A magical place.
Following an intense work period and long journey, i arrive at Belmond to welcoming smiles and drumming. Gracious and affable check-in is followed by a Baci ceremony where the shaman explained the Laotian belief that a soul could leave one’s body (it had) and by ritual we restored our souls do ourselves. Then through the beautifully gardened grounds to a large, luxuriously appointed room with a view of the Luang Prabang valley. Terrific made to order breakfasts (not a buffet) including Laotian, Eastern, and Western dishes is eagerly and proudly served by the familial staff. Had cocktails and delicious snacks at the weekly cocktail party talking with very interesting life of the general manager (Salim?) The social and the quiet pools are fantastic, the massage great. Peng, the bartender who doesn’t drink, stirred up interesting concoctions. An ap and a van made everything easy. I applaud Belmond for aiding Myanmar staff with opportunities in Laos while that country is stressed. The staff was more welcoming than my own mother on a trip home. Not only did the beauty and friendliness return a weary travelers would to his body, but the experience elevated my spirit. A remarkable place of warm-hearted, inviting people. Highly Recommend.

The Belmond Phou Vao is a good hotel in Luang Prabang. The best thing about it is the service. We were very well taken care of by the whole staff, in particular Cathy - at the front office/guest relations. They were super nice and helpful.
The hotel also offers many different activities and the ones we were able to participate in were really well planned and executed to perfection! The food is very good and the head chef and executive chef are really nice, going up to the table to talk to us! Since it was our honeymoon, they sent lots of gifts such as a dessert plater and a wine bottle, which was extremely nice!
Our only complaint is that the hotel is in need of renovations. The rooms are really antiquated and not what one would expect of a 5 star hotel. It’s spacious, but old (mainly the shower/bath, closets and the bed linens which is really scratchy).