No journey to <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/laos-bespoke" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Laos</a> is complete without a visit to <a href="https://butterfield.com/get-inspired/deep-luang-prabang" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Luang Prabang</a>, the country's ancient capital. This UNESCO-protected city sits at the confluence of the Mekong River and the Khan River, surrounded by fertile forests and gilded with shimmering temples and secluded waterfalls.&nbsp;With flat, wide roads and stunning French-inspired architecture around every turn, there are endless opportunities for incredible biking and hiking - which are only matched by the city's bounty of stunning hotels to rejuvenate after long days of exploring.&nbsp;No matter your style, taste or budget, Luang Prabang is brimming with incredible hotels that will awaken your senses to the tranquil pace of Laotian life. Below are my favourite hotels in the city, from five-star converted French villas to charming boutique properties.&nbsp;

Amantaka is an Aman hotel; what more can I say? Just about everything is perfect. Resting on the foot of sacred Mount Phousi, Amantaka is utterly in tune with Luang Prabang's tranquil pace. The property is nestled on a historic garden estate with a shimmering pool and serene Aman Spa. And it's in a really great location, walkable to town but far away from the noise.If I were to change one thing: It's in a converted school, so the interior courtyard will have you walking across the property all the time. In 20 years when the trees grow, the walks will be more scenic.

Cream of the Crop

3-Nagas isn't famous in any regard, but it's my favourite hotel in Luang Prabang. This stunning boutique hotel has an unparalleled location in the city centre, so you're steps away from colourful street markets, ancient temples, cultural sites and the historic district. If you don't stay here, I recommend you come for dinner. The bar mixes incredible cocktails in an elegant Victorian-era mansion, and the restaurant serves succulent Lao cuisine in a cozy indoor bistro and al fresco courtyard.&nbsp;If I were to change one thing:&nbsp;Unfortunately because of the prime city location, there's no pool and there can be some noise!

I find this hotel to be the ideal balance of great location, price and pool. Sofitel was originally built as a French Governor's residence in the 1900s and is located in a quiet neighbourhood just outside the city centre. All suites feature a private garden with a gazebo, outdoor bathtub, or a private pool. Nearby attractions include Wat Mano Temple, Royal Museum, Mount Phousi, Wat Xiengtong and UXO bomb museum.If I were to change one thing: I think this hotel vibe is best suited for families and as such I wish the pool were larger.

This hotel is crazy fun and features a funky design with lots of upside-down elephants and nets hanging over waterfalls to lounge in. A total paradise for design geeks or honeymooners looking for isolation and no good reason to leave the room.If I were to change one thing:&nbsp;The location is far out of town. Really far.&nbsp;

Surrounded by dozens of heritage temples and overlooking Mount Phousi, Avani isn't on par with the service of the other top hotels in town, but its location is unparalleled (and it has a pool!). This heritage hideaway is a 5-minute walk from the Mekong River, dozens of cafés and restaurants and a bustling night market.&nbsp;If I were to change one thing: The rooms are a bit bland.

A wonderful hotel with a French vibe and a long history in town. The property is gemmed with teak, silk and fresh cotton accents, and their restaurant serves wonderful French-influenced local cuisine. The open-air spa and water lily pool are dreamy.If I were to change one thing:&nbsp;The location is far out of town, so one ends up just 'staying at the hotel.'

This boutique hotel is hip and trendy, with modern rooms and suites sitting among lush courtyards. It also boasts a great spa and an infinity pool that looks out to the hills.&nbsp;

Other Great Hotels

The late Prince Souvanna Phouma lived here! This hotel is great for travellers who are looking for a smaller space. The interiors are decorated with elegant French and Native Laotian designs. It's located in the heart of Luang Prabang's historical centre and has really cool cars for airport pick-ups.

A very cute boutique property. Accommodations include a restaurant serving Western &amp; Asian specialties, a garden bar, library, outdoor swimming pool and spa house.

Another great heritage hotel in the centre of town place. Very cool cars for airport pick-ups. Here you can indulge in gorgeous views from the Busari's riverside lounge or stroll to the nearby temples and French sidewalk cafés.

Feeling inspired to see and stay for yourself? Get in touch with Nathan Lane to start planning your next getaway to Laos. B&amp;R Experience Designer Nathan Lane has been named a Top Travel Specialist for 2022 by Condé Nast Traveler.

