Search Results forLuang Prabang
La Résidence Phou Vao reveals the secrets of Luang Prabang with a bespoke new experience
La Résidence Phou Vao invites guests to experience the mystique of the Laotian capital with its new experience Unlocking the Secrets of Luang Prabang. This uniquely curated offer runs for three days and offers up the secrets of the fabled UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang through the city’s foremost heritage hotel. From culture, cuisine and French colonial architectural heritage to sacred Buddhist rites that still shape daily life, the former Royal Guest House reveals intriguing insights into the ancient capital’s past and present. All are arranged by the hotel and can be tailor-made to your own preferences, as an all-inclusive three-night experience. French charm, Laotian tradition Revived in five-star style, La Résidence Phou Vao oozes elegance and serenity in a hilltop sanctuary of French colonial charm. Guests embrace the spirit of the immersive package from the moment of arrival, with elegant sundown cocktails and a Chef’s Table dinner at signature restaurant Tam Nan, renowned for classic Laotian cuisine featuring a menu of slow-cooking and clay-pot artistry anchored in local customs. Day Two begins at the crack of dawn, capturing breathtaking views of sunrise over the Mekong valley from a hill atop the resort’s tropical gardens, where guests of the palace once stayed. A morning market tour is guided by a local chef, discovering exotic local produce and tasting traditional street food favourites. Lunch is a Lao cooking experience, with ingredients freshly harvested from the resort’s own organic garden. After a private sunset cruise on the mighty Mekong aboard La Residence’s own luxury river boat, the tour delves into a mystery tasting dinner celebrating the abundance of Laos through stories, and contemporary Luang Prabang cuisine at the stylish Little Lao Culture Bar which is at the centre of Laos’ up and coming contemporary food scene. A stroll through the night market and nightcap at an artisan tea shop ends at a “secret bar” tucked down a small alley in the heart of the historic town for handcrafted cocktails. Where the worldly and the ethereal meet Day Three is likewise packed with enriching experiences, focused on Luang Prabang’s heritage and architecture. Spiritual insight begins with a morning ‘Alms Giving Experience’, preparing sticky rice and joining an enlightening sunrise ceremony known as Tak Bat where hundreds of Buddhist monks receive alms offerings from the local community. For deeper understanding, guests meet Madam Laa, who has dedicated over 40 years to her daily merit-making. A ‘City & Architecture Tour’ with a local historian explores the unique charm of the remarkably well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage gem, celebrated for its fusion of traditional Lao urban architecture with the French colonial era of the 19th and 20th centuries. A relaxing afternoon back at La Résidence is soothed by a signature bamboo massage at the hotel’s award-winning Mekong Spa. The oasis of serenity is renowned for ancient Laotian therapies once reserved for royalty, including Mai Xiaung massage applying warm oil of healing local botanicals to tired muscles with steamed bamboo. The final evening of the unforgettable experience starts with sunset cocktails at Ok Pop Tok Living Craft Centre on the banks of the Mekong, learning about the fascinating world of Lao textiles, from silkworm to natural dyes, weaving techniques and the finished product. The final dinner takes place at Governor’s Grill in the lush gardens of Sofitel Luang Prabang, where guests will savour an Epicurean Exploration dinner against a botanical backdrop, followed by late-night drinks and dessert back at La Résidence. For those departing late or staying on for another day, an optional sunrise breakfast picnic and swim can be incorporated in the turquoise pools of the spectacular, three-tiered Kuang Si Waterfalls. A “secret little late lunch” follows, hosted by a local personality at their home, thus offering a unique opportunity to enjoy an authentic home-cooked meal while engaging in meaningful conversation about local culture, traditions and personal stories.
