Souphattra Hotel

On a hot day, there's nothing better than dipping your toes in an ice-cold pool, and the Souphattra is happy to oblige with its picture-perfect 25-metre pool. Food-wise, the Lao Derm restaurant is well known locally and offers a delicious array of traditional dishes crafted from local and seasonal produce at breakfast, lunch and dinner - perfect for your arrival day, or any other day for that matter. There's also a spa to work away any travel aches and pains.

There are a range of contemporary rooms to choose from at the Souphattra and every taste and budget will find something to suit. Deluxe and pool view rooms each offer double or twin beds, a private terrace or balcony, and an ensuite bathroom. One step up are the three junior suites that are almost exactly the same but with larger King size beds. Then there's the Souphattra Suite, again with all the same facilities, but in super-size.

The central location really is the highlight of the Souphattra. Wander the streets and take in the gilded temples and the faded French colonial architecture that rules the city's design. We highly recommend an early start to take in the morning alms offering (Tak Bat) each day, and climbing the 300 steps to Mount Phousi temple is something you'll never forget. ra and there are plenty of ways to discover the area and all it has to offer. For those who aren't keen to get their walking shoes on, there's a good shuttle bus to the sights, and bikes are readily available to rent from numerous places.