"Part of Sofitel’s MGallery collection, 3 Nagas is an intimate French Colonial–style property with 15 rooms spread across two whitewashed villas. Seven are located in the circa-1898 Lamache House, which once held the official ice cream supplier of the royal court, while the other eight are in the 1903 Khamboua House, allegedly constructed using wood transported on elephants from across the Nam Khan river. Accommodations hew to the theme with canopied four-poster beds (as well as ceilings and architectural beams) made of dark hardwood, and the absence of televisions help to maintain the quiet atmosphere. Though there’s not much in the way of public facilities, an indoor–outdoor restaurant serves Lao specialties such as fish steamed in banana leaves and stuffed lemongrass with minced pork, and guests have access to complimentary bicycles and are welcome to use the pool, spa, and fitness room at the Sofitel Luang Prabang , a short shuttle ride away."

"La Résidence Phou Vao You’d be hard-pressed to find a more romantic property than Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao. Tucked away in a quiet hillside neighborhood that’s just a 20-minute walk from the heart of Luang Prabang and spread across three acres of lush grounds, the tranquil boutique resort is a maze of foliage-fringed paths illuminated at night with flickering lanterns. The 34 guest rooms speak the same love language with locally sourced materials, including low wooden tables and Laotian pottery and basketry, as well as stylish comforts like canopy beds, terrazzo bath tubs, and huge balconies with views of the gardens or city center below. When you’re not spending your days trekking from temple to wat, hole up in the spa, where traditional herbal steam baths are guaranteed to soothe sore limbs. Then dine on Franco-Laotian delicacies under the stars in the garden at the elegant on-site restaurant."

"Just a few blocks fromLuang Prabang’s renowned night market, Burasari Heritage remains relatively quiet despite being in the heart of town. Thecolonial-inspired rooms feel like those you might find in a country retreat, with teak floors and walls, campaign-style furnishings, and brightly hued traditional linens; bordered by shady palms studded with jewel-shaped lanterns, a terrace restaurant follows suit with views over the Nam Khan river. The hotel’slocation makes it an excellent spot for participating in the famous morning alms ceremony, in which orange-clad Buddhist monks accept charitable donations, usually in the form of sticky rice, from locals, but it also puts a heavy emphasis on the experiential aspects of travel, with offerings that include market-to-table cooking classes centered on regional specialties and evening long-tail boat cruises on the Mekong. By Cindy Fan"

"If you’re looking for one of the best deals in town, look no further than Le Sen, an intimate boutique hotel located within a mile of most of Luang Prabang’s major sites.Though the rates here are slightly more reasonable than the area’s five-star resorts—which means the property books up fast—the 16 rooms and suites and two private villas overlook a serene courtyard pool and come with luxury perks such as mini refrigerators, Jacuzzi tubs, and room service. Comfortable as private spaces are, the helpful, gregarious staff is what really sets this place apart. Start your day with a morning workout at the fitness center, then enjoy an alfresco breakfast at the on-site restaurant. In the evenings, complimentary shuttles are on hand to take guests into town for the night market."

"Why we love it: A dreamy hideaway set beside its very own waterfall The Highlights: - Guestrooms that tell stories about Laotian history - A restaurant committed to serving local dishes - A location just 15 minutes from town that still feels worlds away The Review: The sounds of a gentle waterfall; a bridge that doubles as a bar; giant, pumpkin-colored lanterns that light up the grounds at night—all that and more comes together to help make Rosewood’s first property in Laos something particularly special. Imagined by noted American-born,Bangkok-based designer Bill Bensley, the forested resort is centered around The Great House, a dramatic, open-air pavilion that serves as the main restaurant (there are interior spaces with fireplaces for the rare chilly evening), as well as the reception. Just off The Great House sits the pool; both look out over a mellow river—bisected by a small waterfall—that runs through the property. From there, the 23 accommodations climb either side of the river. Spacious riverside rooms and suites occupy their own two-story building; most interconnect, so you can take an entire floor if traveling with a group. (Note that you can also fish off the decks of the lower-level rooms, using the provided equipment.) Riverside villas offer a bit more space; waterfall pool villas have their own super-sized plunge pools, sun deck, and outdoor wooden tub; and hilltop tents—another first for Rosewood—have dining areas and sweeping views. Each room is inspired by a different historical person or group—from French-Indochine explorers and artists to Laotian hill tribes—so while they’re all awash in bold patterns and beautiful furnishings, the decor and design specifics differ. You might find original engravings and newspaper clippings from the colonial period, or a collection of whimsical hats, or even an unfinished canvas waiting for your contribution. Along with the pool, shared facilities include the main restaurant, where French chef Sebastien Rubis—a designated Chef Ambassador of the United Nations for his work in preserving Laotian culinary traditions—serves flavorful Laotian dishes made with foraged ingredients. The Elephant Bar is the place for evening drinks literally over the river (the bar is set on a bridge), while a tented riverside spa offers treatments using Laotian techniques and herbs from the hotel’s garden; services can also be booked with a local healer. The resort even offers transfers to and from town and a wide array of excursions—from Mekong day cruises and visits with Buddhist monks to a tour of an elephant sanctuary—but be sure to save time for just chilling on property."

"Straddling the banks of the Nam Khan river, about a mile from the night market, Villa Maydou is a luxurious but pleasantly low-key boutique hotel that feels like an old friend’s home. The 29 rooms are spread across five traditional villas, two of which date to 1925 and 1936 and have been restored by a husband-and-wife team with guidance from UNESCO’s office in Luang Prabang (the whole town is a World Heritage site). All rooms feature a mix of locally sourced furnishings and classic embroidered linens and are surrounded by tranquil gardens that teem with tropical flora. An open-air restaurant provides sustenance for a day of exploring the area’s more than 33 wats —free loaner bicycles make getting around town a breeze—while a small pool at the center of the property offers cool comfort after a day in the Laotian sun."