10 Relaxed Riverside Hotels in Laos

Riverside Boutique Resort

Home to verdant mountains and famously beautiful gilded temples, land-locked Laos is also criss-crossed by a marvellous network of meandering rivers. Vientiane, the country's capital, sits on the banks of the mighty Mekong River, whilst Luang Prabang - deemed by many to be its cultural heart - overlooks both the Mekong and the Nam Khan Rivers. The Nam Song flows through Vang Vieng; the communities of Champasak, again, face the Mekong as it flows towards Cambodia and Vietnam.

In each case, these age-old rivers are trade routes, sources of food production, and at the heart of Laos' diverse ecosystems. You'll find them reappearing throughout your travels, perfect for lazy afternoons in delicious restaurants, kayaking and boat trips, or for spotting birds and other wildlife. Our Gurus have gathered 10 relaxed riverside hotels in Laos here, perfect for plotting out your journey.

10 Relaxed Riverside Hotels in Laos

For Vientiane

La Seine Hotel

  • The Eastin Hotel, slightly beyond the city centre, is a grand and indulgent base. Suites are generously proportioned, with extensive Mekong River views. Expect sophisticated light blue and white interiors with high ceilings, a refreshing swimming pool and a superb rooftop bar. A stylish choice.
  • La Seine Hotel's glamorous rooms and suites have jewel-like green or red tones, velvet upholstery and big mirrors. Romantic spaces boast free-standing tubs, whilst family rooms offer twin beds for little ones. A French-inspired river-facing favourite for well-heeled travellers, complete with a swanky wine bar.
  • Beau Rivage Mekong is a charming and affordable riverside pick, with bright coral pink or light blue rooms featuring wrought iron beds and monochrome art pieces. Fun for couples or friends eager to stroll to the city's main sites or to meander along the banks of the Mekong.

For Luang Prabang

Mekong Riverview Hotel

  • Belle Rive Hotel is an idyllic spot for romantic couples or heritage buffs looking to kick back within sight on the Mekong River. Made up of three colonial-era buildings, the hotel offers attractive maisonettes as well as generous suites with private balconies, hardwood floors and traditional textiles. Charming and timeless.
  • Mekong Riverview Hotel, perched at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, is another elegant pick with stacks of old-school charm. Watch the world go by from wrap-around wooden balconies, relax in rooms with hardwood floors and bright pops of colour from woven fabrics, and sink into spa baths.
  • Apsara Rive Droite, on the opposite bank of the Nam Khan River, has a tranquil, intimate feel. Hide away in spacious rooms as a couple, or book the whole place for a celebration with friends and family. The cooling swimming pool and bird-filled gardens complete the picture.

For an Off-the-Beaten-Track Escape

The River Resort

  • The River Resort is an understated rural retreat in Champasak Province, with marvellous Mekong River views from airy rooms and suites. Perfect for keen bird watchers, cyclists and ramblers, this modern hotel sits within 4 hectares of leafy parkland. Lovely and relaxing.
  • La Folie Lodge sits on Don Daeng Island, surrounded by the waters of the Mekong River. A simple, traditional choice, the lodge offers 26 stilted bungalows bedecked in Laotian textiles and polished wood. Take a refreshing dip in the pool after cycling, kayaking and bird watching outings. A simple, charming base for nature lovers.
  • Residence Bassac has a fresh boutique feel, with hardwood or patterned tile floors in pretty river-facing rooms. Tucked within leafy, frangipani-filled gardens this is a wonderfully romantic little hotel with an excellent reputation for Asian & Mediterranean cuisine, as well as cooking classes. Also appealingly affordable.
  • Riverside Boutique Resort, on the Nam Song River near Vang Vieng, celebrates the unique crafts of eight of Laos' diverse ethnic groups through its interiors. The Restaurant du Crabe specialises in French-Laotian fusion cuisine, and rooms boast either magical mountain or river views. A particularly special retreat for couples.

STILL NOT SURE?

