Planning a Luang Prabang holiday? At Secret Retreats, we’re fans of travelling a little more slowly and taking the time to truly get to know the place you’re in. Laos, and Luang Prabang in particular, perfectly complement our philosophy, and our Members not only offer some of the best places to stay in Luang Prabang, they’re also experts in crafting immersive experiences with a thoughtful touch. If you’re looking for the best of Luang Prabang,
then look no further than Secret Retreats.

Hotels in Luang Prabang:

Luang Say Cruise & Lodge
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Luang Say Cruise & Lodge

Satri House
In the City
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Satri House

The Apsara Rive Droite

The Apsara Rive Droite
By the River
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Satri Boat

Satri Boat
Mekong River Cruises Luang Prabang – Private Charter
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Lounging along the Mekong

With no access to the sea, Laos’ culture, myths and pace of life are intimately related to the Mekong. This program will give you an insight into Laos:
  • the capital, Vientiane, converting itself from a colonial peaceful town into an Asian dynamic modern city.
  • the hills of the North populated by many semi-nomadic tribes who migrated for most from Yunnan and Myanmar - Ikhos, Khamu, Hmong…
  • the eternal and spiritual UNESCO town of Luang Prabang, which still lives today at the rhythm of its monasteries.

The 8 nights’ tour will first allow you to visit Vientiane, the country’s capital which still has a provincial feel with only half a million inhabitants. You will then fly to Oudomxay to reach MuangLa for 3 days of immersion into the local way of life, surrounded by nature: discover the Khamu, Ikhos and Hmong people and learn about their origins, traditions and work in the fields. A cruise on the magnificent Nam Ou River will take you to Luang Prabang for 3 nights at Satri House. During your stay, you will witness the famous daily Alms Ceremony, explore the many sights and temples of the UNESCO town and cruise on the Mekong. You can complete your journey with an extension in Siem Reap or Bangkok.

For further information, please contact: dream@secret-retreats.com and download the full program here

Itineraries in Laos:



MAP OF ASIA


A Dreamy Luang Prabang Holiday Stay at one of Our Boutique Hotels

Encircled by verdant foliage and mountains and located at the confluence of two rivers in north-central Laos, Luang Prabang is the heart and pride of Lao culture. Previously the capital of the first Lao kingdom, temples, pagodas, Lao wooden houses and French colonial buildings form the backdrop of this UNESCO World Heritage city.

Day and night, the city offers delights for the senses. Begin with a feast for the eyes as every morning, hundreds of monks in saffron-coloured robes walk the quiet streets collecting alms. Wondrous aromas of freshly cooked food and the sweet smell of frangipani trees float through the air as the town comes alive. Celebrating life, the local people’s distinctive culture includes traditional dancing, music, and special occasions held throughout the year. The colourful stalls at the outdoor street market held nightly offer a glimpse at the indigenous cultures of Lao represented through handicrafts and traditional costumes.

Most of Luang Prabang can be explored on foot or by bicycle. Spiritual encounters can be found at Luang Prabang’s most beautiful temple Wat Xieng Thong, Vat Visoun, Vat Phousi, and Vat Mai. A slow boat ride down the Mekong River to explore the famous Pak Ou Caves and witness local village life is highly recommended. Bask in the calm antiquity of one of Southeast Asia’s most atmospheric cities.

Which Boutique Hotels in Luang Prabang to Stay At?

Boutique hotels in Luang Prabang come in all shapes and forms. Spend the night in a renovated French-colonial manse or luxuriate in a sumptuous riverside resort. Whatever the taste or budget, the perfect Luang Prabang hotel can be found to suit.

For those who want extra culture and charm on their Luang Prabang holiday, however, we can make a few recommendations regarding places to stay in Luang Prabang and which parts of town to stay in.

Those who want to be at the heart of the action with everything at their doorstep may wish to stay in the Old Town on the peninsula. Located between the bend where the Nam Kham curves to flow into the Mekong, it is here you’ll find sites like the Royal Palace and Luang Prabang’s most famous temples. While a popular choice with first-time visitors, one drawback of staying in this UNESCO World Heritage-listed area is that lounging poolside is out of the equation.

Travellers who want both convenience and a Luang Prabang hotel with a pool may wish to stay just outside the old quarter in the Wat Manorom neighbourhood. While those who seek river views without the hustle and bustle should head to the Nam Khan riverside area.

Live in Luxury at Satri House Hotel Luang Prabang

The top luxury hotels in Luang Prabang can be found near picturesque Wat Manorom. Among those palatial boutique hotels is Satri House, built in 1904 for none other than the first President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Prince Souphanouvong. Fit for royalty, this heritage boutique hotel was designed in the French colonial style and is surrounded by immaculate tropical gardens.

The well-appointed guestrooms and suites are attractive in and of themselves, but the onsite restaurant, garden bar, library, antique gallery, spa and multiple swimming pools make this compound an oasis of old-world luxury. Within easy access to both the historic centres of Luang Prabang and the Mekong waterfront, Satri House is an ideal place from which to explore.

Relax by the River at the Apsara Hotel Luang Prabang

Of all the Namkhan riverside hotels in Luang Prabang, we’ve chosen the Apsara Rive Droite Hotel as a Member because of their impeccable blend of Lao tradition, French-colonial influence and modern comfort. A tranquil haven, the Apsara Rive Droite Hotel is also a gateway to the quieter, less-visited parts of Luang Prabang that few travellers ever see. While the Old Town on the peninsula can be easily reached by complimentary boat service, those staying at this riverside hotel in Luang Prabang can also easily walk or cycle to reach small villages at the edge of town and enjoy chance encounters with locals and a more intimate glimpse into Lao life.

Complete Your Luang Prabang Hotel Holiday with a Journey on the Mekong

Of course, no visit to Luang Prabang, no matter how decadent or relaxed your preferences, is complete without a journey along the “Mother of Waters,” the Mekong River. The lifeblood of Laos, this waterway not only connects the urban centres of Laos, it also leads you to one of the country’s most sacred sites, the famed Pak Ou Caves. For those who want to experience life on the Mekong in ultimate comfort and style, Satri Boat River Cruises is an excellent choice. The luxury boutique experience of Satri House comes to this 53-metre, five-cabin floating holiday home. With ample room on the upper deck for a party with a hundred of your closest friends, and the gourmet kitchen to cater to them, Satri Boat is an ideal choice for an unforgettable event above the Mekong, but this luxury boat can also be chartered for travels beyond Luang Prabang. If the road less travelled is more your style, we recommend a journey with Luang Say Luxury River Cruises. Aboard this sumptuous riverboat, which travels between Luang Prabang and Huay Xai, enjoy a curated itinerary which takes you to rural villages, the majestic and mythic Pak Ou caves, and also includes a stop at their own Luang Say Lodge, a luxury eco-lodge nestled in a quiet riverbend on the Mekong boasting panoramic views of farm fields and mighty mountains behind the river. Still wondering where to stay or what to do in Luang Prabang? Get in touch with Secret Retreats concierge to start planning a customised Luang Prabang holiday.
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Travel Asia with Secret Retreats

Secret Retreats is a curated community of independent boutique hotel, villas, yachts and river boats keen to share their Asian Homes with travelers, sustainably and responsibly. Conservation of the environment, culture and traditions of Asia is of paramount importance to all in Secret Retreats. A community of like-minded hospitality professionals, we offer our guests authentic travel experiences that go beyond typical offerings to unveil the essence of Asia. Supporting the Asia based hoteliers and hospitality professionals and providing incredible holidays in Asia and tailor-made Asia travel itineraries direct to public ad travel agents.
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