, but stay for the lodge's charms.

Laos' capital, Vientiane, is known for its nooks and crannies that overflow with delightful dining spots and boutiques, yet also for its quiet, historical streets. Ansara truly offers the best of both worlds: tucked into a peaceful lane in the city centre, its on the doorstep of all our favourite attractions (the Mekong River and the night market at the top of the charts), yet offers a cool, calm and collected haven to return to at the end of the day. One of the prettiest hotels in Vientiane, the decor is chic and stylish - and the outdoor pool will become your best friend on a hot, summer's afternoon...

Pakbeng is pretty as a picture, one that includes soaring mountain peaks, gently flowing rivers, and a peace that is truly palpable - and completing it is Sanctuary Lodge. Nestled high on a hill overlooking the Mekong, it does just what is says on the tin, fulfilling the promise of quiet days watching elephant splash at the river's edge and tranquil dips in the pool. Laos feels untouched and undisturbed by modern life but a few days at the Sanctuary confirms it from the moment you disembark at the dock. Sipping on a BeerLao (a local staple), you'll think, 'this is the life'.

Surrounded by delectable gardens, Angsana Maison Souvannaphoum is a haven from the busy streets of Luang Prabang that bustle just outside the door. Formerly the residence of the late Prince Souvanna Phouma, the blend of contemporary, colonial and Laotian interiors are incredibly welcoming and will make you feel at home as soon as you've stepped in the door. Just a stone's throw from the famous night market, this is the spot to be if you're looking to hit the streets of Luang Prabang and soak up everything this historical city has to offer - before retiring to the cooling shade of the garden and pool, of course.

Cast aside any pre-conceived notions you might have about Sofitel because this spot is unlike anything you might imagine. Set in a former governor's residence, Sofitel Luang Prabang is exactly what we picture when we think 'boutique hotel', with its gardens packed with lush palms and frangipani trees, hip and very cool interiors, sparkling pool, and elegant, spacious suites. Set in the heart of town, it's a good base for an exciting city exploration, but it's also a cool and calm retreat from the hubbub - and a very private one at that.

Imagine a simple and relaxed hotel with a smattering of casual style and you've pretty much conjured up the Souphattra Hotel in the heart of Luang Prabang. The hotel may have less frills than its luxurious local counterparts, but the pretty, French-colonial design is welcoming, the pool is cold and the rooms are spacious. Add to that the convenient central location and that fact that you're within easy striking distance of some of the city's most famous spots, including the night market, the Royal Temple Museum, Mount Phousi, the royal Pha Tad Ke Botanical Gardens, and this is an excellent choice for an easy and relaxed visit to LP.

Dripping with fine art, luxurious fabrics and carefully curated antiques, Satri House will entice you with its eclectic style and homely (albeit on a grand scale!) feel. A former royal residence - it was once the childhood abode of Prince Souphanouvong - the house has a magical ability to pull you back in time and immerse you in the rich history of Luang Prabang and Laos; but the fragrant gardens, boutique spa, library and excellent restaurant will also help you achieve that feeling of perfect holiday bliss. And being just a 10 minute stroll from the centre of town, the location is more than pleasing.

Romantic, remote, and utterly heavenly are all words that could be used to describe the delicious Rosewood Luang Prabang. Whilst most hotels in the area focus on the ancient city itself, the Rosewood sits on the palm-fringed outskirts and definitely makes the most of its distance. The beautiful design perfectly blends with the surrounding scenery, and you'll delight as you stumble across burbling streams and tumbling waterfalls in the grounds. If you can bear to tear yourself away from your chic suite, cooling pool and lush gardens, you'll find all manner of incredible activities to enjoy in Luang Prabang and further afield. Can you tell we love this one?

Once the home of Lao royalty, Villa Maly, located in the historic UNESCO protected zone, is today an exquisite boutique hotel surrounded by a tropical garden. The rooms are elegant and comfortable with a hint of history and creative touches. The individually designed rooms feature French colonial décor. Each room has a Fan, a flat-screen TV, a safety box, and tea/coffee making facilities. The en suite bathroom has shower facilities. Guests can enjoy body treatments and massages at the spa. International dishes are served in Le Vetiver, a open-air restaurant that also offers a wine list. Light snacks and cocktails are available at the bar, and poolside barbecues can also be arranged.

Located by the Nam Khan River, My Dream Boutique Resort offers non-smoking rooms with private balconies. Guests can enjoy meals at the open-air restaurant on-site. The resort also features an outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi, and free bicycles for rent. Cozy rooms come with elegant wooden interiors and have plenty of natural light. Each is equipped with a cable TV and personal safe. Shower facilities and toiletries are included. Guests can enjoy a relaxing body massage, or spend some quiet reading time in the library.

Set on the riverbank of the Nam Khan river overlooking the UNESCO Heritage city of Luang Prabang Le Bel Air Resort is the premier 4-star resort in town. The resort features 66 rooms in 3 categories, has a majestic river view, a riverside restaurant as well as an infinity style pool and bar. It is the perfect place to relax in peace while being close to all central attractions.

The Belle Rive Boutique Hotel in Luang Prabang is situated in the historical center of the peninsula and within walking distance to numerous famous temples. Despite the very central location, the Hotel and each room enjoys the calm and magnificent view on the Mekong river.

Located in the heart of Vang Vieng, on the Nam Song riverbank, the desire to deliver many memorable moments for the guests in a contemporary design with serene surroundings. All 38 well-appointed rooms have their own private balcony, allowing you to enjoy an unobstructed view of the majestic mountains and the Nam Song River. Tham Chang Elephant Cave is 1.7 km from the hotel, while Tham Phu Kham Cave and Blue Lagoon is 7.2 km away.

Set in a commercial area and with views of the Mekong River, this upscale hotel is a 15-minute walk from Wat Si Saket, a Siamese-style temple, and 2 km from the Patuxai war monument.

Souphattra Heritage Vientiane offers you a harmonious blend of Lao contemporary and French colonial design and décor. The atmosphere of this hotel is reminiscent of a city resort, unique to its location within Vientiane's bustling commercial area. Its prime location offers you unparalleled convenience and proximity to shopping areas, the night market and a breathtaking panoramic view of the Mekong River.