Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WHERE TO STAY
For most people, a location within the
oldcity
is the first choice. Here you'll find not only
most of the city's best attractions but also many shops and restaurants. While the old city
is still home to a dwindling number of budget options, the nicest area to stay for travellers
on a budget is in the narrow lanes behind
Joma
café, a short stroll southwest of the old city,
between
Chao Fa Ngum Road
and the Mekong, though for a bit more nightlife (such as
it is) you may prefer one of the guesthouses around
Lao Lao Garden
and
Utopia
, close to
the Nam Khan,
eastofPhousi
. If you're looking for upmarket accommodation, you'll find
an almost overwhelming choice. If you want a hotel with a swimming pool, however, bear
in mind that building controls mean that you'll have to stay outside the old city - many
of the most exquisite hotels occupy leafy plots
southofthecentre
, beyond Kitsalat Road,
though there are a few bargains to be had in this area, as well. Finally, while Luang Pra-
bang is hardly frenetic, for ultimate peace and quiet there are numerous beautiful places to
stay in the forested hills
outside the city
, particularly out east off Highway 13 en route to
Tad Se waterfall; several of these are attached to popular
elephant camps
.
Most hotels out
of the centre offer free transfer throughout the day.
THE OLD CITY
3 Nagas
Sakkaline Rd 071 253888,
3-nagas.com
;
map
.
Situated in two buildings on
either side of the main road, this intimate boutique hotel is justifiably regarded as one of the
city's best. The rooms, beautifully decorated with dark wood and Lao fabrics, are undeniably
roma
ntic.
Views across the Nam Khan cost a little more. Check the website for internet spe-
cials.
$260
Ammata
Kounxoa Rd 071 212175,
pphilasouk@yahoo.com
;
map
.
This sweet guest-
house, spread across two buildings, is excellent value. The pricier rooms ($45) in
the
new
building come with TV and bathtubs, though all are nicely decorated in dark wood.
$35
Ancient Luang Prabang
Kounxoa Rd 071 260804,
ancientluangprabang.com
;
map
.
A
great-value alternative if
Lotus Villa
is full, this is one of the most stylish mid-range options
in the tranquil northern part of the peninsula. Rooms (each with balcony) are awash with
wood furniture and dominated by open sto
ne b
aths - if you don't know your roommate in-
timately you soon will. Breakfast included.
$65
The Apsara
Soukkaseum Rd 071 254670,
theapsara.com
;
map
.
A beautiful small
hotel with bags of atmosphere overlooking the Nam Khan. Best are the upstairs rooms
($130), which balance heavy-wood (and authentically creaky) floorboards with brightly
coloured bedspreads and curtains, and feature gorgeous bathtubs - in-room but discreetly
screened off. Guests can be ferried across the river to use the pool at
The Apsara Rive Droite
,