The Best Hotels in Luang Prabang

Experts + Insiders

Asia-Pacific

Cambodia

Laos

<h3>Pha That Luang, Vientiane, Laos</h3>
A symbol of Lao nationalism and the most important national monument in the country, this golden Buddhist stupa is surrounded by legend: that Indian missionaries created the structure to house a piece of the Buddha’s breastbone in the 3rd c. It has been reconstructed several times, most recently after the Second World War. There is also a large statue of King Jayavarman VII from the Khmer empire here.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-37584 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/golden-temple-laos-960px-compressed.jpg" alt="Pha That Luang, Vientiane, Laos" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/golden-temple-laos-960px-compressed.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/golden-temple-laos-960px-compressed-450x300.jpg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/golden-temple-laos-960px-compressed-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/golden-temple-laos-960px-compressed-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
<h3>Wat Xieng Thong, Laos</h3>
An intricately constructed Buddhist temple initially built in the 1550s, this &#8216;golden temple&#8217; is revered throughout the country for its importance in Laotian history. The site of many festivities and of the coronation of all the Lao kings, this gateway to Luang Prabang spectacularly borders the Mekong River. With about twenty structures on site, you will find a massive 12-metre funerary carriage, golden-covered walls, rare buddhas, and mythical naga serpents guarding nearly every corner, augmented by beautiful ornamental gardens. Here, this intertwining of religion and spirituality, artistry and royal history makes it one of my favourite places to visit time and time again.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-50186 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Wat-Xieng-Thong-Laos.png" alt="Wat Xieng Thong, Laos" width="960" height="600" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Wat-Xieng-Thong-Laos.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Wat-Xieng-Thong-Laos-480x300.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Wat-Xieng-Thong-Laos-250x156.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Wat-Xieng-Thong-Laos-768x480.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
<h3>Bayon Temple, Cambodia</h3>
Built at the end of the 12th c. by the most powerful Khmer monarch of all, King Jayavarman VII, who converted the entire Khmer empire to Buddhism, this spectacular site is renowned for its stone-carved ‘face towers’ which are meant to represent <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avalokite%C5%9Bvara">Lokesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion</a>, but the faces also resemble the king himself! oversee the landscape, as well as bas-relief galleries depicting Cambodian life and history.   
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-50188 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Bayon-Temple-Cambodia.png" alt="Bayon Temple, Cambodia" width="960" height="600" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Bayon-Temple-Cambodia.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Bayon-Temple-Cambodia-480x300.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Bayon-Temple-Cambodia-250x156.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Bayon-Temple-Cambodia-768x480.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
&nbsp;
<h3><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-50189 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Bayon-Temple-Cambodia-1.png" alt="Bayon Temple, Cambodia" width="960" height="600" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Bayon-Temple-Cambodia-1.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Bayon-Temple-Cambodia-1-480x300.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Bayon-Temple-Cambodia-1-250x156.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Bayon-Temple-Cambodia-1-768x480.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></h3>
<h3>Ninh Binh, Vietnam</h3>
Truly one of Vietnam’s hidden jewels, the jaw-dropping rural beauty of Ninh Binh is truly some of the finest in Southeast Asia. If you&#8217;re into supernatural scenery, this northern coastal region has it all. Marvel at soaring limestone mountains, lush green hills amidst a wild profusion of nature: underground cave systems, emerald rivers snaking through valleys, steep stone steps winding through mountain paths, and temples carved out of mountainsides. Your camera won&#8217;t do it justice.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-50187 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Ninh-Binh-Vietnam.png" alt="Ninh Binh, Vietnam" width="960" height="600" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Ninh-Binh-Vietnam.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Ninh-Binh-Vietnam-480x300.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Ninh-Binh-Vietnam-250x156.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Ninh-Binh-Vietnam-768x480.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
&nbsp;

