Amantaka occupies a group of French colonial buildings on a garden estate in the old town of Luang Prabang, which is UNESCO-listed. It lies just south of Mount Phousi, on the peninsula where the Khan River meets the Mekong, and the temples, the former Royal Palace and the night market are all an easy walk away. The 24 suites are spare and restful, with high wooden ceilings, four-poster beds and louvred doors that open from a courtyard. Each has an outdoor living area shaded by mango trees, and several have a pool of their own. The two Amantaka Suites stand apart, with wide verandas, a private pool and a treatment room. The kitchen moves between Lao cooking and French-influenced dishes, served in the dining room or out on the pool terrace. A small spa with steam, sauna and hot and cold plunge pools sits alongside a swimming pool, tennis court, gym and yoga studio. The hotel arranges temple visits, craft and cooking classes and cruises on the Mekong, so guests come to know the town as well as rest in it.
- Nearest airport
- Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ), 1 Mile / 1 Kilometre
- Rooms
- 24 suites
Insider tip Every guest is offered one Tak Bat morning per stay: get up before dawn to join local people placing sticky rice in the monks' bowls for their daily meal.
Why I choose it It puts you inside the old town, on foot to the temples, in a calm colonial house where the team can open up the town's rituals and crafts for you.