On his trip through Laos from Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw, Mark Bibby Jackson stays at the Luang Prabang View hotel and discovers there is much more to the luxury resort than an admittedly wonderful panorama.
Life does not get much better than luxuriating in your own private pool while floating above the most beautiful city in Southeast Asia. But, alas, such was the treat that lay in store for me when I checked into the Luang Prabang View Hotel.
While other hotels congregate inside the UNESCO world heritage city, the Luang Prabang View Hotel rises above them all like a distant cloud. It took three years to build this luxury resort, completed in 2010, but as with Hercules the labours were not in vain.
My 120-square metre pool villa is a case in point; designed with an exacting eye, from the draperies to the teak wood floors and the elegant murals. A day-bed affords views of the township and surrounding countryside, that is if you can draw yourself away from private plunge pool. But draw yourself, you should as the main pool – the largest infinity pool in Luang Prabang – is equally spectacular, with its 360-degree view of all below.
If taking a dip is not for you, then you can always try a cocktail under the starts at the pool and terrace bar.
Read Johan Smits’ Luang Prabang: Laos Past or Future?
Alternatively, pamper yourself at the Champa Hom Spa, with its range of massages, beauty treatments and facials designed to reduce stress and boost your vitality.
I have never been one to linger long at a resort, and as such the hotel’s lofty perch was something I initially viewed upon as a disadvantage. However, the excellent mini-bus service into town ensured that I had the best of both worlds, allowing me to enjoy my traditional sunset dinner overlooking the Mekong at the terrace of one of the small restaurants perched precariously on its banks, before returning to my villa for a late night dip.
After an excellent breakfast in the Som View restaurant I then departed on my trip to Nong Khiaw and the 100 waterfalls, before returning once more to the Luang Prabang View a couple of days later.
Whatever disappointment I felt at finding myself in a Terrace King room quickly dissipated when I cast my eye at the view, which was if anything even better than from the Pool Villa. This time I enjoyed watching the sun dip behind the mountains in the distance rather than from the banks of the Mekong.
John Williams, the resort’s General Manager, is a mine of information on things to do in Luang Prabang during your stay – as well as the best bars in town. So be sure to tap into him during your stay.
As for mine, the only disappointment was that I could not take the view back with me when I returned home.
Rates at the Luang Prabang View Hotel
Rates vary from around $120 for a standard room in low season (21 April to 30 September) to $850 for the Pool Villa in high season. There are also special packages on offer – see here, or enter your travel dates into our hotel search engine below to find the best deals available on the web:
Luang Prabang View Photo Gallery
Luang Prabang View Hotel
Phou Meo, Thai Lao Friendship Road, Luang Prabang, Laos.
T : +856 71 260 560