7 Most Scenic Spots in Southeast Asia

The Slow Road

<h2>A Clash of Kingdoms</h2>
Over the years, Lan Xang armies won and lost territory from the Khmer, Burmese, Vietnamese, Thai and Chinese in Yunnan. By the 17th century, its holdings were quite sizable. However, its power began to crumble in 1694 when King Souligna Vongsa died without an heir. Internal strife, spurred on by various neighbours, ultimately split Lan Xang into three kingdoms: Luang Prabang in the north, Vientiane in the centre and Champassak in the south. The rivals never stopped quarrelling and were easily invaded and overrun, particularly by the Siamese who, by the end of the 18th century, controlled most of present-day Laos and Cambodia.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-35956 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/kinganouvong-flickr-732px-compressed.png" alt="" width="732" height="515" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/kinganouvong-flickr-732px-compressed.png 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/kinganouvong-flickr-732px-compressed-426x300.png 426w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" />
Siam ultimately ceded the territory of Lan Xang (and of the Khmer) to French Indochina in a bid to maintain its own independence—which worked. The French reunited the three territories and called the new protectorate Laos, from les Laos, the plural form of the Lao people. Siam retained what is now Northeast Thailand, or Issan, where many Lao people lived then and still do. Today, there are more Lao people living in Issan than in Laos itself.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-35949 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/lao-2561534_1280-waterfall-freestock-960px-compressed-1.png" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/lao-2561534_1280-waterfall-freestock-960px-compressed-1.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/lao-2561534_1280-waterfall-freestock-960px-compressed-1-450x300.png 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/lao-2561534_1280-waterfall-freestock-960px-compressed-1-768x512.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/lao-2561534_1280-waterfall-freestock-960px-compressed-1-900x600.png 900w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
<h2>French Colonization</h2>
<img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-35951 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/poppyseed-2557339_640-freestock-350x-compressed.png" alt="" width="350" height="233" />Under the French, there was little real development in what they called the “land of the lotus-eaters.” Few roads were built, no universities were opened and there was little improvement in health care. The mountains posed a barrier to plantation farming and the Mekong was not suitable for merchant vessels. About the only real commercial activity was the export of opium. In all of Laos, there were only a few hundred French. The colonizers preferred to import Vietnamese to staff the administration while the Chinese engaged in trade. For the average Lao peasant farmer, life was little changed.
French Indochina fell briefly to the Japanese in World War II. When Japan surrendered in 1945, the Lao Issara (“Free Laos”) movement, led by the king’s nephew, declared independence. The king, however, sided with the French and the experiment quickly ended with the French returning. In 1953, the French granted independence to the Royal Lao Government, but an offshoot of the Lao Issara, called Pathet Laos, felt it was only a puppet government so it created a resistance group backed by communist North Vietnam. When the French suffered a final defeat in Vietnam in 1954 and withdrew from Indochina, the U.S. started supplying the Royal Lao Government with arms.
<h2>Role in the Vietnam War</h2>
<img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-35946 size-thumbnail" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/international-2693256_640-flag-laos-350px-compressed-250x156.png" alt="" width="250" height="156" />At the second Geneva conference in 1961-1962, Laos declared itself neutral in the hope of avoiding future international conflicts, but this too was not to be. By the 1960s Laos was dragged into the Cold War, mostly because of its geopolitical position beside Vietnam.
While the entire world watched the U.S.-Vietnam war, few knew that a “secret war” was also being waged in Laos—with even more devastating results. Laos suffered the heaviest bombings of any country in history.
At the end of the wars, there was an attempt at a coalition government between the communist Pathet Lao and the royal government, but as soon as Saigon fell in April 1975, the Pathet Lao, backed by North Vietnam, took control of Laos with little opposition. On December 2, 1975, the king was deposed from Luang Prabang, Buddhism was removed as the state religion and the communist Lao People’s Democratic Republic was established and remains the only party. In the 1990s, Buddhism was reformed and reinstated as a way to promote Lao nationalism.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-35948 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/luang-prabang-2561536_1280-freestock-732p-compressed.png" alt="" width="732" height="488" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/luang-prabang-2561536_1280-freestock-732p-compressed.png 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/luang-prabang-2561536_1280-freestock-732p-compressed-450x300.png 450w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" />

