Riverside karst hideaway
Low-rise French colonial pavilions sit beside the Nam Song River, where morning mist drifts across soaring limestone karst peaks.
“Its setting on the banks of the Nam Song River is a gorgeous backdrop to the 34 rattan-and-teakwood-clad rooms.”
What it’s good at
Notable
French colonial architecture framed by rattan details, teakwood accents, and balconies facing limestone karst peaks.
Notable
Thirty-four rooms showcase textiles, silverwork, and handcrafted wood from eight distinct Lao ethnic traditions.
Listed
Open-air garden salas offer traditional Lao herbal massages alongside a mountain-facing herbal steam sauna.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
Providing dramatic, sweeping views of the nearby limestone mountains, this 34-room hotel presents itself, quite successfully, as a luxe retreat.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
On the banks of the Nam Song River, facing limestone karst peaks across the water.
The rooms
Balconies look toward the water, with interiors finished in rattan, teakwood, and textiles woven by eight distinct Lao ethnic groups.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The riverfront swimming pool looks straight toward the limestone karsts, beneath the morning flight path of hot-air balloons.
The spa
Thatched garden pavilions host traditional Lao herbal bodywork and compresses, accompanied by a mountain-facing herbal steam sauna.
Restaurant du Crabe d’Or
The riverfront wooden veranda serves traditional Lao recipes and French dishes alongside coffee from the Bolaven Plateau.
Overlooking the Song River, this boutique resort has spectacular views of the jungle-covered mountains alongside amenities like a gorgeous swimming pool and an on-site restaurant.
How it began
Founded in 2012 by French and Lao partners, the retreat established luxury lodging in a valley once known only to backpackers.
Good to know
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Riverside Boutique Resort
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.