Mekong Tourism Forum makes its way to Luang Prabang this June
The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Lao PDR (MICT), in collaboration with the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), announced that the Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) 2025 will take place on from 25th to 27th June in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang. Revolving around the theme United Journey: Stronger Together, this year’s forum will bring together tourism leaders, professionals, development partners, and private sector representatives from across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) to explore shared solutions and new approaches to sustainable tourism development. MICT Tourism Development Department director-general Phonemaly Inthaphome said: “The Mekong Tourism Forum 2025 reflects our region’s commitment to shaping tourism as a driver of shared prosperity. By convening diverse voices from across the GMS, we aim to build a common platform for dialogue and partnership, ensuring tourism development that is responsible, balanced, and beneficial to all.” MTCO executive director Suvimol Thanasarakij added: “This year’s forum will highlight how collaboration across borders, sectors, and communities can shape a more resilient and inclusive future for Mekong tourism. We look forward to welcoming all stakeholders to be part of this important conversation.” Regional cooperation via immersion Through open dialogue, immersive sessions, and cross-sectoral exchange, the forum aims to strengthen regional cooperation and amplify community-focused, responsible tourism across borders. MTF 2025 will feature discussions led by industry experts from across the tourism sector, thematic breakout sessions held at carefully selected off-site locations aligned with each theme, and the official launch of the GMS Tourism Strategy 2030. Delegates will also join thematic technical tours designed around hands-on, local experiences that include mulberry paper making, ecotourism visits, and learning traditional practices alongside local communities. All these offer an authentic perspective on Luang Prabang’s cultural and natural richness.
Luang Prabang reports significant increase in foreign arrivals for 2024
Lonely Planet reports that over 1.9 million domestic and foreign visitors visited Luang Prabang province in the first 11 months of 2024. This shows an increase of over one million tourists compared to the same period last year. Over 1.3 million of these came from overseas, marking an increase of around 87.43 percent. The top 10 source markets for visitors travelling to Laos this year were China, South Korea, the USA, Thailand, France, Sweden, Austria, Germany, Canada, and Japan. This tourism surge has helped generate over US$1 billion in revenue. Notable distinctions It should be noted that Luang Prabang was also listed among Green Destinations’ Top 100 Stories for 2024 in recognition of its efforts to ensure responsible tourism whilst maintaining its distinctive appeal. Laos was one of 32 countries on the Green Destinations 2024 Top 100 Stories list announced in October of this year. Also, Luang Prabang was the first and only destination in Laos to be selected as one of the 2024 Top 100 Destination Sustainability Stories under the category Preservation of architectural housing styles in a world heritage area. A hub for tourism Luang Prabang is one of the most well-known provinces in Laos and is a top tourist draw because of its riverside location, old temples, quaint streets and alleyways, colourful festivals, and scenic beauty. The town’s old quarter was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1995 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), which determined that its architecture was culturally significant and worthy of preservation by the United Nations. Popular attractions in and around the town include the Phu Si stupa, Sae Waterfall, Kuangxi Waterfall, and the large night market which is renowned for the many handicrafts on sale.
Rosewood Luang Prabang pays homage to Lao Heritage on a Sunset River Cruise
Rosewood Luang Prabang announces an enriching enhancement to its guest experiences through a new initiative that celebrates the rich heritage of Lao textiles. In a move that aligns perfectly with its "Sense of Place" philosophy, the luxury resort has introduced new blankets, cushion covers, and other soft furnishings aboard its Sunset River Cruise as a tribute to the cultural and artistic traditions of Laos. The soft furnishings, made from textiles sourced by textile expert Dr. Linda S. McIntosh, offer guests a unique insight into the culture, history, and beauty of the region. A research associate for the Tracing Patterns Foundation and an independent researcher renowned for her work on Southeast Asian handwoven textiles, Dr. McIntosh has meticulously selected textiles that embody the theme of "Khao" or Rice, exclusively for Rosewood Luang Prabang. The "Khao" theme is expressed through various shades of yellow and green, symbolizing the rice plant at different