Essentials &amp; Advice

Vietnam

<h2>Cambodia</h2>
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3994260.8074088716!2d102.73669488380239!3d12.13640257591565!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x310787bfd4dc3743%3A0xe4b7bfe089f41253!2sCambodia!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sca!4v1502379052512" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe>
Cambodia is similar to Saigon in that the temperature doesn’t change so much throughout the year. That said, you’ll find more consistent thunderstorms in the afternoon; one can almost guarantee afternoon rain from April through November.  This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as <a href="https://weatherspark.com/y/114683/Average-Weather-in-Siem-Reap-Cambodia">Siem Reap</a> can feel pretty dusty and hot by the end of March. The much-needed showers add gorgeous green to the atmosphere and even freshens up the air temperature for a couple hours before the next day clouds overdevelop and shower again. 
Best trip: <a href="http://www.butterfield.com/trip/cambodia-bistro-biking-private/">Cambodia Biking</a>
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-35496 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cambodia-2388090_1920-freestock-960c.png" alt="" width="960" height="643" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cambodia-2388090_1920-freestock-960c.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cambodia-2388090_1920-freestock-960c-448x300.png 448w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cambodia-2388090_1920-freestock-960c-768x514.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cambodia-2388090_1920-freestock-960c-896x600.png 896w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
<h2>Laos</h2>
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3886070.5672901063!2d100.9613580191376!3d17.979165556731015!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x31149057b0824589%3A0xec592481f99cd81!2sLaos!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sca!4v1502379472111" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe>
The residents of <a href="https://weatherspark.com/y/114340/Average-Weather-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos">Luang Prabang</a> prepare for rain to start falling in mid-April. If you’re lucky enough to be there in April, don’t miss <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Songkran_(Lao)">Songkran</a>, a water festival to celebrate the Lao New Year and the imminent arrival of rain. The whole town, travellers included, participates in a massive three-day water fight. With your phone in a Ziploc bag and Super Soaker water gun in hand, it’s great fun! The fall in Luang Prabang is ideal for travel. In the winter months, the town can get a bit foggy and cooler in the mornings, but still great for biking. By the time March and April roll around, it gets hot, humid, and muggy. 
Best trip: <a href="http://www.butterfield.com/trip/laos-biking-private/">Laos Biking</a>
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-35499 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/luang-prabang-flickr-1600c.png" alt="" width="960" height="625" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/luang-prabang-flickr-1600c.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/luang-prabang-flickr-1600c-461x300.png 461w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/luang-prabang-flickr-1600c-768x500.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/luang-prabang-flickr-1600c-922x600.png 922w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />

The best way to see Southeast Asia: by bike!
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-34540 alignright" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sea_kids-350c.png" alt="" width="350" height="374" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sea_kids-350c.png 350w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sea_kids-350c-281x300.png 281w" sizes="(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" />I’d be amiss to skip over B&amp;R’s favourite way to explore the world, by two wheels, so here are a few of my favourite routes and rides. If you’re trying to decide where to go, ask yourself what your activity level is, or what type of ride you’re seeking – hilly, flat, scenic, or with a lot of spots along the way to stop at?
If you want a mellow ride that’s relatively flat, my favourite ride in the Mekong Delta features a jaunt through local markets, rice paddies blowing in the breeze, and sometimes even joining along in the commute with local kids on their way to school!
For something hilly that will challenge your legs further, one of my favourite climbs is in Luang Prabang, Laos, as well as along the Hai Van Pass between Hoi An and Hue, Vietnam. The Hai Van Pass is particularly scenic with its twisting road, and was of strategic importance in Vietnamese military history. 
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-34554 alignleft" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/haivan-350-c.png" alt="" width="350" height="234" />
Biking the terrain in Northern Vietnam is also something I’m particular to: you will cross rivers, pass through rural villages, and even travel amongst towering limestone peaks. Feel like an adventurer and supplement your rides by taking a local boat through tunnels or hiking dramatic ‘dragon spine’ mountains for the full experience.
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-34548 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ricefields_beggs-960-c.png" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ricefields_beggs-960-c.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ricefields_beggs-960-c-450x300.png 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ricefields_beggs-960-c-768x512.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ricefields_beggs-960-c-900x600.png 900w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
I’ve already touched upon this if you head to Cambodia, but the loveliest scenic bike routes are, unsurprisingly, found when you leisurely pedal from one splendid temple to another. The roads are flat, and you’ll find some nice 10 to 15 km stretches that will give you some room to open up and speed up. (Also, there are less chickens along the road to slow you down!)
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-34551 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cambodia-stock-960-c.png" alt="" width="960" height="638" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cambodia-stock-960-c.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cambodia-stock-960-c-451x300.png 451w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cambodia-stock-960-c-768x510.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cambodia-stock-960-c-903x600.png 903w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />

