3 Nagas

Located between the banks of the Mekong and the Nam Khan River in the heart of Luang Prabang, the 3 Nagas offers unique accommodation in three UNESCO-listed buildings full of Lao heritage, but with modern amenities. Outside sits the hotel’s vintage burgundy Citroen and inside the antique wood, period furnishings and beautiful Lao silks, all combine to create a real taste of old-world colonial lifestyle. With just a total of 15 rooms and suites the vibe is intimate, and we think it makes a great base for couples looking for characterful accommodation in Luang Prabang. In a central position in the Old Quarter, the 3 Nagas is on the path of the morning alms-giving procession, Tak Bat and is a 25-minute drive from Luang Prabang international airport.

The accommodation is spread across three buildings, two of which are on the opposite side of the road. Khamboua House was built in 1903 during the height of the French colonial period and the garden backs onto the banks of the Nam Khan River, while Lamache House was built in 1898 to house the royal family, before being converted into an ice cream factory in the 1930s. The buildings were beautifully restored in 1995 and now house spacious and charming rooms full of Laotian heritage and atmosphere. The generously-sized 15 rooms and suites have antique wooden flooring, exotic dark wood furniture, four-poster beds, seating area, modern bathroom, lavish silk fabrics and private balcony or terrace, overlooking either the street below or the gardens. Amenities include Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and mini-bar, but there are no TVs. Suites are more spacious and there is room for an extra bed should it be required for families or larger groups. The 3 Nagas Restaurant offers refined fine dining and is thought to offer some of the best Laotian cuisine in town and there is also an onsite café, the Ice Cream Parlour.

Well-located for exploring the temples, Royal Palace Museum, night market and nearby caves and waterfalls, the 3 Nagas provides complimentary bicycles for sightseeing. For a greater range of facilities including an outdoor pool, spa and fitness centre, guests can take advantage of the free shuttle to the Naga’s sister hotel, Sofitel Luang Prabang. For those that would rather stay somewhere more characterful than outright luxurious, we think the 3 Nagas is exceptional, providing unique accommodation in the heart of the city.

When to go

November to April is the best time to visit Laos with dry and warm weather, with March and April being the hottest months. October and May are also good months to visit with only a bit of rain. July to September are the wettest months in Laos.