stages of its growth cycle, from the ripening greens to the harvest-ready yellows, complemented by hues of blue that recall the color of a clear sky. This color palette not only represents the agrarian lifestyle of Laos but also brings the beauty of the country's natural landscape onto the Rosewood Luang Prabang's Sunset River Cruise. “It is exciting that Rosewood Luang Prabang is embracing Laos’s valuable textile heritage. Lao textiles embody the culture of Laos with motifs symbolizing its flora and fauna. Lao textiles are also truly beautiful, worth all the admiring gazes they receive, and the Lao textiles donning the Rosewood boat exemplify their splendor and significance,” said Dr. Linda S. McIntosh. The selected textiles include a special carpet design known as River Current or "Nam Lai," handwoven by the skilled artisans of Laos. This design not only adds a touch of elegance and comfort to the cruise experience but also showcases the incredible craftsmanship of local weavers. Highlighting Rosewood's commitment to supporting female artistry and local communities, the textiles have been sourced from the weavers of Nikone in Vientiane and the Tai Lue weavers of Ban Nayang Neua in Luang Prabang. The inclusion of floral designs, emblematic of the Buddhist Lao and carrying auspicious meanings, significantly enriches the cultural narrative. These designs reflect the deep connection between the people of Laos and their environment, where cotton, an essential material for the textiles, grows abundantly alongside rice. “By integrating these beautiful textiles into our Sunset River Cruise, we not only showcase the unique artistry of Laos but also foster a deeper connection between our guests and the local culture as we continue to celebrate the rich heritage and natural beauty of the country,” said Adrien Pons, Resort Manager of Rosewood Luang Prabang. Guests interested in diving deeper into the history and significance of these beautiful textiles have the opportunity to learn more from Dr. McIntosh herself at Gallery ASIAMA with an immersive experience that invites guests to appreciate not just the beauty of the textiles, but their cultural importance and the stories they tell. Presentation of a Textile Topic at Gallery ASIAMA. Dr. McIntosh, internationally renowned Southeast Asian textile expert, will introduce you to museum-quality, traditional textiles of Laos. She can also personalize the topic on request depending on the guests’ interests. Exclusive Visit to Villa Azurin. Visit Dr. Linda S. McIntosh at her home Villa Azurin 20 kilometers downriver on the Mekong River. She will introduce you to museum-quality, traditional textiles of Laos using textiles from ASIAMA Gallery to illustrate the talk. Rosewood Luang Prabang's initiative to furnish its Sunset River Cruise with handwoven textiles sourced by Dr. McIntosh exemplifies the resort's dedication to creating meaningful experiences that connect guests with the local culture and heritage with a wealth of activities that also include an architectural walking tour with a conservationist and former advisor to UNESCO, a visit with an artist devoted to preserving local artistic traditions. Visit a weaving center specializing in weaving and embroidering Luang Prabang-style textiles. Located in Chomphet District, Dr. McIntosh will lead you across the Mekong River to this secluded textile center and silk farm. Linda will explain the processes and the textiles being created in-situ. Time permitting, guests may want to visit North Chan Village Pottery Center, the sole-surviving pottery village in North Laos.
Festive feasts: Holiday season at Riva Arun Bangkok and Kiridara Luang Prabang
Experience something new this year by staying at Riva Arun Bangkok and Kiridara Luang Prabang. Both hotels have something exciting in store for those travelling to Thailand and Laos: Kiridara Luang Prabang Situated on the hillside of a UNESCO World Heritage site and offering a panoramic mountain view, the Kiridara Luang Prabang is finished in a contemporary Laotian style and its staff and very popular in hotel reviews sites. Book directly with hotel website and get free airport transfer and discounts at hotel outlets. Christmas Eve Dinner at The Deck Treat yourself with a four-course dinner that the chef has created especially for the festive season. Luang Prabang is famous for its magnificent sunset, and there is no better way to see it than in Kiridara. Chef’s Table Luang Prabang Restaurant also offers a turkey carving station and sparkling wine. Head over to Kiridara Pool Deck from 7pm-9pm and enjoy a feast priced at USD 49 for adults and USD 23 for children ages 12 years old and below. Set menu Appetiser: Roasted turkey with fruits and nuts Salad: Smoked duck salad with berry dressing or Chicken avocado salad with balsamic dressing Soup: Clam and mussel chowder soup or French onion soup served with baguette Main: Herb-roasted salmon fillet or Beef tenderloin with chocolate and chili sauce or Grilled giant prawn with white garlic cream sauce Dessert: Christmas pudding and tea or coffee New Year’s Countdown