Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao
Luang Prabang, Laos
At a Glance
La Residence Phou Vao is uniquely positioned outside Luang Prabang, giving it the wonderful feeling of being a lush tropical retreat
The Spa at La Résidence Phou Vao is the first luxury spa in Luang Prabang
Delicious French influenced local cuisine
Large outdoor swimming pool, perfect for relaxing by after a busy day of sightseeing
Enjoy one of their traditional cooking classes, where you can learn to prepare some exotic Laotian dishes
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
November to April is the best time to visit Laos with dry and warm weather, with March and April being the hottest months. October and May are also good months to visit with only a bit of rain. July to September are the wettest months in Laos.
Insider's View
We really recommend experiencing a traditional baci ceremony, an important part of Lao life. A baci ceremony is usually performed at important moments and events and is said to bring good luck. Ask us for more information as we can arrange this for you!
It takes two hours to light all the lanterns every evening and they are placed at every single nook and cranny. The effect is truly magical.
Even though you're just a short distance from the center of Luang Prabang, when you are lying by the pool overlooking the stunning mountain backdrop you feel like you are in the middle of no-where. The perfect place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing!
You must wander down to the spa for an oil massage, You will find yourself on a journey towards ultimate relaxation especially recommended after the plane journey. You can admire the thatched roofs of the beautiful spa.
Sampling the delicious Ping Sihn Khai Chicken and White Papaya salad with sticky rice I had prepared and cooked in the Cooking School with 12 different spices, vegetables and herbs from their garden with Jao Bong sauce was very satisfying and fun! Can't wait to try at home.
Definitely treat yourself to a Mountain View Room as the views from here are wonderful and is one of the reasons you would stay here.
Call us on 858 345 1762 to start planning your vacation to Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao or take a look at our itineraries to Luang Prabang
Description
Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao is a tranquil, colonial and beguiling luxurious retreat located on a hill overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang. With simply stunning views of Mount Phousi, it's a truly wonderful place to stay.
Set in two acres of lush tropical gardens, Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao sits in an outstanding location on a hill above Luang Prabang. This beautiful property, where East blends seamlessly with West, is a peaceful retreat and as it is only 10 minutes from Luang Prabang, it's easily accessible.
Each room and suite has been planned with local design and materials in mind creating an airy elegance; think teak wood floors and furnishings, with private balconies overlooking the surrounding area. The restaurant serves delicious Lao cuisine; beautifully presented in a simply stunning setting this and the chic bar is the perfect place to enjoy an aperitif as the sun sets over the amazing view.
The luxury spa at Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao has been built with traditional and local materials, including hand woven local silk panelling in keeping with the hotel's philosophy of a calming atmosphere and modern comforts. The indulgent and soothing treatments are based on traditional Laotian herbal remedies, designed to heal and nurture they only use pure botanical ingredients from local organic gardens and farms.
Scenic bicycle rides with hand made gourmet picnics, boat tours, walking tours and even Lao cooking classes can all be enjoyed here - the pace of life is relaxed, the hotel welcoming and the service outstanding.
Accommodation
There are 34 rooms and suites at Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao, all with wonderful views. The Garden View rooms are on the hotel's ground floor and are surrounded by lush tropical gardens. The Mountain View rooms have dramatic views of Luang Prabang and the Phou Si Temple set on the mountainside. The Pool View rooms look across to the temple but the immediate view is of the hotel's dramatic infinity pool that is beautifully lit at night. The two Garden Suites are on the first floor and have a separate living area and garden views.
Childcare
Children are welcome at Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao but there is not a great deal of entertainment for them here other than the swimming pool (which please note has no shallow end). Cots, extra beds and children's meals can all be provided and babysitting is also available.
Facilities
The restaurant is well known for its wonderful Laotian and French influenced cuisine, barbecues are available at lunchtime, and in the evening enjoy the romantic lantern lit gardens. The bar is great not only for drinks but for afternoon tea too. The Mekong Spa is Luang Prabang's first luxury spa and offers a full range of treatments using only pure botanical ingredients. The stunning 13 meter freshwater infinity swimming pool has views of the lush valleys and glittering golden pagodas below.
Activities
The hotel provides a regular complimentary shuttle bus into Luang Prabang or you could explore the surroundings by bicycle and a freshly prepared picnic. Learn to create Laotian meals with a cooking class, or take a boat tour or a walking tour to take in Laung Prabang's charm.
Reviews
Clare Barratt (Staff)
Really loved Belmond La Rsidence Belmond Phou Vao. It is very established with many inviting communal areas and the service was excellent. Amazing location for views, but not so close to town but they do have scheduled evening shuttle and an on demand shuttle during the day. The staff here were very helpful and welcoming and the General Manager Thomas will look after you very well. Rooms are incredibly spacious to include a big bathroom and furnished balcony and they are well equipped, they even have a Nespresso machine hard to come by in Laos! It is one of the more expensive options but very much worth it!
Jules Maury (Staff)
Belmond La Rsidence Phou Vao was built originally for the King's son to inherit, on the site where the King used to fly his kite as a little boy. Pho is Mountain and Vau is a kite. This charming Hotel built in the traditional Lao colonial style overlooking the Phousie Mountain and Temple is an oasis of peace nestled amongst UNESCO Heritage gardens of great lushness and beauty. Welcoming staff, gracious views, a river boat for exploring the Mekong and a tranquil position just on the edge of town, make this a perfect base for exploring Luang Prabang and the surrounding area.
Katie Kennard (Staff)
This is the perfect place for those who want to be within reach of the hustle and bustle of Luang Prabang. The gardens are beautifully maintained, rooms are surrounded by greenery and the views from the balconies are exceptional, you can see Phouse mountain lit up at night. A sense of personal privacy is achieved. The menu offers a wide variety, catering for all age groups however the wine is not cheap!
