Top 5 heritage boutique hotels in Laos and Cambodia you should check in to
The two countries boast some of Indochina’s most enchantingly spectacular lodges, the backdrop to much of the region’s rich history
Luang Prabang in Laos and Siem Reap in Cambodia are two popular Unesco-listed heritage haunts for very different reasons. In the former, one finds an uncommon wealth of resplendently restored colonial buildings turned heritage hotels, whilst the latter differs with an abundance of modern projects as it was largely developed because of its proximity to the famed Angkor complex. Perceptibly, one visits Laos’s ancient city to enjoy its historicity whereas history is preserved for show at the Khmer monument.
The juxtaposition may be largely contrasting but it is undeniable that both cities are home to some of the most stunning hotels in the Indochina region. Here we present five stunning boutique properties that remain significant edifices to the region’s history.
5. Amansara
Once the guest house of King Norodom Sihanouk, this graceful property, erected in the 60s, currently houses 24 suites with generously-sized private courtyards and swimming pools. Significantly more modern in its design than the other properties on this list, every wall and shadow here is imbued with nostalgia and historical romance as they have stood witness to the most tumultuous epoch in Cambodia’s modern age.
4. La Résidence Phou Vao
A hillside retreat for Laotian royalty and political elites in decades past, La Résidence Phou Vao has retained much of its architectural charms, as well as stunning views of the surrounding ranges. The 34 suites are luxurious, and are cloistered by handsomely trimmed gardens set over gentle slopes and terraces that open out to serene views of the bucolic countryside.
3. Sofitel Luang Prabang