Party Welcome the New Year with a bang! Kiridara celebrates the end of the year with live band, Lao traditional performance and a famous barslop show. Enjoy all of these while guests indulge themselves with a five-course New Year’s Eve dinner. For only USD 59 per adult and USD 29 for children under 12 years old, guests can relish the dinner. For USD 85 per adult, enjoy the dinner with soft drinks, free flow local beer and house wine. Head over to the swimming deck at 7pm. Set menu Appetiser: Pan seared duck with wild honeycomb Salad: Wild honeycomb salad Soup: Wild mushroom soup Main: Beef tenderloin with red wine sauce or Roasted lamb rack with mushroom and risotto or Roasted salmon with wild mushroom and risotto Dessert: Chocolate fondant with ice cream Riva Arun Bangkok Located at the bank of the Chao Praya River, the Riva Arun Bangkok is the only luxury boutique hotel within the historical site of Bangkok amid the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and opposite the Temple of Dawn - offers a panoramic river view. Its rooftop restaurant ‘Above Riva’ offers stunning sunset views and insight into the Thai way of life. Book directly with hotel website and get one complimentary Chao Phraya Tourist Boat (Blue Flag) day pass per person. Christmas on the Roof Have Christmas Eve dinner at the rooftop restaurant and bar “Above Riva”, overlooking the iconic Wat Arun and Grand Palace for only USD 55 per couple. Riva Arun will provide each guest with a welcome cocktail, mint pie with mulled wine, and turkey amuse bouche. Party guests will celebrate in a reserved seating area for more privacy. Christmas party starts at 6pm. Book now as slots are limited. Set menu Welcome cocktail Turkey amuse bouche Mince pie with mulled wine New Year Celebration Celebrate the New Year in Bangkok in the iconic rooftop bar and restaurant Above Riva and witness the grand celebration at Wat Arun while enjoying a delicious five-course dinner and free-flowing beverage such as house wine, sparkling wine, draught beer, soft drinks and juices. Toast the New Year with a glass of Champagne when the clock strikes 12. Be entertained and dance the night away with traditional Thai dance. Set menu Amuse bouche: Vichyssoise First course: Consomme au Ravioli Second course: Lobster and Pasta Third course: Lemon Sherbet Fourth course: Pink Roasted Wagyu Fifth course: Apple Roll To those who want to try fine dining this holiday season, Riva Arun and Kiridara offer the perfect way to make Christmas and New Year with family and friends truly memorable. Book a slot at Riva Arun and Kiridara special offers and these Next Hotels guarantee you a magical experience at this time of the year.
Lao PDR Shares Vision for Tourism Growth Ahead of MTF 2025
Suanesavanh Vignaket, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICT), shares Lao PDR’s priorities for sustainable tourism, community development, and regional cooperation. With Luang Prabang recently recognized among the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories and new infrastructure enhancing connectivity with neighboring countries, the Minister invites the world to experience a more connected, sustainable, and inclusive future for Greater Mekong Subregion tourism. 1) Lao PDR welcomed over 4 million visitors in 2024, surpassing expectations. What key strategies or developments do you believe contributed most to this success? In 2024, we proudly welcomed over 4.12 million international visitors, generating more than USD 1 billion in tourism revenue. This achievement was driven by several key factors. First, the Lao PDR-China Railway has made cross-border travel faster and more comfortable, especially for regional travellers. Second, the "Visit Laos Year 2024" campaign helped to spotlight our diverse tourism offerings—from natural wonders and heritage towns to adventure and wellness tourism. We also improved visa policies and border infrastructure, making entry smoother for tourists. Moreover, coordinated marketing and capacity-building at the provincial level helped ensure high-quality experiences across the country. Looking ahead, we are also starting to embrace digital technologies such as 5G networks and tourism mobile applications to further improve visitor services and support sustainable tourism development. 2) Luang Prabang will proudly host the Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) 2025. How significant is this event for Lao PDR and Luang Prabang, and what can delegates look forward to? We are deeply honored that Luang Prabang has been selected to host the Mekong Tourism Forum 2025. This opportunity is a source of great pride not only for Luang Prabang province but for the entire nation. Luang Prabang was recently recognized among the Green Destination Top 100 Stories of 2025, and has been acknowledged for its strong commitment to sustainable tourism and community development. In addition, Luang Prabang is currently implementing a Smart and Integrated Urban Strategy. This project helps us with better tourism management, heritage site protection, and balanced urban development. These initiatives reflect our commitment to harmonize preservation with innovation as tourism in the region continues to grow. MTF 2025 will offer delegates a chance to experience this firsthand. Besides the main program, we invite delegates to explore some hidden gems nearby such as Ban Chan pottery village, Phanom Handicraft Centre, Sangkhong and Sanghai Handicraft villages. These places reflect the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty that make Luang Prabang truly unique. 