Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao

Location
La Résidence de Phou Vao is located on the Phou Vao hill, easily accessible from Luang Prabang, just 2 kilometres away. Luang Prabang airport is four kilometres away. The hotel can arrange airport transfers. Visitors to Laos can not hire self-drive rental cars, but chauffeur-driven rental cars are available at the airport. The hotel can help you make these arrangements at the time of booking.

Accommodation
32 rooms (55-60 m²)
2 suites (60-65 m²)

Check-in is from 1400
Check-out is before 1200

Dining, Bars & Entertainment
Restaurant Phou Vao offers European and Lao cuisine in elegant relaxed surroundings. Diners can sit in the restaurant or outdoors in the evenings, with candlelit mountain views. Dok Champa cocktail bar and the Patio Bar offer drinks indoors or out. Live entertainment in the form of traditional Lao music is provided some evenings.

Hotel amenities
13m infinity pool overlooking the valley and neighbouring Sacred Mountain. Ytsara Spa offering full range of treatments. Boutique Library and Business Centre with Internet access.

General visitor information for Laos:

Time difference
UTC +7

Languages
Lao is the official language of Laos. French is widely spoken and along the border with Thailand Thai is common, too. English is quite common, especially in tourist areas, hotels and banks.

Currency
The unit of currency in Laos is the Kip (LAK). Most hotels, restaurants and larger shops also accept US dollars and Thai Baht. Credit cards and travellers cheques are not always accepted outside of large establishments in major cities and towns. The Résidence de Phou Vao accepts all major credit cards.

Passports and Visas
A visa is necessary to visit Laos. You can obtain a 30-day visa from a Lao embassy before you visit or on arrival at one of the major entry points (Ventiane and Luang Prabang airports) you can acquire a 15-day tourist visa. You will need two passport photographs and $30.

Climate
With average monthly temperatures varying only a few degrees throughout the year, Laos remains warm all year round. Lowest temperatures are in December and January with lows of 18ºC and highs of 28ºC. March and April reach highs of 34ºC (93ºF). The rains are lowest in January and February, with only a few millimentres of rain, however the rainfall increases rapidly from May onwards, approaching 250mm of monthly rainfall in October. Best time to visit is November to March, to avoid the heat and the rains.

Religion
Laos is a Buddhist country, with over 60% of the population professing the faith. The religion is deeply entrenched in all aspects of daily life, history and culture. It is common to see Buddhist monks in saffron robes gathering alms (gifts of food from locals in return for prayers) in the early morning.

Health
There are no immunisation requirements to enter Laos other than for travellers coming from a yellow fever affected area. Consult your local doctor before travelling. Bring any medication you need to last throughout your visit as it may be hard to find western medicines in smaller towns in Laos.

Dress code
Most of the year Laos is warm and humid. Natural fabrics and loose-fitting clothes are highly recommended. You may need a light jacket or jumper at night in the cool season. Please be respectful when visiting religious buildings and keep covered up.