Marriott International has opened its 800th property in Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC), marking the company’s entry into Laos with the launch of La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Luang Prabang.
The 36-suite resort is located on a hilltop above Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage town. Set within three acres of tropical gardens, the property offers views of the surrounding mountains and historic town.
The opening also marks the property’s entry into The Luxury Collection, Marriott International’s luxury hotel brand. According to the company, the resort retains its original architecture, tropical gardens and hilltop swimming pool. Meanwhile, its interiors, culinary offerings and guest experiences have been updated to reflect the brand’s standards.
A Hilltop Resort Above Luang Prabang
La Résidence Phou Vao is situated on Phou Vao, overlooking Luang Prabang and the surrounding mountains. The property is described as the only hillside retreat within the UNESCO World Heritage zone.
From the resort, guests can see the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, which meet near the town. Other landmarks include the gilded stupa of Wat Chom Si on Mount Phou Si and the golden spire of Wat That Luang.
Located approximately two kilometres from the old town, the resort also provides access to several local attractions. These include the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xieng Thong and the sunset viewpoint on Mount Phou Si.
36 Suites Featuring Lao Craftsmanship
The resort has 36 all-suite accommodations, with interiors inspired by the cultural heritage of Luang Prabang.
Rosewood accents and handwoven textiles feature in the design. Select suites also include separate living areas and private terraces. Bathrooms feature terrazzo bathtubs, twin vanities and rain showers.
Guests can choose from three categories: Garden Heritage, Mountain View and Phou Si Temple Suites.
French Dining and Lao Culinary Experiences
La Brasserie de la Résidence is the resort’s main restaurant. Its menu focuses on contemporary French cuisine and classic bistro dishes, incorporating seasonal produce, garden herbs and ingredients sourced from the surrounding region.
The restaurant offers indoor dining and terrace seating, with views of the historic stupa and nearby mountains. An adjoining bar serves signature cocktails made with local spirits.
The resort’s Be Epicurean programme includes daily pre-sunset terrace refreshments and a private dining experience called the Epicurean Journey. The latter takes place in the garden of Villa des Arts, a preserved colonial residence approximately five minutes from the resort.
For guests interested in local cuisine, the resort also offers a dedicated Lao tasting menu featuring regional dishes.
Every Saturday and Sunday morning, a local artisan prepares Nem Kao on the restaurant terrace. The steamed rice crepe is also known as Banh Cuon across the Mekong valley. It is a traditional breakfast dish associated with households in Luang Prabang.
Spa and Wellness Facilities
The Mekong Spa operates from an open-air Garden Pavilion and draws on traditional Lao healing practices. Its five signature treatments include a ritual using Hmong indigo compresses and the Sip Sen Lao massage.
Additional facilities include a sauna, relaxation lounge and pool.
The resort also has a 13-metre freshwater infinity pool overlooking the mountains, alongside a fitness centre. A dawn gong meditation ritual forms part of its wellness programme.
Cultural and Nature-Based Experiences
The resort offers excursions and activities around Luang Prabang, including sunset cruises at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers.
Guests can also visit the Pak Ou Caves, known for their thousands of Buddha images, and the Kuang Si Waterfalls. Other activities include encounters with elephants at Manifa Sanctuary.
Closer to the property, guests can take part in a traditional Baci blessing ceremony. The Lao ritual is associated with welcoming visitors and wishing them good fortune.
La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Luang Prabang is now welcoming guests.
Related Coverage
La Residence Phou Vao Reopens in Luang Prabang Following Heritage-Led Transformation
IHG to Open Holiday Inn Resort in Luang Prabang, Laos, in 2027