3) Lao PDR has been praised as Southeast Asia’s “hidden gem” poised for a tourism boom. What are the country’s priorities to ensure tourism growth remains sustainable and benefits local communities? It is indeed true that Lao PDR remains something of a hidden gem for many international visitors, but we are gradually welcoming an increasing number of travelers to our country. As this growth continues, our foremost priority is to ensure that it is both sustainable and inclusive. The government is placing strong emphasis on promoting sustainable tourism and cultural preservation as key pillars for long-term economic and social development. These include the development of cultural villages, the revitalization of traditional customs, the enhancement of libraries, museums, and heritage sites, and the elimination of outdated practices. A core focus of our approach is community-based tourism, where local people provide services and benefit directly from tourism-related activities. In 2024, more than 60% of tourism businesses were located outside major cities, showing that we are spreading opportunities to rural areas. With the continued support from our development partners, we are working to strengthen local capacities and ensure that tourism contributes meaningfully to both cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. 4) From infrastructure improvements like the Lao PDR-China Railway to the new road linking Vientiane and Chiang Mai, how do you see connectivity shaping the future of tourism in Lao PDR and the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS)? Improved connectivity is fundamental to advancing tourism in the GMS. In this regard, the Lao PDR–China Railway has played a transformative role, having already served over 480,000 cross-border passengers. This vital link has significantly facilitated travel between Lao PDR and China. At the same time, the new road connecting Vientiane and Chiang Mai reduces travel time by approximately 3 hours and opens up exciting new tourism routes. We have also launched a new cross-border bus service between Udon Thani (in Thailand) and Vang Vieng (in Lao PDR) that further enhances land travel options for visitors. In addition to land and rail, we are working to enhance air connectivity. Lao Airlines and other regional carriers are expanding flight routes linking Lao PDR with ASEAN’s key cities, such as Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Kunming, and Chiang Mai. Strengthening air services is important for promoting seamless multi-destination travel across the region. These developments allow tourists to explore multiple destinations within a single trip. We are working closely with our GMS partners to develop multi-country tourism products and promote regional circuits. This not only enhances the appeal of the region as a whole but also ensures that the benefits of tourism are shared among all GMS countries. 5) Many provinces, such as Khammouane and Vientiane, are introducing new attractions and eco-tourism initiatives. How important is provincial and community-based tourism development to Lao PDR' national tourism strategy? Provincial and community-based tourism development is a key pillar of Lao PDR’s national tourism strategy. Each of our provinces offers distinct and authentic experiences, and we aim to ensure that the benefits of tourism reach local communities across the country. For example, Khammouane province is developing eco-adventure tourism activities like zip-lining and kayaking. Meanwhile, Vientiane Capital has launched the "Vientiane’s Sustainable Tourism" initiative, which integrates new technologies, infrastructure upgrades, and environmentally-friendly transportation options to enhance the visitor experience while promoting sustainability. To support these efforts, we have established the Destination Management Network (DMN). This platform brings together stakeholders from both public and private sectors at the national and provincial levels. Through the DMN and strategic public-private partnerships, we are promoting sustainable tourism models that not only support local livelihoods, but also contribute to inclusive economic growth. 