Nam Kat Yorla Pa

With pool, garden or mountain views, La Residence Phou Vao’s 34 spacious, zen-style suites are elegantly but simply furnished with polished rosewood and fresh linens. All suites offer a double bedroom, separate living area and a very high and attentive level of service throughout.

The freshwater infinity swimming pool drops dramatically over a cliff edge overlooking the valley below with gold pagodas and shrines scattered across the hillside and views across to Luang Prabang (the hotel is 2 kilometres from the city centre).

Set in lush gardens guests will enjoy the fragrance of flourishing bougainvillea, papyrus and frangipani trees. Meals can be taken al fresco in the gardens lit by the glow of lanterns and candles in the evening, or dine inside in sophisticated comfort on a blend of inventive Lao and French cuisine.

A restored colonial mansion now an elegant boutique hotel in the city centre, the Settha Palace excels in Old World charm and superb service.

Built in 1932, Settha Palace has now been returned to its original family owners and restored to its former glory. High ceilings and polished rosewood flooring run throughout the rooms, which also feature king-sized poster-beds and French writing desks. For the most authentic experience of the hotel’s colonial past, pick from the suites; appointed with marble dining tables, a comfortable living room and other traditional furnishings.

Located in the city centre, the hotel is perfectly placed to visit Vientiane’s cultural touchstones. The Morning Market, Mekong River and Presidential Palace are within a kilometre of Settha Palace. Thatluang and Wat Sisakhet temples and the Patuxay Monument (Vientiane’s replica of the Arc De Triomphe) are also within walking distance.

Owned by a French count, La Folie Lodge is a tranquil and comfortable lodge set in front of a Mae Khong River beach. It’s the best place to stay on Don Daeng and ideal for exploring this corner of rural Laos.

La Folie consists of 26 stilted wooden bungalows, simply furnished with their own private balcony. For families or friends travelling together there is also a private two bedroom residence. All rooms have views across the wide sandy beach and river, and from where you can catch sight of Mekong life in water buffalos cooling off in the waters and fishermen flinging their nets.

The bungalows are set within lush gardens and centred around the pool and adjacent open air restaurant. Choose between the Laos or Western menu as well as spectacular views across the river to the pre-Angkorian Khmer ruins of Wat Phou (8 kilomteres away).

Explore Don Daeng by bicycle or on foot, and take the time to witness the natural beauty and unspoilt charm of the island.

The charming Riverside Boutique Resort is a luxurious sanctuary on the banks of the Nam Song River in beautiful Vang Vieng.

Surrounded by lush forests and limestone mountains, the hotel boasts 34 rooms with large balconies looking out over peaceful gardens, river or mountains. The décor in the stylish rooms features exotic wood and rattan furniture, and authentic artworks by local artists that reflect the traditions of the various Lao ethnic groups.

Dine at the elegant Restaurant du Crabe d’Or, which is named after one of the area’s most well-known caves. The menu offers authentic Lao dishes created with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, as well as traditional Asian and French cuisine.  Enjoy sundowner cocktails and lounge music at Nam Song Bar, surrounded by artworks depicting some of Laos’ birds and orchids.

Unwind with a relaxing herbal treatment at the Riverside Sala Spa, where traditional Lao therapies are combined with western techniques.

The resort is just a ten-minute walk from town, and is also near to a quiet village on the western bank of the river. Head out into the countryside on foot or bicycle to explore.