Luang Prabang's UNESCO World Heritage status mercifully prevents large-scale construction in the historic center. As a result, developers have renovated existing hotels and completed boutique conversions of old guesthouses. A few resorts have also sprung up on the outskirts of town to keep up with demand. In high season, the town is absolutely stuffed with visitors, so finding a place can be a trial. Book ahead from November through March and during the Lao New Year festivities in mid-April.
The main concentration of accommodations is along the peninsula dissected by Sisavangvong Road on the banks of both the Mekong and the Nam Khan rivers and all the crossroads in between. All prices quoted here are for high season (Nov-Mar). Most operations slash their rates by more than half in low season (Apr-Oct) when it is actually quite nice to visit as long as you manage to dodge the rain. You will certainly be dodging the crowds. Those hotels that take credit cards will generally charge you an extra 4% on top of your bill. Quite a number of the more boutique-style hotels deliberately do not have TVs in the rooms so as to maintain a traditional and tranquil atmosphere.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
