Fleewinter

The Mekong Riverview is in an exceptional position on the tip of the Luang Prabang peninsula, where the waters divide between the Mekong and the Nam Khan rivers. We’re not exaggerating when we say this hotel has one of the best locations in town - it is a mere stone throw from many of the city’s key cultural sites.

Swedish managed but with an extremely ‘local’ feel, stay at the Mekong Riverview and you’ll feel like you’re truly immersing yourself in this wonderful city. We loved all its homely touches, it really does feel like a home from home.

Most of the elegant rosewood rooms face the river bend and the best rooms have wraparound balconies, from which you can watch life paddle by on the river. All rooms are equipped with high standard amenities including air-conditioning, a ceiling fan and a flat-screen TV with international channels. Featuring Swedish-made remote controlled beds, there is also an electric kettle and a refrigerator. Free toiletries and a shower can be found in the private bathroom, with some room types offering a spa bath.

There are five different room types in four different buildings. The entry-level rooms (Deluxe River View) are excellent; beautifully furnished, commanding spectacular river view balconies - this is one of the few hotels where we happily book our clients into the least-expensive room. Upgrade to a Superior River View and you’ll have even more space with double sinks in the bathroom. The Superior Suite is larger still, with three beds and ideal for families but this is the only room type with no river view and the Junior Suite is largest room with river views and bathrooms equipped with wooden bathtubs (ground floor suites only) that are luxuriously appointed with separate stand glass shower and toilet areas. All rooms can fit an extra bed except for the Deluxe rooms.

We love all the spectacular finishing touches here: remote-controlled beds for propping up your weary back, homemade banana cake at teatime, a map given on arrival marked with insiders’ tips, and a glass of wine on the house served at the restaurant deck on the river to ease guests into Luang Prabang’s languid pace.

The hotel’s Viewpoint Cafe is set on the river across the road and is one of our favourite dining spots in Luang Prabang (it’s well worth coming here for a bite to eat even if you don’t stay here). There is no pool at the hotel because it is in the UNESCO protected area - and no pools are allowed in this area.

Mekong Riverview has also recently added an offsite Palm Tree Health Spa with a swimming pool, and the Viewpoint Organic Garden to grow their own produce. To reach the spa from the hotel, guests take a two-minute boat ride across the Mekong. An electric cart then takes them the final 400 metres to the facilities. The whole complex also includes a salt water pool, Jacuzzi, kid's pool, gym, sauna, table tennis, badminton, and bistro.