Where to Stay in Luang Prabang

The UNESCO World Heritage heart of Luang Prabang, located on the peninsula where the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers meet. This is where you'll find the most beautiful French-Lao colonial architecture, 34 gilded Buddhist temples including the famous Wat Xieng Thong, the Royal Palace Museum, and the iconic Night Market. The area is incredibly walkable with everything within easy reach. Accommodation ranges from boutique heritage hotels to budget guesthouses tucked down charming side streets. Note that UNESCO restrictions mean hotels here cannot have swimming pools, and there's an 11pm curfew for shops and restaurants. This is the quintessential Luang Prabang experience.

The western edge of Luang Prabang along the mighty Mekong River, offering some of the most spectacular sunset views in Southeast Asia. This area features numerous ramshackle restaurants and cafes overlooking the river, making it ideal for evening drinks and people-watching. Accommodation options include charming riverside hotels like The Belle Rive and Mekong Riverview Hotel. While slightly pricier than other areas, the river views are worth it. The Mekong riverfront is just a few minutes walk from the Old Town center, giving you the best of both worlds. Note that the Mekong floods annually during rainy season.

The eastern edge of the peninsula along the smaller Nam Khan River, this area caters specifically to backpackers and budget travelers. The atmosphere is more laid-back than the Old Town, with numerous bars, cafes serving Western food, and affordable guesthouses. The famous bamboo bridge (rebuilt each dry season) connects this area to the opposite bank where you can explore local villages. Accommodation is significantly cheaper here, making it ideal for longer stays. While more budget-oriented, it still offers easy access to the Old Town attractions within a 10-minute walk.

Just south of the UNESCO-protected peninsula, the Ban Visoun area and surrounding neighborhoods offer a more local, residential feel while still being within easy reach of the Old Town. This is where you'll find hotels with swimming pools (not allowed within the heritage zone), better value accommodation, and a glimpse into everyday Lao life. The area around Wat Visoun and Wat Aham provides temple experiences with fewer tourists. Several eco-resorts and luxury properties like Sofitel and Rosewood are located in the hills outside town, offering jungle views and complete tranquility. A bicycle or tuk-tuk makes exploring easy.