  • Eastin Hotel Vientiane from AU$195

    Local markets  -  Rise early for the morning market β€” complete with the day's catch β€” or join the crowds at the popular riverfront night market
    Sights nearby  -  Pha That Luang is one of Laos' most significant monuments, and well worth visiting with an expert guide
    Restaurant  -  Dine in style at Silk Road, the hotel's smart international restaurant
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool on the 4th floor with city and river views
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    A grand riverside hotel with swish, luxurious interiors. High-ceilinged rooms & suites are clad in white & light blue tones, with crisp linens, inviting seating areas & expansive Mekong views. Soak up superb sunsets from the rooftop bar. A chic and unusual addition to Vientiane's hotel scene. See More

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  • La Seine Hotel Vientiane 21 rooms from AU$190

    Families  -  Family suites are perfect for trips with little ones, who will appreciate the twin beds and fun surprises
    City Style  -  A stylish riverside hotel with lashings of French-inspired sophistication
    Great walks  -  Stroll through the historic district, admiring Buddhist temples & French colonial bungalows before catching a riverside sunset
    Sights nearby  -  Vientiane is a city of temples, and guided tours of these glittering edifices come highly recommended
    Air conditioningRestaurantParkingNo pets

    A sophisticated riverside hotel with rooms and suites bedecked in rich, jewel-like tones and influenced by classic French style. Expect velvet upholstery, big bathtubs and striking Mekong views from this chic urban boutique hotel. The glamorous bar's impressive wine selection is a real highlight. See More

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  • Hotel Beau Rivage Mekong Vientiane (Laos) 16 rooms from AU$76

    Local exploring  -  Beautifully located on the banks of the Mekong, within reach of bars, cafes & boutiques
    Cycling  -  Jump aboard the hotel's bicycles to cycle through the city centre and along the river
    Value chic  -  A pint-sized hotel with a bright personality and very reasonable rates
    Local markets  -  Stroll to the bustling nearby Night Market for souvenirs and fun finds
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    You can't miss this flamingo pink edifice located along a dusty downtown street. Its 16 individually decorated blue and pink rooms feature cosy waffle bedspreads, bamboo screens & impressive Mekong River views. Local cuisine is served at Le Khme Khong and there is a pleasant sun dappled garden. See More

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  • The Belle Rive Hotel Luang Prabang (Laos) 15 rooms from AU$190

    Total relaxation  -  A tranquil choice for fans of heritage interiors, eager to while away afternoons on the balcony with a good book
    Kayaking  -  Speak to the team about kayaking excurions and boat trips on the Mekong River, just steps from the hotel
    Sights nearby  -  Luang Prabang's 34 famous Buddhist temples are fascinating & well worth exploring with a guide
    Romantic Break  -  A romantic little boutique pad with pretty bedrooms boasting river views from private terraces
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    Three riverside colonial houses refurbished with exquisite care. Rosewood furniture, high ceilings and Loatian textiles give an elegant feel evocative of a bygone age. Take a drink on the terrace overlooking the river and sample traditional Laotian dishes. Simple elegance. See More

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  • Mekong Riverview Hotel Luang Prabang (Laos) 22 rooms from AU$242

    Local exploring  -  Stroll into the historic part of Luang Prabang to soak up this lovely town's rich architcture and cultural past
    Other Activities  -  Swim in the network of natural pools created by the nearby waterfalls of Tad Sae and Kuang Si
    Hideaway  -  A charming heritage hideaway on the edge of town, overlooking the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers
    Great walks  -  Hike up the sacred Phousi Mountain for expansive views of the surrounding area
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenViewsNo pets

    Set in the primary position of Luang Prabang peninsula, where the waters divide between the Mekong and the Nam Khan. Owner managed, the finer details haven't been forgotten. Some rooms have wraparound balconies and spa baths; all have remote controlled beds. The ideal spot for riverside relaxation. See More

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  • The Apsara Rive Droite Luang Prabang (Laos) 9 rooms from AU$257