Myanmar

<h2>Where to Eat</h2>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheTajMyanmar/"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-34343 alignright" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/TheTaj_c.png" alt="" width="350" height="258" />The Taj</a> 
Yangon has a large Indian population and an incredible array of Indian restaurants.
This authentic North Indian restaurant is one of Yangon’s best Indian eateries, featuring great prices and a semi-formal atmosphere that caters to Yangon’s professionals and expats.
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alexs-Gastro-Bar/160266417641347">Alex&#8217;s Gastro Bar</a>
Located in the Loft Hotel, this large design-oriented restaurant also includes a bar and lounge. There is a mix of European and Asian food available here. It can also accommodate vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diners as well.
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-34344 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/AlexGastroBar_c.png" alt="" width="732" height="421" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/AlexGastroBar_c.png 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/AlexGastroBar_c-480x276.png 480w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" />
<a href="http://leplanteur.net/gourmet">Le Planteur </a>
Reputed to be the finest restaurant in Myanmar, Le Planteur is housed in a beautiful colonial mansion overlooking Inya Lake. On the menu, you’ll find French/Indochina elements and Asian flavours, as well as cheeses and desserts to round out your meal.
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-34345 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/LePlanteur_c.png" alt="" width="732" height="616" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/LePlanteur_c.png 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/LePlanteur_c-356x300.png 356w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/LePlanteur_c-713x600.png 713w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" />
<a href="http://houseofmemoriesmyanmar.com/history.html"> 
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-34361 alignright" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/houseofmemories_c.png" alt="" width="250" height="305" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/houseofmemories_c.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/houseofmemories_c-246x300.png 246w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" />House of Memories</a>
Enshrined in a hundred-year-old colonial villa, this restaurant features a range of international cuisines, so depending on what you feel like, you can dine upon Burmese traditional food, Thai, Chinese or Western cuisine. The home itself is also a museum of sorts that commemorates important times in Myanmar’s history: it once served as the first office of General Aung San, Myanmar’s leader of independence (and father to Aung San Suu Kyi), among other facts. Open daily.
<a href="http://www.greenelephant-restaurants.com/"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-34346 alignleft" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/GreenElephant_c-403x300.png" alt="" width="350" height="261" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/GreenElephant_c-403x300.png 403w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/GreenElephant_c.png 732w" sizes="(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" />Green Elephant</a> 
This chain of restaurants is known around the country, but with good prices and tasty food, it&#8217;s an excellent place to sample traditional Myanmar dishes. Although touristy, it&#8217;s still worth a visit. In the evenings, it&#8217;s nice to grab a seat on the wide open terrace for a meal.
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Monsoon-Restaurant-Bar-Yangon-215941791813872/"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-34347 alignright" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Monsoon_Resto_c.png" alt="" width="350" height="246" />Monsoon</a> 
One of the first old shop houses to be restored for public use, you can find foods from around the region, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. Old colonial feel with photos of old Yangon cover the walls and is right downtown—definitely a great place to sit and have a cold drink too!

