The Best of Cambodia & Laos

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LUANG PRABANG LUANG PRABANG & NORTHERN LAOS
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this manages not to be at all claustrophobic and the tone is lifted by the white linen
furnishings. The upstairs rooms are carpeted while the downstairs rooms have polished
wooden floors. All rooms are fronted by a wooden veranda. Downstairs there is a little
bar where they can rustle you up a cocktail or two.
Ban Watnong. & 071/260-283. Fax 071/260-284. www.laowoodenhouse.com. 6 units. $70 double. MC,
V. Amenities: Bar; Internet. In room: A/C, TV, fridge.
Le Calao This restored 1904 villa stands near the tip of Luang Prabang’s peninsula
on the banks of the Mekong. Unique and picturesque, it has a location and style all
its own. The second-floor rooms are a nice size, with high sloping ceilings, wood furniture,
neat tile floors, and firm beds. Bathrooms have wood cabinetry but are otherwise
rather spartan, with no tubs. The staff is, well . . . hey, where did the staff go? What sells
these rooms and commands the seemingly high price tag is that each unit has a large
private balcony facing the majestic Mekong. The casual ambience at the Calao comes at
a premium, but the place is quite popular (be sure to book ahead). The newly renovated
downstairs suite (formerly a kitchen and staff room) has two double beds and a private
balcony, perfect for a family with kids. The restaurant at the front, also with great views
of the river, La Cave des Chateaux, serves excellent provincial French food with a gourmet
touch bought to you by staff whose spoken French is as elegant as the surroundings
in which they speak it.
Khem Kong Rd. & 071/212-100. Fax 071/212-085. 6 units. $80 double. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant.
In room: A/C.
Lotus Villa Hotel This is a brand-new hotel that was constructed in exact
imitation of the decaying French house it replaced. The approach is boutique but very
understated with a creative approach to every detail. The tiled rooms are light, spacious,
and airy, with large windows. There are rooms in the main house and also in a block set
in the rear among a jungly garden, with seating in the central area where breakfast is
served. What makes this hotel special is its real commitment to minimizing environmental
impact. The sewage system is a UNESCO-approved, multilevel natural filtration
system, where nothing damaging is discharged into the environment or the river. Detergent
use is minimized, and they use a nonchemical system for hotel cleaning and have
reusable cloth shopping bags for daily shopping. Room soaps are made with essential oil
extracts sourced in the region. They recycle all plastic and aluminum cans (the only
recycling initiative available at present), and organic waste is fed to livestock outside of
Luang Prabang. In addition, they provide education and mentoring for staff.
3 Kounxoa Rd. & 071/255-050. www.lotusvillalaos.com. 15 units. $62 double; $124 suite. MC, V. Amenities:
Restaurant, breakfast only; Internet. In room: A/C.
Merry Lao-Swiss Hotel Near Mount Phousi overlooking the Nam Khan River
this hotel has very airy rooms with check tiled floors and very high ceilings. It feels a bit
like a European hotel in atmosphere. If you are not a fan of the dark wood, traditional
Lao feel of so many of Luang Prabang’s midrange hotels, then the Merry Lao-Swiss provides
a wholly different option with its own unique style.
Kingkitsarath Rd. & 071/260-211. www.freewebs.com\merrylao_swiss. 20 units. $50 double; $60 twin
deluxe; $80 VIP. MC, V. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, minibar.
Riverside Guest House Advertising themselves with the curious phrase “The unforgotten
touch of Luang Prabang,” the Riverside Guest House offers all-wood rooms in a