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Swimming pool at Avani Luang Prabang

Avani

Luang Prabang, Laos

Once the quarters of French officers and Laos government officials, Avani is set in a collection of historic buildings dating back to 1914. Many of the hotel's colonial-era features have been retained, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the UNESCO-protected area of old Luang Prabang but inside, they have been thoroughly reworked. Sleek, minimalist elegance is the order of the day with subtle, traditional touches such as hand-stitched batiks and local crafts adding an element of local style.

The hotel is relaxed and informal but sophisticated with discreet and attentive service and impressive attention to detail. The rooms are based on an open-plan design and feature the same uncluttered style as the main buildings. Each has a private terrace that overlooks the pool and gardens.

The bistro serves refined Laos and French dishes and offers a small but well-selected wine list alongside an ever-changing cocktail menu. The hotel also has a large pool, a spa and a gym and is set within easy walking distance of the city's main attractions. The night market, royal palace and a varied selection of wats (temples) are within a few minutes' walk, as are a host of restaurants and bars.

OUR OPINION:

An extremely smart hotel with a strong service focus and excellent location, this is one of our preferred properties in Luang Prabang. Its simple elegance and refined style ooze sophistication.

OUR RATING: First Class

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Rooms

The 53 rooms are set around a leafy central courtyard and follow the simple elegance of the main building. An open-plan design and uncluttered, pared-back style in pale, earthy tones makes them calm and soothing. Louvred wooden doors lead to a terrace with chairs or daybeds. The en suite shower rooms are well equipped with double sinks and each room has a minibar, wall-mounted TV, air-conditioning, tea and coffee machine, and Wi-Fi.

Location

The hotel is set right in the heart of the ancient city of Luang Prabang just off the main street. The traditional night market and royal palace are within a couple of minutes' walk and the city's 30 wats (temples) are all easily accessible on foot.

Food and drink

The bistro is relaxed and informal and has both indoor and outdoor seating. Guests can choose between a buffet or à la carte breakfast, while the lunch menu features classic bistro and Laotian dishes. Dinner sees French and local dishes served in traditional style on large sharing plates. The vibrant bistro bar is a good spot for a cocktail on the elevated deck which overlooks the night market and main street. There is also a small poolside bar serving smoothies and cocktails during the day.

Facilities and activities

The large pool in the central courtyard sits by a mature banyan tree which provides a shaded area at the height of the day's heat. There is also a small spa offering a range of treatments, a fully-equipped gym and a number of fire pits where guests can sit with a cocktail in the evening.

Tour ideas in Luang Prabang

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Avani as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favourite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.

    • Alms Giving
      Alms Giving Luang Prabang

      Alms Giving

      Alms Giving

      Each morning at dawn in Luang Prabang the local Buddhist monks form a procession around the streets of this charming town, collecting alms of rice and vegetables from the local population.

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    • Evening Baci Ceremony
      Traditional dress

      Evening Baci Ceremony

      Evening Baci Ceremony

      The Baci ceremony is a mix of Animism and Buddhism. These ceremonies are common to Laos. Their purpose is to call back your own spirits to your body because they sometimes escape.

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    • Kuang Si Waterfalls
      Kuang Si Waterfall, Luang Prabang

      Kuang Si Waterfalls

      Kuang Si Waterfalls

      Kuang Si Falls are 30 kilometres from town. The excursion leaves Luang Prabang in the morning and heads toward Ban Ou by boat.

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    Luang Prabang and nearby places