Eat &amp; Drink

Features &amp; Stories

Chef Q&amp;A

Thailand

In your book, Hot Sour Salty Sweet, you explore the cuisine in multiple countries along the Mekong River and recognize that the flavours and tastes from the surrounding countries were all closely related. How does Northern Thai cuisine differentiate itself from the rest?
In one region you can find the food of another, but they all have very distinct cuisines.
Northern Thailand has strong regional traditions and very intense flavours. There’s a pushiness and intensity of the flavours and spices that you don’t find in other regions.
In Northern Thai cuisine many things are steamed to cook and the grill is primarily used to flavour dishes. Chilies, garlic and shallots are all grilled first, then combined into a sauce or salsa, similarly to how it’s done in Mexico.
Since the grill is used to flavour, they grill over charcoal to create these lovely and intense sauces, like nam prik pao, for example.
Your latest cookbook on Persian cuisine focuses on a number of countries including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran and Kurdistan. Can you define this cuisine and how it differs from Thai cuisine?
The food in the Persian culinary region is representative of more temperament climate conditions. They use nuts more, to give meaning to food through the sauces.
There is much less fish in the culinary world of the Caucasus Mountains, and fruit plays a big role in the culinary flavours. In Thailand, the focus is more on bitter and aromatic leaves. In the Persian region, they use tart fruits and fresh herbs, because of the desert and drier climate in places like Southern Iran.
Similar to Thailand, rice is a big part of the cuisine. It differs in many ways though. In Thailand and most of Southeast Asia, jasmine rice is served as bread, used to balance out dishes and accompany the strong flavours of the main dish.
In Persian culinary tradition, basmati rice is important and flavoured while it cooks with salt and seasoning. They typically use flatbread as their plain dish to be served alongside strong flavours.
What’s your best advice for getting past the fear travellers sometimes have of eating in markets. It can be an overwhelming place, so how does one start?
<img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-32391 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Thai-Market.png" alt="thai-market" width="350" height="234" />There are typically a few reasons people struggle with eating in markets; the concern for cleanliness and the overwhelming variety of choices.
Generally, in Thailand, there is a huge emphasis on cleanliness. There’s plenty of water in Thailand and the locals are known for showering to refresh themselves from the heat multiple times a day!
Many times I’ve entered friends’ homes and they ask if I’d like to refresh myself with a shower. It also helps to rest your body temperature.
This emphasis on cleanliness means that you don’t smell rotting fish in the markets, and the clean-up is so thorough that when they’re done for the day you can’t even tell there was a market there! This is especially impressive given the tropical climate.
Addressing the amount of choice, I’d recommend you don’t bother trying things you know you don’t like and don’t waste any eating opportunity on a western dish you could get back home. It’s important to try the local cuisine to help get an appreciation for the region and a true sense of the food landscape.
When travelling from Northern Vietnam to Southern Vietnam, the classic Vietnamese Pho dish changes along the way. What dishes change in a similar fashion from Myanmar into Chiang Mai? Is there a specific dish travellers should look for?
<img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-32393 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Khao-soi.png" alt="khao-soi" width="350" height="263" />Khao soi (see recipe, below) is a dish widely served in Northern Thailand that is Burmese-influenced. It’s similar to Ohno khao swe, the Burmese noodle dish that is also a coconut milk-based dish.
These dishes are very different but are related, as you can even see by their names. Also, generally, there is much less chilli heat used in Myanmar than in Northern Thailand so most dishes are different for that reason.
How do you think food helps one understand a place?
I’ve always seen the world through food, it’s the best window into a culture. I love taking groups into a region and focusing not on hands-on cooking but on seeing the world through food.
If you had one tip for travellers heading into the region, what would it be?
What’s most important is that you look at a topographic map to get an understanding of where you’re going.
Look at the mountains. Acknowledge where the Burma border lies. Observe where the Mekong winds.
In Chiang Mai, you’re at a meeting place of cultures, where the lowlands meet the mountains. From town, you can see the hills, and it’s remarkable to think that Myanmar is just across the mountains.
It may seem close, but back in the day, those were very hard to cross. When you travel by plane sometimes you forget where you are and how you got there.
Understanding by taking the time to look at a map beforehand will leave you with a real appreciation for the region and a sense of wonder to see where you are in relation to the rest of Southeast Asia.
Editor&#8217;s Note: Naomi was kind enough to share the below recipe and excerpt from her book, <a href="http://www.longitudebooks.com/find/p/104862/mcms.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hot Sour Salty Sweet</a>, coauthored with Jeffrey Alford.

