The Best Hotels to Book in Vientiane, Laos

The first five-star hotel in Laos is right in the middle of the business district. Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, you’ll feel right at home. There are suites, including the two-storey presidential suite with a private jacuzzi, and rooms with twin or queen beds. You’ll find three eateries in the hotel, including a dim sum restaurant. But if you’re eating on the run, plump cinnamon buns are also served fresh in the bakery. You can go souvenir shopping in the boutiques found in the hotel or at the nearby Vientiane Night Market.

A chic hotel in the heart of the Chanthabouly District, the Crowne Plaza Vientiane is well worth a stay. Whether you choose a twin, double or king suite, you’ll find traditional Laos styling – but with a modern twist. Think gold silk pillows and sleek teak furnishings mixed with Missoni cushions. You can book a treatment at the award-winning Senses Spa or enjoy a milky, essential oil-rich soak in your suite. Alternatively, if you’re feeling more sociable, you can dine at one of the on-site restaurants or relax with a glass of something chilled and pork-belly bites in the beer garden.

Watch as the sun sets over the Mekong River from the Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel. Each of the 188 rooms comes with a balcony that offers views of the river, city or pool. Within the palm-tree-filled grounds of this eight-storey waterfront hotel, you’ll find a spa, a yoga room, a pool and a cafe – there are also three restaurants to tempt you. Although you can while away the hours looking at the river, the Hophakaew Museum, Wat Si Saket and Vientiane Night Market are just a short walk away for exploring, too.

Sweeping wrought-iron French balconies and an overhanging roof add a historical touch to this boutique hotel. There are 42 rooms to choose from here – including the Salana suite with a king-size bed, a jacuzzi, a rain shower and a private balcony overlooking the Mekong River. Breakfast includes pancakes served with banana and mango puree, french toast served with cinnamon or honey, and eggs just how you like them. Souvenir shopping is also taken care of as the hand-carved wooden pieces scattered around the hotel are for sale.

This little gem – just a short walk from the Mekong River – is a Lao-style teak villa with lots of charm. On arrival, you’ll receive a welcome drink, a fruit platter and a handwoven Lao scarf. On the grounds, you’ll find a swimming pool shaded by frangipani trees and a restaurant serving Lao dishes on the terrace. If you want to explore, you can use one of the free bikes or take the free shuttle into the city centre.

White stucco colonial villas surround a spacious pool, and in the 28 rooms, you’ll find rich teak furnishings and handwoven silk headboards and cushions. Start your day with a breakfast that includes croissants, fresh fruit and eggs on the terrace before unwinding in the evening with a cocktail or two in the lobby bar. If you book one of the four suites, you’ll find a complimentary bottle of wine, a basket of seasonal fresh fruits and in-room music.

This 1930s mansion – found in the city centre – was lovingly restored by the original owner’s son. He spent five years returning it to its former glory. Now, you can revel in a villa that combines old-world charm with modern trappings. Within the rooms and suites, you’ll find marble bathrooms and four-poster beds. The hotel includes tranquil massage rooms and a whitewashed wood-panelled restaurant serving Lao and French dishes. The airport transfer is also a welcome treat when you book the hotel’s vintage London taxi.

As this is one of the tallest buildings in the city, it makes it the perfect base for sightseeing. Take the elevator to the bar on the top floor and drink in the view. Once you’re ready to explore some more, there’s an outdoor swimming pool, a spa – with 18 VIP massage rooms – and a karaoke room. The hotel has 331 rooms, but the plush gold-and-grey presidential suite lives up to expectations with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer expansive views of the city.

White wood-panelled walls, chandeliers and velvet Chesterfield sofas create a touch of elegance at this colonial hotel. Within the 26 bedrooms, you’ll find teak furniture, Lao paintings and local handicrafts. At breakfast, you can power up with eggs benedict, fluffy omelettes or crêpes, as well as Asian delicacies such as pho. You’ll need it for all that sightseeing you’re going to do, as Wat Mixay, Namphu Park and the Mekong Riverside Park are all on the doorstep.