Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao

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.