    Art Classes  -  Take wonderful creative weaving and natural dyeing classes at Ock Pop Tok's artisanal workshop
    Groups  -  Book the whole place for a special celebration with friends in gorgeous Luang Prabang
    Honeymoons  -  An intimate bolthole for relaxed honeymooners on the banks of the river
    Kayaking  -  Speak to the team about kayaking trips on the Nam Khan River
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape

    Set on the opposite bank of the Nam Khan River yet within easy access of central Luang Prabang. A beautifully designed property with subtle, clean design. Harbored in the midst is a delightful restaurant. The perfect combination of town life and quiet country living. See More

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  • The River Resort Pakse, Champasak 28 rooms from AU$177

    Back to Nature  -  A restful retreat overlooking the river, set in 4 hectares of verdant parkland β€” this is one for nature lovers
    Active Holiday  -  Active travellers will love cycling, kayaking & river boat trips, as well as swimming in the two pools
    Cycling  -  Cycle through the resort's parkland, into Champasak or around Don Daeng Island on the hotel's bicycles
    Hotel boats for hire  -  Hop aboard the hotel's riverboat for morning or evening cruises on the tranquil Mekong River
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking

    A tranquil haven in remote Champasak Province with spacious, airy rooms on the Mekong River. Expect spectacular views & a verdant parkland setting perfect for cycling & bird-spotting in an area rich in natural beauty. Slick, modern lines & understated design make this an unusual rural retreat. See More

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  • La Folie Lodge BP 668 Pakse, Champasak 26 rooms from AU$79

    Hideaway  -  A tranquil island hideaway, perfect for couples, friends or families dreaming of a nature-focused escape
    Value chic  -  An affordable hotel with 26 rooms featuring simple, characterful interiors in a striking setting
    Birdwatching  -  Spot some of the island's 39 resident bird species on a guided nature tour
    Cycling  -  Hop on the hotel's bicycles and use well-written maps to explore the area
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsNo pets
    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    Set on a remote island on the banks of the Mekong river La Folie Lodge houses 26 stilted bungalows surrounding a large, sparkling pool. The rooms are simply decorated with wooden floors and Laotian textiles. Western and Asian dishes can be enjoyed overlooking the waters. Experience the island life. See More

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  • Residence Bassac Champasak 14 rooms from AU$113

    Romantic Break  -  A chic little boutique pad with stacks of character and romantic four poster beds in rooms with private terraces
    Great walks  -  Take a long-tailed boat across to Don Daeng Island for leisurely walks, cycles and dips with marvellous views
    Sights nearby  -  Visit awe-striking Wat Phou, a UNESCO-listed Heritage Site to truly appreciate Laos' rich history
    Value chic  -  A reasonably priced spot offering a warm welcome, heaps of style and a great riverside location
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    A gorgeous little hotel with 14 individually designed rooms set amidst flowering frangipani on the banks of the Mekong. Spot flitting birds from your private terrace, or retreat to rooms with four-poster beds, beamed ceilings & hardwood floors. Bathrooms with bright, joyful tiles are lovely. Ideal. See More

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  • Riverside Boutique Resort Vang Vieng (Laos) 34 rooms from AU$117

    Back to Nature  -  A restful, nature-focused escape on the banks of the Nam Song River, with outdoor activities and striking landscapes aplenty
    Cooking classes  -  Head to a nearby organic farm to hone your Laotian cooking skills with the help of a friendly team
    Mountain biking  -  Explore the surrounding countryside by bicycle, with challenging routes aplenty for adventurers
    Romantic Break  -  Book a suite with private balcony and enjoy gorgeous riverside dinners on a romantic retreat
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    A beautifully designed property, right on the Nam Song River. Rooms are decorated in the style of eight different ethnic groups. All have spectacular views but the best are to be found lounging by the pool. Restaurant du Crabe d’Or serves Laotian and French cuisine and has an impressive wine list. See More

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Written by Saskia Walker

posted Wednesday, 6th December 2023