11 Best Hotels in Laos

A small boutique hotel on a quiet lane near the Mekong River, the Ansara is convenient to local attractions. Its 28 upscale rooms come equipped with complimentary minibars and free laptops for guest use. The adjoining La Signature, which serves French cuisine, is one of Vientiane's best restaurants.

For a luxury Robinson Crusoe experience, nothing surpasses La Folie, with spacious bungalows that have stunning views of the Mekong and Wat Phou across the way. The lodge fronts the largest sandy beach in the 4,000 Islands area, and the unique arrival boat trip and bicycles to get around the island are included in the price. With tourism on Don Daeng still in its infancy, the island and its locals offer unparalleled unspoiled charm. Rooms go for a substantial discount in the off-season.

Situated around UNESCO-protected ponds, Maison Dalabua is a peaceful escape, while still in the city. With a deceptively modest entrance that blends into the neighborhood, the property opens up into an expansive complex teeming with foliage. Decorated in fine Lao textiles, the comfortable rooms are equipped with bathtubs and verandas. Breakfast is served on a pond-side deck. The hotel's restaurant, Manda de Laos, is also highly recommended. 

This gorgeous riverfront boutique resort with outdoor rain-style showers and truly cool air-conditioning is the perfect spot to start or end a southern Laos excursion. A bit north of Champassak Town, secluded from the road, the resort has two swimming pools, a spa, and a fantastic restaurant. Extras include Mekong sunset cruises and trips to the Bolaven Plateau and Si Phan Don.

With the best riverside viewpoint in town, overlooking fabulous mountain scenery and an atmospheric wooden bridge, this upscale boutique hotel is blissfully, beautifully serene. The suites overlook the river and have huge balconies and sun loungers. The swimming pool is a big draw on hot afternoons, and the on-site Restaurant du Crabe d'Or is Vang Vieng's swankiest eatery.

The former residence of Prince Souvannaphouma, prime minister in the 1960s, has been transformed into one of Luang Prabang's top hotels. The colonial-style mansion contains the reception area, an open-air restaurant, a bar, and, upstairs, the suites; the regular rooms occupy a newer building alongside the main building. All the accommodations are large, bright, and attractively furnished, with small balconies overlooking tropical greenery. Ask for a room at the back, away from the busy street, for more peace and quiet, or opt for the prince's bedroom suite, which is spacious, elegant, and romantic. The hotel has a decent swimming pool, a nice spa, and guests have access to free bicycles.

This central hotel's well-appointed rooms have wood floors, large and modern en-suite bathrooms, and balconies offering stunning views of the Nam Song and mountain backdrop. You'll also find an attractive pool housed in a modern industrial-chic building. 

Something of a local landmark, the Lao Plaza stands six stories tall in the center of town. The modest exterior is a contrast to the modern comforts within: rooms are furnished with blond woods, shades of slate gray and navy blue, and some homey touches like fresh flowers and fluffy pillows.

A five-minute drive from the airport, this modern hotel with a sweeping art-nouveau facade has a pleasant location in front of Fa Ngum Park. The Mercure has all the usual Accor chain comforts and facilities, including a dance club that is popular with locals.

Rooms with Lao textiles and decor, finely crafted wood floors, and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and fast Wi-Fi make this boutique hotel on a quiet downtown street a splendid choice. Some rooms have temple views, and a spa, a bar, and a decent restaurant are on-site. The staff here speaks fluent English, a plus in these parts. The hotel is a block or so up from the river in the heart of the city center. The 4th-floor Pepper Wood Bar is highly recommended for its creative tipples and nice view.

The final residence of Laos's royal family has been renovated into one of the Old Town's most luxurious addresses. Perfectly situated next to Wat Xieng Thong and fronting the Mekong at the quiet northern end of the peninsula, this hotel evokes Luang Prabang's heritage but also pampers guests with an au courant spa and a sterling riverside restaurant. Some rooms have private plunge pools.