Hotel
La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Luang Prabang
A resort of 36 suites set just above Luang Prabang, with sweeping views over town and mountains, a spa, an infinity-edged pool and a restaurant whose cooking leans into Lao cuisine.
The story
Phou Vao sits in grounds of a former royal residence, tended by a team of gardeners and high enough to feel quiet while staying minutes from the centre. The suites are dressed in red lacquer doors, rosewood and handwoven Hmong textiles, with terrazzo bathtubs and patios, and come in Garden Heritage, Mountain View and Phou Si Temple versions. Gongs mark arrivals and departures, and local musicians play in the lobby on some nights. The restaurant draws diners from town as well as guests, serving Lao dishes such as khao soi alongside fried eggplant, prawns, mango sticky rice and sesame balls, plus Lao-inspired cocktails. The spa pool looks out over the countryside, and the hotel runs cooking classes, morning yoga and starlight dinners.
Good to know
TAGGG AI- ✦The hotel runs a shuttle and an on-demand driver into town, though the centre is also reachable on foot.
- ✦Non-guests can book dinner, and the team can arrange pickup and drop-off plus wine pairings with the dishes.
- ✦Try the khao soi, fried eggplant, prawns and mango sticky rice; vegetarian and vegan menus are available too.
