Laos Luxury Boutique Hotels, Eco-Resorts and River Cruises by Secret Retreats

The best hotels in Laos by Secret Retreats

Visitors to this mystical destination will find that Laos accommodation comes in many shapes and forms. In popular centres like Luang Prabang and Vientiane, visitors have a full range of choices, from boutique hotels and humble guesthouses to luxury resorts and everything between.

Focusing on culture and style, we highly recommend Laos boutique hotels as the perfect balance of local immersion and comfort. Secret Retreats Members in Laos offer luxury hotels in historic mansions, Laos’ best riverside resorts, eco-retreats in breathtaking natural surroundings and even the chance to live the high life on the waters by cruising the Mother of Rivers.

Luxury boutique hotels in Laos

In Southeast Asia, some luxury hotels tower above the streets in glittering skyscrapers while others spread across beaches with all-inclusive wonders. Luxury boutique hotels in Laos opt for a more subtle approach.

One fine example of the country’s living history, and possibly one of the best hotels in Laos, is Satri House in Luang Prabang. A gem amongst Laos boutique hotels, this French colonial style mansion was built for royalty, but now offers visitors a chance to rest their heads in unparalleled comfort while getting more closely acquainted with Lao history, culture and cuisine. The team here are passionate about crafting experiences that highlight the best of Luang Prabang and also offer world class amenities including multiple pools and an onsite spa.

River resorts in Laos

Life in Laos practically begins and ends on its rivers, which is why it shouldn’t come as a surprise that river resorts in Laos are some of the finest places to stay.

In Luang Prabang, which is nestled at the fork of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, many opt to stay in the quaint downtown of the UNESCO World Heritage city. Along the banks of the Nam Khan, however, visitors get a closer glimpse into local life in Laos. Luxury resort The Apsara Rive Droite is an intimate property tucked in between crooked lanes and temples where you can retreat into luxury in between journeys by boat to the town centre or to destinations beyond.

Further south in Champasak, one can stay at the River Resort. This river view resort in Laos is a jewel on the banks of the Mekong. In southern Laos, the landscapes open up and on the water’s edge you can appreciate the panoramic scenery of rice paddies, jungles and blue mountains in the distance. Equal parts eco-resort and luxury resort, on site you can enjoy being surrounded by nature, retreat to the spa or dine al fresco by the river. The hotel’s team can also arrange excursions into the countryside or to historic and natural marvels down the river.

Eco resorts in Laos

Visitors looking for an eco lodge in Laos to get back to nature without sacrificing comfort and style will enjoy Muang La Lodge Eco Resort in the northern hill country.

Surrounded by unspoilt rainforest and hills, where Laos’ many ethnic groups dwell, the town of Muang La is a vibrant, if modestly-sized, cultural hub. Muang La Lodge Eco Resort is tucked down by the river, offering a tranquil getaway where visitors can be nestled in nature while enjoying top class spa and sauna experiences, including bathing in healing waters fed by the onsite natural hot spring. Around this Laos luxury resort, guests can explore the hills and meet the indigenous people who call this picturesque, mountainous landscape home.

River cruises in Laos

Not to be left off the list of best hotels in Laos or Laos luxury hotels, are its luxury river cruises. For the river view resort experience that gives you the most sightseeing options without ever stepping foot out your door, cruise the Mekong River on a luxury riverboat.

From Luang Prabang, explore the Mekong River in style aboard Satri Boat River Cruises. Enjoy day cruises to destinations like Donchor Island or charter your own journey. Nothing beats sightseeing from the upper deck of this traditional riverboat whilst enjoying the most memorable cuisine and service Laos has to offer.

Travelling between Luang Prabang and Huay Xai, the Luang Say Cruise charts a journey where guests can experience typical Lao village life while also including a stop at the magical Pak Ou Caves. On this two-day journey, visitors also stop at another one of Laos’ boutique hotels, Luang Say Lodge, an idyllic retreat on the banks of the Mekong.

Further south, the Vat Phou Cruise offers a three-day sightseeing itinerary between Pakse and Champasak aboard a river-borne boutique hotel. Stops include the Khmer ruins of Vat Phou, the mysterious hidden forest temple of Oum Muong, small traditional villages, the “4,000 Islands” of Si Phun Don and Southeast Asia’s largest waterfalls at Pha Pheng.

With plenty of destinations, activities and Laos resorts, the country deserves to be discovered thoroughly... a journey best done with Secret Retreats.