Sofitel Luang Prabang

Sofitel Luang Prabang maintains its original colonial style, but blends it with touches of modern cool. The entire hotel is ringed by a tall, white wall (it was once the town prison) giving it an intimate, private edge and the lush, frangipani-filled gardens and sparkling pool are the perfect spots to relax in. There are two restaurants to choose from, offering both Western and Laotian dishes. and the excellent spa is housed inside a traditional Laotian stilted building, with a menu of fabulous treatments for tired limbs.

Following the design of the rest of the hotel, the 25 suites are sophisticated and sleek with plenty of dark wood furniture and polished concrete floors. Bright furnishings and fluttering textiles prevent them from ever feeling stark. Categories range from Garden and Heritage to Pool and Governor; all feel luxurious and sumptuous but range in size, and some of the larger suites even have private pools. Whichever you choose, you'll find bathrooms with tubs and rain showers, outdoor terraces with daybeds, and all the mod-cons you could need.

Borrow the hotel bikes and embark on a cycling journey through Luang Prabang or enjoy a gentler adventure on foot as you soak up the sites and sounds of the ancient city on a walking tour: there are plenty of temples to explore and markets packed with beautiful crafts. Cooking classes can also be arranged at the hotel - but we really wouldn't blame anyone who wanted to just lounge by the pool or enjoy a spa treatment or two...