Sofitel Luang Prabang Hotel: Colonial Chic at Its Finest

We can debate for hours over the concept of colonialism, and its positive and negative impacts on the colonized countries. Or, we can take a look at the majestic city of Luang Prabang—a perfect example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Laotian urban structures with those of the colonial era. The exceptional, astoundingly well-preserved Sofitel Luang Prabang is a historic luxury hotel located in central Luang Prabang. It accurately epitomizes the mixing of these distinct cultural traditions. Formerly a French governor's mansion, the hotel is now a shrine to luxury that offers extremely spacious suites and villas with excellent service and superb amenities.

The Sofitel Luang Prabang provides its guests with five different types of accommodations tailored for a variety of preferences. Almost large enough to get lost in, all of the clay-roofed suites with high ceilings and chicly-crafted furnishings feature giant flat-screen TVs, extremely large backyard patios with lawn spaces, outdoor bathtubs, safe boxes, minibars with free beverages, robes and slippers, plush beds with dramatic wood frames, and electric hot water kettles for making coffee and tea. But the highlight of all the available options for your stay is unreservedly a villa with a private pool, in a roaring yet soigné natural setting. Choosing to reside in a suite, you will still have the pleasure of basking in a large swimming pool, full of water lilies and surrounded by large shady poinciana trees.

In your leisure time, when you are free from local adventures, enjoy the broad range of on-property amenities. If jumping to conclusions is not your only exercise, pump and sweat in the gym, which offers a unique fitness experience. For those looking to relax, the spa is located nearby in the traditional stilted Laotian house. With the free bicycle service provided by the hotel, we encourage you to explore the royal city of Luang Prabang with its majestic museum and temples. Last, but not least, Sofitel offers cooking classes at the KaToke Cooking School, where you can learn Laotian culture, literally, through your taste buds.

Indulge in an exclusive dining experience in the romantic safari pavilion of the Governor's Grill, which overlooks the Sofitel botanical garden. The restaurant makes the most of its startling heritage setting, serving well-executed premium steaks and undecayed Western-leaning Asian dishes with oriental spices. The Sabai Library Lounge is a lushly sophisticated space with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and you can savor cocktails and the traditional Laotian menu filled with a bright palette of exotic flavors while scrolling through your favorite memoirs or novels.

Still can't believe how lucky you are to discover the Sofitel Luang Prabang? See for yourself and be colonized by the ancient royal city and its countless sights, scattered throughout jungles like treasures of unspeakable beauty, waiting to be found.