La Residence Phou Vao

Press Reviews

Conde Nast Traveler (US), August 2011
"A five-minute tuk-tuk ride from the historic center, La Résidence Phou Vao has understated luxury, a peaceful spa, and the town's best swimming pool. My favorite meal was served poolside here: crispy vegetable and spring rolls and steamed cabbage and tofu."

Conde Nast Traveler (US), Gold List 2011
""The place has charm." Surrounded by gardens and spread across four two-story buildings, the hotel is "slightly removed from the action - just perfect." Phou Savanh restaurant serves Laotian cuisine, but "it's more authentic at local restaurants." "Large rooms with sitting areas are a wonderful place to have a nightcap." "Mostly Laotian and clearly well trained, staff interact with guests in a friendly manner.""

Conde Nast Traveller (UK), November 2009
"This five-star property is an elegant blend of traditional architecture and modern luxury. The restaurant overlooks the pool and the town below. It's a little bit away from the centre, but a shuttle bus can take you into town, and numerous rickshaws will ferry you home."

Marie Claire, September 2009
"Luang Prabang, our next stop, casts its spell in seconds. It's a gentle, beguiling city boasting intense colour, immense antiquities and fading French colonial architecture. Here we meet Lien, the master of our ceremonies, and have our most luxurious sojourn at La Résidence Phou Vao.

It's an exquisite hilltop oasis with dramatic views of temples jutting through coconut groves. The staff lay on a '500 Candle Dinner' set on a private deck, where we are surrounded by a flickering, winking ocean of light. As the meal - chicken on lemon-grass skewers and Mekong perch - draws to a close, two massive mulberry paper balloons, powered by candles and packed with good wishes, float into the night sky."

Lonely Planet
"Long-considered the leading hotel in Luang Prabang, this beautiful resort occupies a crest on Phu Vao (Kite Hill) on the southern edge of town. Formerly the Pansea, the rooms here are large and open-plan, with pool-like bathtubs and private verandas with day beds.

Enter the lobby and you'll immediately fall for the place. It's minimalist and beautiful with a lovely reflective pool looking out onto the mountain views beyond. Facilities include an infinity-drop pool with a perfect panorama over the city and countryside beyond. The rooms have satellite TV, minibar, IDD telephone, safety deposit box and enough sliding doors to choose between large and open or small and intimate. Waking up to the misty mornings in the valley below is the perfect way to start a day in Luang Prabang. As well as the impressive regular rooms, there are several suites complete with lounge and DVD player. The restaurant includes a fine selection of authentic Lao and international food - a meal overlooking the pool is an atmospheric way to end the day. A generous breakfast buffet is included."