Laos Hotels

Chosen by Alex Robinson, travel journalist and our Laos specialist · Updated November 2026

Where to Stay in Laos: Hand-Picked Hotels and Riverside Lodges

Hotels in Laos are small and full of character, from French colonial buildings in Vientiane and Luang Prabang to riverside lodges on the Mekong and simple bungalows among limestone peaks and islands. Outside the two main cities, comfort is often simpler than in Thailand or Vietnam, so we choose places with the best locations, friendly service and good food, and we tell you honestly what to expect.

Every hotel on this page can be included in a tailor-made Laos holiday. For visas, money and when to go, read our Laos travel guide.

How We Choose Our Laos Hotels

• Location: in the old town, on the river or close to the sights, so you can walk to temples, markets and boat piers.
• Character: heritage buildings, riverside lodges and locally run guesthouses rather than big chains.
• Honest comfort: in remote areas such as Muang Ngoi and the Four Thousand Islands, we choose the best available, which may be simple.
• Local benefit: hotels that employ and train local staff and buy from local suppliers.

Our Laos Hotels by Region

1. Luang Prabang

• Victoria Xiengthong Palace: a heritage hotel next to Wat Xieng Thong, the town’s most famous temple, at the tip of the old town peninsula overlooking the Mekong.
• Le Bel Air Resort: a peaceful riverside resort with gardens and a pool, a short distance from the old town.

2. The Mekong and the North

• Le Grand Pakbeng Resort: wooden bungalows above the Mekong at Pakbeng, the overnight stop on the slow boat journey to Luang Prabang.
• Maison de Nong Khiaw: a small, relaxed base in Nong Khiaw on the Nam Ou river, surrounded by limestone peaks and walking trails.
• Ning Ning Guesthouse: simple riverside bungalows in car-free Muang Ngoi, reached only by boat. Basic, but in one of the most peaceful spots in Laos.

3. Vang Vieng

• Riverside Boutique Resort: a stylish hotel on the Nam Song river with views of the karst mountains, gardens and a pool.

4. Vientiane

• Settha Palace Hotel: a restored French colonial mansion from the 1930s in the centre of the capital, with a pool and tropical garden.
• Souphattra Hotel: a modern all-suite hotel with Lao design touches, a good choice for families and longer stays.

5. The South: Champasak and the Four Thousand Islands

• The River Resort Champasak: contemporary villas on the banks of the Mekong, close to the temple of Wat Phou.
• Sengahloune Resort: comfortable bungalows on Don Khone, the best base for cycling around the island and visiting the waterfalls of Si Phan Don.

Laos Hotels at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I stay in Luang Prabang?

On or near the old town peninsula, so you can walk to the temples, the night market and the dawn alms giving. Hotels across the Nam Khan river or just outside the centre are quieter and often have more space and a pool.

What are hotels like in rural Laos?

Outside Luang Prabang, Vientiane and Vang Vieng, hotels are smaller and simpler, with fewer facilities. In places like Muang Ngoi and parts of the far south, the best rooms may be basic bungalows with fans rather than air-conditioning, but the settings are beautiful and the welcome is warm.

Where should I stay in the Four Thousand Islands?

Don Khone is the best base for most visitors. It’s quieter than neighbouring Don Det, with easy cycling to the waterfalls and the old French railway bridge. For more comfort, combine it with a night or two in Champasak.

Do Laos hotels have air-conditioning and wifi?

All the hotels we use in the main towns have air-conditioning and wifi. In remote areas, wifi can be slow and the electricity may go off for short periods. We’ll tell you before you book which stops are simpler.

How far ahead should I book hotels in Laos?

For the busy season from November to February, and especially Christmas, New Year and Lao New Year in April, book four to six months ahead. The best hotels in Luang Prabang are small and fill up first.

Are Laos hotels suitable for families?

Yes. Many hotels have family rooms or connecting rooms, and resorts such as Le Bel Air, Riverside Boutique Resort and Settha Palace have pools, which children love after a day of sightseeing.

Plan Your Stay

See how these hotels fit together in our 15-day Wild Laos holiday, explore our Laos bespoke holidays or read our Laos travel guide. To start planning, request a video call with Alex.