<h2>Recipe: Chiang Mai Curry Noodles</h2>
<img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-32395 size-medium alignright" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Chiang-Mai-Curry-339x300.jpg" alt="" width="339" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Chiang-Mai-Curry-339x300.jpg 339w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Chiang-Mai-Curry-768x681.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Chiang-Mai-Curry-677x600.jpg 677w" sizes="(max-width: 339px) 100vw, 339px" />
We&#8217;re told by friends in Chiang Mai, Thailand&#8217;s northern capital, that this noodle dish is originally from the Shan State of Burma; others say it came with Muslim traders from Yunnan.
Whatever the story, khao soi is now known as a Chiang Mai specialty. It&#8217;s an easy-to-make, very rich and delicious one-dish meal.
The broth that bathes the noodles is flavoured with a little curry paste, turmeric, and garlic and is smooth and thick with coconut milk. Traditionally khao soi is made, as it is here, with beef; you can also make it with chicken.
The recipe calls for Chinese egg noodles, available from most Chinese groceries. They come in one-pound packages and are about linguine width and pale yellow. The cooked noodles are placed in large individual bowls and the curry sauce is poured over them when the dish is served.
Khao soi is usually topped with a small nest of crispy noodles, egg noodles that have been briefly deep-fried; they add a delightful contrasting texture. There is a small array of condiments traditionally served with khao soi; don&#8217;t worry if you don&#8217;t have pickled cabbage.
<h3>Khao soi &#8211; Northern Thailand</h3>
<h5>Serves 4</h5>
<h5>Ingredients:</h5>
2 to 3 cloves garlic, peeled 
1-inch piece fresh turmeric, minced, or 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 
1 teaspoon salt, plus a pinch 
1 tablespoon Red Curry Paste (page 210 or store-bought) 
1 tablespoon peanut or vegetable oil 
3 cups canned or fresh coconut milk, with 2 cup of the thickest milk set aside 
2 pound boneless flavorful beef (sirloin tip or trimmed stewing beef), cut into 2-inch chunks 
1 tablespoon sugar 
1 cup water 
3 tablespoons Thai fish sauce 
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 
Peanut oil for deep-frying noodles (optional) 
1 pound Chinese egg noodles (bamee)
<h5>Toppings &amp; Condiments</h5>
Fried noodle nests (optional; see below) 
2 cup coarsely chopped shallots 
2 cup minced scallions 
2 cup Pickled Cabbage, Thai Style 
1 lime, cut into wedges
<h5>Directions:</h5>
Place the garlic in a mortar with the turmeric and the pinch of salt and pound to a paste. Alternatively, finely mince the garlic and whole turmeric, if using, and place the garlic and turmeric in a small bowl with a pinch of salt.
Stir in the red curry paste and set aside.
Place a large heavy pot or wok over high heat.
Add the 1 tablespoon oil and, when it is hot, toss in the curry paste mixture.
Stir-fry for 3 seconds, then add the reserved 1/2 cup thick coconut milk and lower the heat to medium-high.
Add the meat and sugar and cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, until the meat has 
changed colour all over.
Add the remaining 1/2 cups coconut milk, the water, fish sauce, and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and cook at a strong simmer 
for about 10 minutes.
Remove from the heat and stir in the lime juice. (The soup can be prepared up to an hour ahead, then reheated just before serving.)
Meanwhile, make the optional crispy noodles:
Place a plate lined with several layers of paper towels by your stove. Place a large wok or heavy pot over high heat and add about 1 cup peanut oil.
When the oil is hot, drop in a strand of uncooked noodles to test the temperature. It should sizzle slightly as it falls to the bottom, then immediately puff and rise to the surface; adjust the heat slightly, if necessary.
Toss a handful (about 1 cup) of noodles into the oil and watch as they puff up. Use a spatula or long tongs to turn them over and expose all of them to the hot oil. They will crisp up very quickly, in less than 1 minute.
Lift the crisped noodles out of the oil and place on the paper towel-lined plate. Give the oil a moment to come back to temperature, and then repeat with a second handful of noodles. (The noodles can be fried ahead and left standing for several hours.)
To serve, bring a large pot of water to a vigorous boil over high heat. Drop in the remaining noodles (or all noodles, if you didn&#8217;t make crispy noodles), bring back to a boil, and cook until tender but not mushy, about 6 minutes. Drain well.
Divide the drained noodles among four large bowls. Ladle over the broth and meat. Top with crispy noodles, if you have them, and a pinch each of shallots and scallions.
Serve with the remaining condiments set out in small bowls so guests can garnish their soup as they wish. Provide each guest with chopsticks and a large spoon.
<hr />
Excerpted from Hot Sour Salty Sweet by Jeffrey Alford and Naomi Duguid. Copyright © 2000 Jeffrey Alford and Naomi Duguid. Excerpted with permission from Random House Canada, an imprint of RH Canadian Publishing., a division of Penguin Random House of Canada Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Taste Your Way Through Thailand: An Interview with Author Naomi Duguid