Evi-Elli La Valle (Staff)
The views from Belmond La Rsidence Phou Vao were a real highlight for me. Whether you are relaxing by the infinity pool or on your balcony, the views across the Lao countryside to Mount Phousi are magical. I would really recommend going for a Mountain View of Mountain Pool View room to make the most of it. The hotel is around 10mins from town but there is a shuttle bus and plenty of local tuk tuks so it is really not a problem to get around. It is a very small compromise to make for that amazing view.
Experiences
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Amantaka - Alms Offering (Tak Bat)
Every morning at sunrise (05:30-06:00) for centuries the tradition of Tak Bat has taken place. Partake in this contemplative and spiritual experience and offer Alms (sticky rice and other foods) with locals to the monastic population of Luang Prabang.
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Books Not Bombs
Sadly in Laos, books are often a luxury few can afford. Spend the day learning about the people and organizations trying to change this, bringing education and a love of reading to local children.
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Cookery Class at Tamarind
This shared excursion takes place at Tamarind, one of Laos' most celebrated restaurants. The lesson teaches you how to cook Lao food, but you'll also learn the habits and customs of the Lao people too.
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Elephant Experience at MandaLao
This wonderful morning experience takes you to a local elephant sanctuary just 40 minutes from Luang Prabang. You'll learn all about the majestic creatures and will feed and walk with them along tropical paths and through rice paddies.
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Gourmet Breakfast at Kuang Si Waterfall
Rise early to enjoy Kuang Si Waterfalls at its best with a gourmet breakfast picnic overlooking the emerald water.
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Kayaking on the Mekong
Spend the day leisurely paddling along the mighty Mekong, admiring the picturesque scenery, and visiting some of the more interesting sites along this stretch of one of Asia's most famous rivers.
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Kuang Si Waterfalls
Visit local markets and villages before heading out to the glorious Kuang Si Waterfalls, an idyllic spot that's ideal for swimming.
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Living Land Organic Farm
Spend an interactive morning at the Living Land Organic Farm, which is a rice farm. A local farming guide will teach you about the methods and you will have ample opportunities to give the methods a go yourselves!
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Luang Prabang by Bicycle
Cycling through Luang Prabang is one of the best ways to experience this small, safe and charming city, so we've created a full-day cycling tour that gets you down the tiny winding streets to the sparking temples and out to the local villages.
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Luang Prabang Full Day Tour
Enjoy a full day tour of the fascinating UNESCO protected city of Luang Prabang, exploring the Royal Palace, shimmering temples, ancient streets and traditional art and ethnology center. The day culminates in a climb to the top of Phousi Hill.
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Luang Prabang Walking Tour
Enjoy a walking tour of historic Luang Prabang with a local guide. This is one of the best ways to see and experience the hidden secrets and gems found in this wonderful town.
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Private Baci Ceremony
After another of your excursions you have the opportunity to participate in a private Baci Ceremony, which is a ritual in Lao culture used to celebrate important events and occasions.
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Responsible Luang Prabang
This completely unique and educational experience explores Big Brother Mouse, an innovative social enterprise in Luang Prabang that is committed to educating children by publishing and distributing books.
Vacation Ideas
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Grand Tour of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar
Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, Chiang Mai, Mandalay, Irrawaddy River, Bagan & Yangon
from $4500 pp 12 nights
- Combine the main highlights of Asia from the temples of Angkor Wat, Laos, Chiang Mai and Myanmar
- A chance to seamlessly combine multiple countries in one trip, allowing for some of Asia's greatest sites to be ticked off the bucket list
- Fantastic itinerary for those that like to travel at a fast pace, with never a dull moment and something new around each corner
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Grand Tour of Indochina
Saigon, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, Hanoi & Hoi An
from $12700 pp 21 nights
- This compelling trip journeys through Indochina in comfort; starting in Saigon, it cruises the Mekong over four days before exploring Cambodia's captivating and historic capital Phnom Penh, the ruins of Angkor, temples of Luang Prabang, backstreets of Hanoi and finally ending in Hoi An on Vietnam's coast.
- Experience many of Asia's best UNESCO World Heritage Sites all in one trip, including Angkor Wat and Luang Prabang
- Stay in a variety of fine boutique, historic and luxurious hotels- each town has something to suit everybody.
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Highlights of Northern Thailand and Laos
Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pakbeng, Luang Prabang, Bangkok
from $6500 pp 12 nights
- The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang is famed for its waterfalls, temples, monks and trips on the Mekong.
- Chiang Rai is part of the "Golden Triangle", with its stunning views over to Myanmar and Laos.
- The Luang Say Cruise is the perfect way to explore life on the Mekong and is a far more relaxing way to travel than flying.
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Laos and Thailand for Families
Luang Prabang, Bangkok, Khao Sok & Koh Lanta
from $4400 pp 12 nights
- This is an easy going but adventurous family friendly journey from Laos to Thailand, taking in some incredible activities that are ideal for active children. Starting in Luang Prabang, Laos' undisputed highlight, the journey continues to Bangkok, Khao Sok and Koh Lanta in Thailand.
- Stay at a luxury tented camp in Khao Sok, one of the world's oldest rainforests
- Cycle your way around Luang Prabang, one of Asia's finest historic cities that's flanked by glorious rivers and mountain scenery
Location & directions
Luang Prabang, Laos
La Résidence de Phou Vao is located atop the Phou Vao hill, easily accessible from Luang Prabang, Laos. Laos is located in the south-western part of the Indochina peninsula, bordered by Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.