6) Lao PDR has been proactively supporting several ecotourism-related initiatives in the ASEAN tourism cooperation framework. Can you tell us more about the ASEAN Ecotourism Standard and Lao PDR’s role in developing regional initiatives like the ASEAN Ecotourism Corridor? Yes, ecotourism is one of our key national priorities. Lao PDR has taken on an active role in fostering ecotourism under the ASEAN tourism cooperation framework. We were honored to serve as the lead country coordinator in the development of the ASEAN Ecotourism Standard, which provides an important set of guidelines designed to enhance the quality, sustainability, and consistency of ecotourism experiences across the region. In addition, we also actively supported the establishment of the ASEAN Ecotourism Corridor, which aims to encourage travellers to explore natural and rural areas in a responsible way across multiple ASEAN countries. In Lao PDR, we are proud to offer a wide range of nature-based tourism experiences, including visits to national parks, protected areas, and ethnic minority communities. For example, Nam Et–Phou Louey National Park offers unique wildlife tracking experiences, while the Bolaven Plateau provides opportunities for scenic trekking. We believe that promoting ecotourism contributes not only to environmental conservation and cultural preservation, but also directly supports the livelihoods of local communities across our region. 7) The GMS countries have been strengthening regional tourism cooperation. How do you envision Lao PDR working with neighbouring countries to promote multi-country travel and sustainable tourism? The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) holds great potential for cross-border tourism, driven by our shared cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and improving connectivity. Lao PDR is working in close partnership with our GMS neighbours through regional frameworks such as the GMS Economic Cooperation Program and ASEAN tourism cooperation to promote multi-country travel and sustainable tourism. We are engaged in collaborative efforts with GMS member countries to enhance infrastructure connectivity, develop joint travel products, and promote thematic tourism circuits that link our cultural, natural, and heritage sites across the region. In addition, Lao PDR participates in initiatives that support sustainable tourism standards, capacity building, and knowledge sharing among GMS countries. Through these collective efforts, we aim to foster a more inclusive, resilient and interconnected landscape in the GMS. 8) Lao PDR is known for strong women leaders in tourism, including yourself, the vice minister, several senior officials as well as local community leaders. How do you see the role of women in shaping the future of tourism in Lao PDR? Women play an important role at all levels of Lao PDR’s tourism sector. At the national level, the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism is proud to have many women in leadership positions, including the Vice Minister and several Director Generals. At the community level, women are at the forefront, running guesthouses, leading handicraft cooperatives, guiding visitors, and managing eco-tourism sites. Moreover, we are also encouraged by the efforts of organizations, such as the Women with Disabilities Association which are helping to bring Lao handicrafts to the global market. This reflects that tourism in Lao PDR is becoming more inclusive, supporting women, minorities and people with disabilities. In 2024, women represented over 55% of the tourism workforce in Lao PDR. As we continue to grow our tourism sector, we remain committed to ensuring that tourism development leaves no one behind. We aim to empower women, ethnic minorities, and vulnerable groups to fully participate and benefit from the opportunities that tourism provides. 9) Looking ahead beyond 2025, what is your vision for Lao PDR tourism development, and how can international partners and travelers support this journey toward a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable tourism future? Our vision is to build a tourism sector that is inclusive, resilient, and deeply rooted in sustainability. We are deeply committed to preserving Lao PDR’s rich cultural identity, supporting local communities, and safeguarding our natural heritage. Our goal is to continue offering authentic experiences that reflect the heart of who we are, ensuring that tourism brings benefits to all, while honoring our environment and cultural values. We welcome international partnerships to support areas like training and capacity building, sustainable destination management, digital transformation, and climate resilience. At the same time, we encourage travellers to visit Lao PDR with open hearts by choosing eco-friendly options, supporting local businesses, and respecting our cultural values. Through shared efforts and cooperation, we believe that Lao PDR can become a model for sustainable tourism not only in Southeast Asia but globally.
Avani+ Luang Prabang
Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel, Luang Prabang, Laos
Pullman Luang Prabang
Pullman Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang, Laos Laos
Enjoy a two-night stay in a Deluxe Room in Luang Prabang
In partnership with TD, Pullman Luang Prabang was giving you the chance to enjoy a complimentary Two-night stay in a Deluxe Room including daily breakfast! All you needed to do was answer this simple question