Laos doesn't have as many luxury offerings as Cambodia or Vietnam and Thailand knocks the socks off most other Asian countries when it comes to luxe designer digs. However the times they are a-changing. Laos is on the edge of style and The Luxury Travel Bible is in there at the beginning. We can just make ten choices that we think our discerning, experienced and let's be honest downright picky (we mean that in a good way) readers will be happy with. Some are chosen for the ultimate in luxury, others for the unique experience. As for Laos, we say 'Go now!' because lack of luxe also means the country still has charm and isolation. And we know you like that as much as you like butler service...well, almost.
The 'By Alila' and 'Alila villas', run by Alila Hotels, are brands The Luxury Travel Bible is increasingly fond of because they consistently deliver style and atmosphere yet retain the 'spirit of place'.
Vientiane hasn't yet caught up with Luang Prabang in the chic little hotel stakes which is maybe why this hotel feels the need to include the word 'boutique' in its actual name.
If you fancy hitting the heights then stay at this elegant Orient Express residence .This is the only hotel in Luang Prabang built on Phou Vao Hill ,which means the hill of the kites.
Once the official residence of Prince Souvannaphouma, this little gem operates under the auspices the Colours of Angsana brand , which is little sister to the luxury Banyan Tree brand.
This estate is a very cosmopolitan enterprise, created in 2005 by a Swiss architect, a local Luang businessman, and a French consultant, all of whom shared a vision to create new villas which offered privacy tranquillity and style for visitors to the town they all loved.
This offering is more about unique style than five star rating. Satri means 'House of Women' and it is a woman, Lamphoune Voravongsa who has put it all together.
The garden neighbourhood in Luang Prabang is where the boutique hotels blossom. One of the newest is Villa Maly, built round the 1938 residence of Princess Khampieng and Prince Khamtan, who was Prefect of the provinces of Luang Prabang, Vientiane and Sayabouri.
