Fodor's Expert Review Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao Hotel

Its prime position on Phou Vao (Kite Hill) gives this sumptuous hotel the best views in town. Traditional Lao touches are everywhere, creating a sense of exotic luxury in the rosewood-furnished rooms. In the evening you can relax over cocktails at the Dok Champa Bar and soak in the restful garden surroundings. The restaurant ($$$$) is among Luang Prabang's best, serving authentic Lao food and rich French dishes. Seven different therapies are available at the spa; stay a full week and you can try a different treatment each day. The hotel provides a free shuttle service into town for its guests. At $380 for the lowest-price rooms, the hotel is very expensive during the high season, but substantial discounts are offered during slower periods.