Laos hotels where to stay.
1 cities, ranked and mapped — from the capital to the coast.
About Laos
Hotels in Laos are easy to choose once you know where the best travel rhythm sits. Laos is a landlocked, river-led country with dramatic karst scenery, laid-back cities, and cultural heritage most visible in its temples and old quarters. For many visitors, Luang Prabang is the classic northern base: the historic town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, set on a peninsula between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, with Mount Phousi rising above the rooftops. Farther south, Vang Vieng is a natural choice for scenery and activities, straddling the Nam Song River and known for its karst landscape around the town. In central Laos, the Plain of Jars in Xiengkhuang adds a striking historical contrast, with more than 2,100 stone jars linked to funerary traditions.
Where to stay depends on your pace. If you want a city anchor with easy logistics, base in Vientiane (our recommended city) for markets, museums, and day trips. For “slow travel + UNESCO charm”, choose Luang Prabang. For adventure and scenery without moving every day, stay in Vang Vieng. With the right hotel pick, these bases also keep transfers manageable.
When to go is mainly about seasons. Laos typically runs a dry season from October to April and a wet season from May to September, with heavier rainfall often in August and September. The dry months usually mean clearer viewpoints and more reliable road conditions, particularly in northern and central areas.
Getting around is straightforward but varied: flights connect key hubs for longer distances, while buses and private cars work well between nearby towns. River travel is also common in the Mekong corridor, and in many destinations local transport options (tuk-tuks, taxis, and motorbike hire where legal and safe) make short hops easy.
Cities in Laos
Best 5-star hotels in Laos
Amantaka
Luang Prabang · guest 9.4 (258)Historic Luang Prabang luxury with a standout spa and outdoor pool setting.
La Casa Hostel
Luang Prabang · guest 9.2 (519)Relaxed Luang Prabang hostel on a quiet street with terrace and garden rooms.
Namkat Yolapa Resort
Oudomxay · guest 8.8 (184)Remote Nam Kat river retreat in northern Laos with forest pools and zip lines.
Best 4-star hotels in Laos
Mybanlao Hotel
Luang Prabang · guest 9.8 (128)Relaxed Mekong-side stay in central Luang Prabang with pool-access rooms and free shuttles.
Nam Pien Yorla Pa
Vientiane · guest 9.8 (172)Rainforest escape near Vientiane, featuring a biodiversity museum and forest-view rooms.
Local Guesthouse
Vang Vieng · guest 9.7 (701)Relaxed Savang village guesthouse with terrace garden and mountain views for cave days.
Le Sen Boutique Hotel - Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang · guest 9.6 (1,182)Relaxed Luang Prabang spot with pool courtyard, made-to-order breakfast, and free bikes.
Best 3-star hotels in Laos
Pool Party Hotel
Vang Vieng · guest 9.6 (190)Lively Vang Vieng stay with a huge pool that turns into a nightly party.
Naga Hostel & Café
Thakhèk · guest 9.6 (424)Sociable Thakhèk hostel with terrace downtime, tour desk, and easy transport options.
Queen's House
Luang Prabang · guest 9.5 (104)Calm Old Town stay near Luang Prabang’s markets, with an outdoor pool to cool off.
Mekong Estate
Luang Prabang · guest 9.4 (214)Relaxed riverside villas outside Luang Prabang’s old town, with a 25-meter Mekong-facing pool.
Best 2-star hotels in Laos
Bearlinbungalow
Vang Vieng · guest 9.1 (763)Relaxed Vang Vieng resort near downtown with a pool and playroom.
Villa Ban Phanluang
Luang Prabang · guest 9 (150)Quiet riverside guesthouse across the bamboo bridge, with balcony breakfast and shared kitchen.
Villa Oudomlith
Luang Prabang · guest 9 (228)Simple Luang Prabang villa near the Mekong, with self-catering and free English breakfast.
Philaylack Villa 1
Luang Prabang · guest 8.9 (178)Relaxed Old Town villa near the night market, with spacious air-conditioned rooms.
FAQ
Best city to stay in Laos?
Vientiane is a great practical base for city comforts and day trips.
When is the best time to visit Laos?
October to April is generally best for drier conditions; May to September is wetter.
What’s the easiest way to get around Laos?
Use domestic flights for longer routes, then buses or private transfers for overland travel between nearby destinations.