I stayed in this hotel last year and it is a great place to stay in Luang Prabang, although in fairness to the other hotels and villas, they all seemed very good and it is Luang Prabang itself that is so remarkable. If you've not been then go now! A friend has been twice, first time twenty years ago and then recently, and she says things have changed so much. There used to be a handful of hotels and many private homes, now every home has been turned into an hotel. I hope this wealth and business has trickled through to the locals.
Luang Prabang is tiny and you can walk from one side to the other in no time at all. It's a great place and just wandering around the (43) temples, many next to each other, all within a very manageable walking distance, is a joy. Watch out for the novice monks in internet cafes or playing football in their private time. Sit and have a drink in one of the cafes and the wander some more.
In the morning observe the monks take alms - I saw one tourist stand in front of a monk blocking his way, in order to get a good picture - invasive and rude. No wonder I read a story saying that some abbots have stopped taking his monks out in this very traditional way. A real shame and tourism at its worst. It is a wonderful thing to see, a 100 or even 200 monks and novices (some so young), walking in a line with their alms basket to one side and people humbly offering small food stuffs for blessings. Observe, or even kneel if you can and offer food, but don't stand in front of them as though they are there solely as a tourist attraction.
Try and arrive by river from North Thailand. It is very special when having spent two days on the Mekong, you arrive at the exquisite jewel that is Luang Prabang.
- Hotel Mekong Riverview