Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / Laos / Luang Prabang / La Résidence Phou Vao, A Belmond Hotel, Luang Prabang
La Résidence Phou Vao, A Belmond Hotel, Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, Laos · Belmond · Grand Luxury
Purpose-built in 2002 on Phou Vao, the Hill of Kites, La Résidence Phou Vao is the only hotel in Luang Prabang to occupy this sacred hilltop, its 13-metre infinity pool stopping dramatically at the cliff's edge with panoramas across Mount Phousi and the Mekong valley. The Belmond property is scheduled to reopen in October 2026 as a Luxury Collection resort, marking Marriott International's first entry into Laos.
- 34 rooms
- Opened 2002
- Architect: 2002 opening
About La Résidence Phou Vao, A Belmond Hotel, Luang Prabang
- The rebrand to La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, expected October 2026, will mark Marriott International's debut in Laos, one of the last countries in Southeast Asia without a Marriott-flagged property.
- The hilltop was historically linked to the Lao Royal Family and reportedly served as an official royal guesthouse, lending the estate a dynastic provenance that pre-dates its 2002 construction.
- The 13-metre freshwater pool is cantilevered to the cliff edge of Phou Vao hill, creating a horizon line that merges visually with the Mekong River valley and the limestone ranges of northern Laos beyond.
History
Opened in 2002 on the Hill of Kites (Phou Vao) overlooking Luang Prabang, La Résidence Phou Vao was purpose-built in a traditional Lao style using teak, silk, and natural materials to harmonise with the UNESCO World Heritage Site town below. The property quickly established itself as Luang Prabang's premier luxury address, with its infinity pool cantilevering over the hilltop toward Mount Phousi and the Mekong River beyond.
The setting
La Résidence Phou Vao, A Belmond Hotel, Luang Prabang, crowns Phou Vao — the Hill of Kites — on Phu Vao Road in Naviengkham Village, above the UNESCO World Heritage town. The elevated perch, within three hectares of tropical gardens, commands panoramas of sacred Mount Phousi, the Mekong valley, and the limestone ranges of northern Laos. The hilltop was historically linked to the Lao Royal Family, lending the estate a regal provenance. A short drive reaches the temple-lined streets of the heritage core, while other landmark luxury properties cluster nearby, affirming this hill as Luang Prabang's most distinguished address. 3 km from Phra Bang.
Restaurants and bars
- La Résidence Restaurant — Restaurant · French
- The Bar — Bar
Amenities
- Infinity pool with cliff-edge Mekong and mountain views
- Mekong Spa
- Open-air spa beside a water lily pool
- Hotel library (in every room, the lobby, and outdoor fire pit reading nook)
- Private balconies per room
- Cooking classes (Lao cuisine)
- Temple and market excursions
- Tuk-tuk transfer to town
- Sauna
- Hot tub
- Fitness center
Awards
- Conde Nast Traveller recommended
- Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star
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