Lovely Laos I

Laos is really a surrounded on four sides by Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar. In comparison to its neighbors Laos seriously isn't as preferred. This however does not mean that Laos has less to provide. One particular of the reasons that Laos is much less regarded is that it is a landlocked nation. In the era prior to air travel, seamen carry the news about new and exciting locations; Laos obtaining no sea access is less heard of compared to its neighbors. Laos historically has been absorbed and conquered by neighboring kingdoms of Siam and Khmer.

Laos is a wonderful country and one that is worth as few weeks of any serious travellers time. Travelling with your own driver and better quality of vehicle ensures you pack a lot into visit, but of course will cost extra.

Vientiane is known as the low-rise capital of Laos, but unlike many of the capital cities in the Southeast Asia area, Vientiane is much more quaint and relaxing a place to visit. In fact, most tourists remark that it looks much more like a large collection of small villages than a large city. More and more companies are calling this capital city home, providing a wide selection of activities for tourists to enjoy during their vacation.

This list is not in any particular order as different hotels offer different experiences some offering the best facilities and others offering the best views. Here are  favourite five places to stay in Laos taking in a varied selection from across the country.

Seng Arun Bungalows

Set on the banks on the Mekong on Done Khone Island these are small family run bungalows, they are pretty basic in western terms as there is still no electricity on the Island, but the wooden styled bungalows are comfortable, all with en suite showers. They overlook the old French Railway Bridge, with their excellent balconies the day could be spent relaxing on a hammock with a book and enjoying the great view.

La Residence Phou Vao

Set in the World Heritage City of Luang Prabang the city is full of old colonial charm and La Résidence Phou Vao Hotel complements this charm, built in the 1950's and renovated in 2001 it is set at the top of Vao hill. The hotel gives stunning views of the surrounding mountains of Luang Prabang as well as Phou Si Temple and the town. It also offers first class facilities and amenities such as a spa and swimming pool. The hotel uses traditional rosewood, cotton and silk so that the modern facilities and rooms do not lose their tradition feel.

Settha Palace

The Settha Palace is set in the heart of Vientiane and has to be one of the best places to stay in Laos an old colonial style hotel build in the early 1930's, the hotel has been restored and is a true masterpiece, with an abundance of old colonial charm. Facilities and service is second to none with landscaped gardens and a swimming pool where you can cool off.

Maison Souvannaphoum

This was the former home of a Lao prince, a boutique hotel set in Luang Prabang it blends in a traditional and modern style excellently. The interior design leaves no compromise with rich silk textiles draped on the walls and ceilings. The facilities are first grade with a spa, swimming pool all set amidst tropical gardens, the food is excellent with top class French and Laotian cuisine and the views from the private balconies unmatched.

La Folie Lodge

On the Island of Don Daeng near the World Heritage site of Wat Phu, this resort is top class giving you the best of both worlds, excellent facilities with a swimming pool and a great sandy beach on the Mekong but you are also on a secluded Island with a great beach on the river! You can explore the island by bicycle or by foot and there are even some old ruins to see on the Island.