Discovering Luxury in Luang Prabang: A Day of Pampering in Laos

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Unveiling Luang Prabang’s Luxurious Charms

Tucked within the stunning landscapes of Laos lies Luang Prabang, often overlooked for its luxury potential. But don’t let its low profile fool you – this charming town offers a day of indulgence and relaxation. In this guide, we’ll reveal a few of my favorite spots to savor delicious food, relax in luxurious accommodations, and enjoy the comforts of modern living. Get ready to experience a little luxury in Luang Prabang.

Table of Contents

• Unveiling Luang Prabang’s Luxurious Charms
• Luxury in Luang Prabang
• Biking Around the City of Luang Prabang
• Manda de Laos Restaurant
• Culinary Experiences
• The Spa at Angsana Maison Souvannaphoum
• I Love a Good Massage
• MyBanLao Resort & Cafe
• When to Visit Luang Prabang
• Like It! Pin It!

Luxury in Luang Prabang

Neither of us was actively seeking luxury during our visit, yet we stumbled upon it in every corner. Let’s be clear. Luxury is only partly about how much it cost. Luxury to me is about the richness of experiences, the comfort of personalized service, and the joy of serene, well-crafted environments.

Biking Around the City of Luang Prabang

It was a luxury to ride a bike anywhere we wanted in town—for a beer or a coffee—and feel safe. The city has no traffic lights, which made the safety officer I’m married to quite happy.

Surprisingly, this small town offered an abundance of high-end experiences, from exquisitely crafted local cuisine at intimate eateries to plush boutique hotels offering serene views and personalized service. Each encounter was a delightful revelation, showing that luxury in Luang Prabang isn’t just present—it’s plentiful and wonderfully unexpected.

Luang Prabang carries that rare charm where just being there feels like a luxury. It’s a hidden treasure away from the usual tourist paths, where the richness of culture and the serene beauty of the surroundings enrich every moment. But the amenities don’t suck either. Here are three moments I consider luxury in Luang Prabang.

Manda de Laos Restaurant

Manda de Laos Restaurant is a unique dining experience in Luang Prabang. It is an upscale restaurant located right beside a vast koi pond filled to maximum compactly with water lillies (or lotus flowers– I have a serious problem telling them apart) in the charming city of Luang Prabang. No matter which– it’s absolutely stunning. Upon entering, you are welcomed by an enveloping sense of tranquility: palm trees sway in the breeze, water flows gently, and the air is rich with the heavy scent of wet foliage after the recent rainfall.

The restaurant showcases classic Lao elegance through its decor, with traditional Lao motifs and an abundance of greenery surrounding you. The setup captivates all your senses, with vivid green plants and water lilies enhancing the visuals, bamboo shades and dark wooden furniture providing a grounded rustic touch, and the harmonious sounds of water and traditional Laotian music fill the air.

The patio is cozy. We had the chance to chat with a lovely teacher from the UK while we waited for our meal. She visited Lais a few years ago and fell in love. It took her a couple of years, but she recently secured a job in Luang Prabang. And she is over the moon.

Culinary Experiences

You visit a place and it calls to you and you want to come back. Travel does that to you. But there are some places that you have to come back. You can’t let it go because it and your soul won’t let you go. For me, those places are Chiang Mai, Thailand and Bali.

The culinary experience at Manda de Laos is white glove level. Whether you opt for local Laotian dishes or international favorites with a Lao twist, every bite offers a burst of flavor. The formal yet friendly service and the presentation pondside elevate the experience. And whike you are definitely hoing to pay for it, making each meal at Manda de Laos not just memorable, but truly luxurious. We chose a lunch service so we could see it during the day. But the restaurant also serves dinner– reservations are highly suggested.

Website | Directions Unit 1 Ban That Luang, 10 Norrassan Road, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR

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The Spa at Angsana Maison Souvannaphoum

I got to Angsana Maison Souvannaphoum a little early, so I parked my bike and took a walk around the beautiful gardens. They welcomed me with a cool, scented towel and a refreshing drink, which felt great. I picked an orange blossom scented oil with a hint of spice for my massage. Then, I headed down a winding path to a bungalow where I had a relaxing 90-minute massage and a 60-minute scrub. Afterward, I showered outside, surrounded by nature.

I Love a Good Massage

I was led to a charming bungalow, down a winding dirt path, where I indulged in a luxurious full-body massage. The skilled touch relaxed every muscle during the 90-minute session, followed by a rejuvenating 60-minute scrub. Refreshed, I stepped into the outdoor shower, surrounded by nature, for an invigorating cleanse. I can almost still feel the cool, smooth pebbles under my feet. And of course I bought a bottle of the orange spiced oil to use at home when I want to revisit that experience.

Travel Tip:

These kinds of purchases– wine, oils, perfumes, and spices– make amazing souvenirs to the take the experience back home with you.

I finished up by relaxing next to a beautiful pond with floating lilies and enjoying some ginseng tea and cookies before biking to lunch at Manda de Laos Restaurant. It was a perfect, relaxing start to my day.

Web Address | Directions Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel Rue Chao Fa Ngum Banthatluang PO Box 741 Luang Prabang Laos

MyBanLao Resort & Cafe

The grounds of the MyBanLao Resort are beautifully dotted with palm, coconut, and frangipani trees, providing a lush tropical ambiance. An arched bridge over the water serves as a charming feature, dividing the grounds between the turtle sanctuary—with its unique viewing triangle—and the impressive pool area. This sanctuary allows guests a close-up look at local wildlife in a carefully maintained natural setting.

The grounds of the resort are beautifully dotted with palm, coconut, and frangipani trees, providing a lush tropical ambiance. An arched bridge over the water serves as a charming feature, dividing the grounds between the turtle sanctuary—with its unique viewing triangle—and the impressive pool area. This sanctuary allows guests a close-up look at local wildlife in a carefully maintained natural setting.

When to Visit Luang Prabang

Laos, a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, experiences a trio of seasons that influence its landscape and lifestyle. The hot season stretches from March to May, bringing with it sweltering temperatures that can reach up to 40°C, making daily life and outdoor activities a challenge. As June approaches, the rains arrive, marking the beginning of the monsoon season that lasts until October, when frequent showers nourish the lush greenery but also cause occasional flooding. Finally, the cool season from November to February offers a reprieve, with temperatures dipping to a refreshing 15-25°C, making it an ideal time for travelers to enjoy Laos’s serene countryside and vibrant cities.

Want more? Read all about MyBanLao Resort & Cafe

The pool itself is a central attraction, featuring a swim-up bar and direct access from select guest rooms, offering a seamless transition from comfort to relaxation. Additionally, the colonial-style hotel boasts a rich history, having served as the official military headquarters of the Royal Lao Government and the Kingdom of Laos during the 1960s, adding a layer of historical intrigue to its modern luxuries.

The cafe is small, but the service and its offerings speak volumes. This resort has gone through a massive renovation. And if that’s still not enough, visit the spa or get chauffeured around in a classic car. MyBanLao Resort & Cafe is not quite operating under a soft opening– it’s fully operational. But I expect that once the word gets out, the price will ultimately match the level of service.

Web Address | Directions Thammamikalath Rd, Ban Mano. Ban Mano Rd, Luang Prabang

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