Accommodation is improving and Laos has some great places to stay, whether in the city or in a secluded hideaway away from it all in the mountains or on one of its many rivers. The capital Vientiane and the World Heritage city of Luang Prabang have some great quality hotels, some with exquisite colonial charm and all with genuine and friendly service. Escape to the countryside offers stunning views of the countryside. This list is in no particular order, as different hotels offer different experiences, some offering the best facilities and others offering the best views. Here are my ten favorite places to stay in Laos with a varied selection from all over the country.

Seng Arun Bungalows

Located on the banks of the Mekong on Done Khone Island, these are small family bungalows, quite basic in Western terms as there is still no electricity on the island, but the wooden bungalows are comfortable, all with en-suite showers. They overlook the old French Railway Bridge, with its excellent balconies, you can spend the day relaxing in a hammock with a book and enjoying the great view.

Phou Vao Residence

Located in the World Heritage City of Luang Prabang, the city is full of old colonial charm and La Résidence Phou Vao Hotel complements this charm, built in the 1950s and renovated in 2001, it is located on the top of Vao Hill . The hotel offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains of Luang Prabang, as well as the Phou Si Temple and the city. It also offers first class facilities and amenities such as spa and pool. The hotel uses traditional rosewood, cotton and silk so that the modern facilities and rooms do not lose their traditional feel.

Vansana Resort

Vang Vieng is a truly grand city sitting on the Nam Song River with impressive limestone karsts to the west. Vang Vieng was previously known as a backpacker town with cheap basic accommodation and plenty of adventure activities to choose from. However, there are now more luxurious places to stay that invite a different class of tourist. The Vansana Resort is one of these built on the banks of the Nam Song River and has excellent amenities. The rooms are excellent with private balconies where you can enjoy the view of the mountains. Or enjoy one of the facilities it offers such as a traditional massage, a meal on the balcony overlooking the river or a swim in its first-class pool.

Pakbeng Lodge

A few years ago, when I was traveling between the Thai-Lao border town of Chiang Khong/Houei Sai and Luang Prabang, the two-day boat trip involved a very uncomfortable overnight stay in Pak Beng. This was an unavoidable stop when taking the slow boat. Recently however the opening of Pak Beng Lodge has changed all that, with great views of the Mekong and great facilities it has made the two day trip to Luang Prabang unforgettable in the best possible way.

Chan-a-Mar Resort, Nong Khiaw

Probably one of the only luxury bungalows in this part of Laos, located in Nong Khiaw amidst a backdrop of mountains and two rivers, this place really does give the feel of the real Laos. The owners are also committed to preserving and promoting locally grown and manufactured textiles through the GreenHeart Foundation. The bungalows have been individually designed using local materials, each with its own bathroom, hot shower and private balcony offering stunning views.

Kingfisher Lodge

This hostel is located in the impressive Xe Pian National Protected Area, about 60 km south of Pakse, in the Champasak province. It has been promoted as an eco-lodge and its wooden bungalows blend into the lush forest. There are also plenty of opportunities to explore the Xe Pian National Protected Area by taking an elephant ride to Ban Pho Pho or enjoying a two-day trek to Ta-Ong, where you’ll hear and even see rare Gibbons and excellent bird life.

Hotel Senesothxeun

Senesothxeun is one of the newest places in southern Laos, taking accommodation options on Don Khong Island to a new level, with the old charm and great aura it gives off, it is an extraordinary place to stay. The rooms are all deluxe with modern amenities and private balconies, this is the place to stay if you are looking for luxury in the heart of Si Pan Don natural wetlands.

settha palace

Settha Palace is located in the heart of Vientiane and has to be one of the best places to stay in Laos. An old colonial-style hotel built in the early 1930’s, the hotel has been restored and is a true masterpiece, with lots of old features. colonial charm. The facilities and service are second to none with gardens and a pool where you can cool off.

Souvannaphoum House

This was the former home of a Laotian prince, a boutique hotel located in Luang Prabang that excellently blends traditional and modern style. The interior design leaves no compromise with the rich silk textiles that cover the walls and ceilings. The facilities are top notch with spa, pool all amid tropical gardens, the food is excellent with first class French and Laotian cuisine and the views from the private balconies are second to none.

La Folie Lodge

On the island of Don Daeng, close to the World Heritage site of Wat Phu, this resort is first class and offers you the best of both worlds, great facilities with a swimming pool and a great sandy beach on the Mekong, but it is also located on a secluded island. with a great beach on the river! You can explore the island by bike or on foot and there are even some ancient ruins to see on the island.