Luang Prabang, Laos is one of the most charming cities in all of Asia. After extensive travel throughout much of Asia, I recently had the pleasure of visiting Laos for the first time – and Luang Prabang quickly beguiled me, becoming a top five favorite Asian city.
Its easy, laid-back nature, beautiful architecture, friendly people and amazing temples and history add to its allure. And while the entire town of Luang Prabang is relatively quiet and peaceful, if you want to go just on its edges to truly escape into a refuge of luxury, then check out Hotel de la Paix.
While located in a quiet neighborhood at the edge of town, Hotel de la Paix is anything but remote or isolated. In just a few blocks you are at one of Luang Prabang’s main streets, and the bicycles made available for guests allow you to easily get anywhere in the city within minutes. In fact, Luang Prabang is an immensely bikable city, and using the bikes to get around during my stay was one of the most enjoyable parts of the experience.
Hotel de la Paix is a modern yet comfortable luxury hotel, with every detail taken care of yet still an oasis of classic chic in its decor. In spite of its slightly more contemporary look, this is a century-old World Heritage site, once the governor’s mansion and also serving at one time as a fort and a jail.
The heritage property has been sensitively renovated by renowned Thai architect Duangrit Bunnag, protecting the traditional French colonial structure, introducing traditional Lao architecture into the new wing to the rear of the property and gracing the interiors with contemporary Asian style.
Right outside the entrance, neighborhood children make their way to and from school on foot or by push bike. Buddhist monks of all ages cloaked in saffron robes walk by in small groups at all hours of the day. Within the walls of this one-time fort, warring thoughts wane and serenity reigns. Cultures connect. Art lives and breathes. Engage with spaces dedicated to creation, where artisans hone time-honoured skills and happily share their secrets.
Today, 23 spacious Suites await, each with a walled rear garden and a terrace overlooking a sun-kissed courtyard; some with their own expansive and very private swimming pools.
Traditional Lao accents complement the modern style palette, reflecting the destination in a supremely relaxing environment. Indulge in the comfort of large, soft-cushioned sofas and lounge chairs, luxurious bed linens, bathrooms with rain showers and feature bathtubs. Add to these the latest music and movie technologies including HD Flatscreen TV, DVD player, iPod and WiFi for your in-suite entertainment.
Most suites also feature an optional outdoor bathtub and rain shower. Each suite includes a large private external patio and garden, with larger suites giving even more generous living space, separate bathrooms and extensive gardens with outdoor furniture for private dining under the stars. Four corner suites also include a large private pool.
Discover new flavours and old Laoation favourites in a culinary masterclass led by our chef. I spent half a day doing the cooking class during my stay at Hotel de la Paix, and it was definitely a highlight of my trip to Luang Prabang. You can read about my experience at my blog.
Kaipen Restaurant is located in a traditional two-storey Lao-style house, above the Ka-toke Asian Cooking School. As part of our exciting cultural centre, the fine dining restaurant serves up an exciting variety of tasty sensations prepared using only the freshest local ingredients offering views over a garden courtyard and the resort’s own organic garden.
Or bask in the Spa. where therapists blend ancient Asian healing techniques with age-old beauty recipes featuring the curative benefits of fresh, natural, quality ingredients. Hotel de la Paix is utterly unique; a boutique resort that is a World Heritage treasure, a colonial moment preserved in amber, and a showcase of contemporary design. It’s the jewel in the town that time forgot.