Resto

Travel Tips

<h5></h5>
<h3><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-30569 size-medium alignright" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Siem-Reap-Khmer-Kitchen-450x300.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Siem-Reap-Khmer-Kitchen-450x300.jpg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Siem-Reap-Khmer-Kitchen.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /><a style="font-size: 16px;" href="http://www.khmerkitchens.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Khmer Kitchen</a></h3>
“Local” restaurants are a dime a dozen these days, but 15 years ago the Khemer Kitchen was the only game in town.
And ever since, it has remained a shining light of friendly service in a casual setting. You can leave your credit card at home, just be sure to come with at least ten dollars – you&#8217;ll likely spend less than that per person!
<h3><a href="https://www.thesugarpalm.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sugar Palm</a></h3>
A traditional home-style comfort food spot that&#8217;s famous for it&#8217;s Amok.
They have a big menu with lots of vegetarian options and the food is great.
<h3><a href="http://www.chanreytree.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chanrey Tree</a></h3>
Chanrey Tree has been around for a couple of years now and probably offers the best balance between fancy and good in town. They&#8217;re in a great location on the river and have terrific, friendly service.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-30574 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Siem-Reap-Restaurants-Chanrey-Tree.jpg" alt="best restaurants in Siem Reap - Chanrey Tree" width="855" height="350" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Siem-Reap-Restaurants-Chanrey-Tree.jpg 855w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Siem-Reap-Restaurants-Chanrey-Tree-480x196.jpg 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Siem-Reap-Restaurants-Chanrey-Tree-768x314.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 855px) 100vw, 855px" />
<h3><a href="http://www.cuisinewatdamnak.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cuisine Wat Damnak</a></h3>
After many years of trying, I finally got to eat at the most famous game in town. And let me tell you, it was worth the wait – I will definitely be heading back.
Fantastic Cambodian food cooked by a top French chef and served by his lovely partner. The whole thing is set in a traditional Khmer home and it just works.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-30575 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Siem-Reap-Restaurants-Cuisine-Wat-Damnak.jpg" alt="best restaurants in Siem Reap - Cuisine Wat Damnak" width="750" height="495" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Siem-Reap-Restaurants-Cuisine-Wat-Damnak.jpg 750w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Siem-Reap-Restaurants-Cuisine-Wat-Damnak-455x300.jpg 455w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" />
<h3><a href="https://www.spoonscambodia.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spoons</a></h3>
<img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-45125 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/spoons.jpg" alt="Best Restaurants in Siem Reap" width="380" height="253" />This special local restaurant not only serves delicious Cambodian food but is also driven by an important social purpose. Spoons is part of an organization that trains underserved young Cambodians for careers in hospitality. Yes, it&#8217;s a training restaurant, but under the tutelage of experts, they produce excellent cuisine!
Beneath a bamboo canopy, sample a wide array of Khmer dishes, including their scrumptious chicken wings with amok sauce!
<hr />
<h3>The Verdict</h3>
After sampling amok and many other tasty delicacies at (what I consider) to be the best restaurants in Siem Reap, I have to confess that for my money, the best dinner option in the city is the three-dollar (that&#8217;s right – three dollars!) curry from Khmer Kitchen.
Feeling inspired to taste your way through Siem Reap? Get inspired and start planning your trip with Nathan.

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TravelAge West

Butterfield and Robinson's New Luxury Mekong Voyage

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Experts + Insiders: Dane Tredway

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In Deep

Travel Insight

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

<h5><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-20672 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Temple3.jpg" alt="Temple3" width="625" height="414" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Temple3.jpg 625w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Temple3-320x211.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" />Vat Xieng Thong</h5>
A beautiful temple dating from the 16th century, the roof of its main chapel sweeps low to the ground and coloured-glass panels adorn its walls, making it a staple in the photo albums of curious travellers to Luang Prabang.
Built by King Setthathirath circa 1560, Vat Xieng Thong served as a royal temple and the site of Lao king&#8217;s crowning for more than four centuries. Its architecture and intricate accessories make it an excellent example of Laotian craftwork: intricately carved gilded doors depict the life story of Buddha, while its ceilings display Dharmachakras, or dharma wheels, representing Buddha&#8217;s path to Nirvana. Many of the temples outer walls also depict Lao legends and other representations of Buddha, while its rear (pictured above) boasts an impression of the tree of life, under which the Buddha sat when he attained enlightenment.
<h4>Just Outside of Town:</h4>
<figure id="attachment_20666" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-20666" style="width: 230px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-20666" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Falls-200x320.jpg" alt="Kuang Si Falls " width="230" height="368" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Falls-200x320.jpg 200w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Falls.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 230px) 100vw, 230px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-20666" class="wp-caption-text">Kuang Si Falls</figcaption></figure>
<h5>Kuang Si Waterfalls</h5>
About 30 kilometres south of the city lie the Kuang Si Waterfalls, a favourite destination for travellers to Luang Prabang. The turquoise waters of the collecting ponds and peaceful sound of running water offer tranquility and relaxation, a geological expression of Buddhist serenity.
<h5>Pak Ou Caves</h5>
Located about 20 kilometres upriver from Luang Prabang on the Mekong, these caves are said to have been inhabited by a hermit who achieved enlightenment. The upper and lower sanctuaries contain more than 4,200 wood and gilded statues of Buddha, portraying him in various positions relevant to Buddhism, including teaching, peace and meditation.

laos

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