The first and still one of the most beautiful boutique hotels in Luang Prabang, the Apsara was originally a rice warehouse situated on the banks of the Nam Khan [The quieter side of town]. The Apsara is also right in the heart of the heritage village, making it the perfect place to stay. From the comfort of its large, airy bedrooms, rated by the Washington Post as "an inch beyond decadence", it's easy to explore temples and the lanes of Luang Prabang. After which you can relax on the river terrace and enjoy the spectacular views and a refreshing Beer Laos. But that's not all, our restaurant is well known for having one of the most interesting menus in town as well as a superb wine list and the driest martinis in Laos. As Hip Hotels said "Both the restaurant and bar reflect a refined sense of taste" and who are we to argue with that.
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HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Quaint
Languages Spoken
English, Chinese, Thai
Location
Kingkitsarath Rd, Ban Wat Sene, Luang Prabang 06000 Laos
The Apsara
509 reviews
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
I want to extend my thanks to the wonderful staff at The Apsara hotel, we had a fantastic time in Luang Prabang. The hotel was great for us - ideal location opposite the river, great view to wake up to and we we able to sit out on our terrace in the evening. The room was spacious and the bed very comfortable - also very good pressure for the shower which was very welcome after the hotel we had just come from!
Breakfast is simple but good quality - very good strong coffee, fresh fruit, bread and jams, and a choice of cooked options on the menu all included. All the staff were super friendly and helpful, very plesant to chat with.
The location couldn't be better if you want to get up very early to witness the Alms-giving ceremony, the best spot was literally one minute's walk from our bed. (I really don't recomend you try to participate in this, much better just to stand across the road and watch.) We also really enjoyed eating at the big Night Food Court (at the end of the Night Market street, opposite the Royal Palace), had a great trip out to the Waterfalls, and a very memorable sunset cruise on the Mekong River (I really recomend you go with Khopfa River Criuse, we loved it and could see we had a much better experience than most of the other boats we saw out on the river). Also if you have time, take the local ferry across the river during the day (cost about 10 pence) for a walk in the village on the opposite side.
In particular, I want to thank the manager Mr Lim for helping us sort out a really horrible issue we had with Expedia... two days before we were due to arrive, I logged into my booking and don't know what happened but was greeted with a message telling me I had just somehow "sucessfully cancelled my booking"! I contacted Expedia straight away to say I hadn't cancelled but they told me I had, and that as it was within 48 hours of check-in I had also just lost all my money! After numerous chats and calls with Expedia, they we no help whatsoever. I contacted the Apsara to say I hadn't intended to cancel and still wanted to come - Mr Lim told me not to worry, he held the room for me. When we arrived at the hotel, and in fact even by the end of the stay, it became apparrent that Expedia had kept my money but hadn't paid the hotel for my supposedly-cancelled stay either.
I therefore had to pay again for my stay... but Mr Lim assured me he would keep trying to assist with me getting my money back. True to his word, a week after I had checked out and got back to the UK, he persisted with Expedia and I've received an apology and a refund from them. I'm so grateful to Mr Lim for helping me with this as it really was pretty stressful at the time. He didn't need to help as it was my problem, but it was very very kind of him to do so, and goes to show the ethos of the hotel and it's staff. (I'll seriously consider booking directly with my hotels in future as the Expedia problem has really rattled me!)
Thanks again - definitely recomend The Apsara!
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Date of stay: December 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Apsara, Other at The Apsara
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear Richard, Many thanks for your kind reviews. I am delighted you enjoyed your stay with us. I hope to see you again in Luang Prabang. Best, Christopher
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Had a very good stay at AH. The staff, especially Christopher and Loom, were very helpful and accommodating. Breakfast was very good. They also took care of picking me up and dropping me off along with some excursions. Only caveat is if you're a light sleeper try to get a room not on street level or bring ear plugs. I had ear plugs and slept fine on the 1st floor. Would definitely stay here again if in LP.
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:Â Try to get a 2nd floor room
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Response from The Apsara, Other at The Apsara
Responded 17 Nov 2023
Dear Seosamh126, Many thanks for your kind reviews. I am delighted you enjoyed your recent stay with us. I hope to see you again in Luang Prabang. Best, Christopher
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This is our second time to Luang Prabang and this lovely boutique hotel on the banks of the Nam Khan. Even though the city has changed, we were as comfortable and well looked after as before. The staff not only exudes warmth but also showcases remarkable expertise. The wine selection is nothing short of sumptuous, the rooms radiate elegance, and the intimate size of the hotel provides a serene atmosphere allowing one to relish the surroundings without the hustle and bustle. Ideally positioned, it offers a perfect vantage point to marvel the many temples while nestled in the heart of the bustling center.
A big thank you to the incredible members of the Apsara team (Mr. Lum, Miss Nuunaa and Christopher)
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Apsara, Other at The Apsara
Responded 3 Dec 2023
Thank-you Mary for sharing your thoughts on The Apsara. We are delighted you enjoyed your stay with us. Don't leave it for another 18 years before your next visit! All best, Ivan and the Apsara Team.
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I stayed 4 nights in the Apsara and left feeling serene, peaceful and very well looked after. The rooms are extremely tastefully decorated, in keeping with the colonial style of Luang Prabang. I stayed in a superior room which was extremely spacious and the very large queen bed was extremely comfortable.So much so I slept over 8 hours on each night. The prices represent great value expecially given the location and all the extras that the hotel thoughtfully provides; European plug adaptor, plenty of bottled water, mini bar which doesn't rip you off on drink prices, mosquito repellent which was really effective. Finally the room had an overhead fan and air conditioning unit, ( your choice). I never needed the air conditioning unit and they tend to give me a sore throat if I sleep with them left on in the night, so the fan provided a refreshing movement of air during the night and was really effective in keeping me cool. Yes the floorboard creak abit but I felt this all added to the charm and ambience of this delightfully hotel, located on the side of the river, minutes away from all the shops and restaurants and definitely on the quieter side of the city. Being a seasoned travelled, I would highly recommend a stay in the Apsara.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from TheApsara, Manager at The Apsara
Responded 27 Feb 2020
Dear Hayley, Thank-you very much for your five star review.I am very happy you enjoyed your recent stay with your friend at our hotel and we do look forward to host you again in a near future. Best, Christopher
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Location is fantastic with all the peninsula has to offer right on your doorstep. Nice outlook over the Nam Khan River, staff friendly and professional, organising a car and driver etc. Room was extremely spacious, we enjoyed the option of a bath or a shower, was great to have a ceiling fan that negated the need to use the air conditioning. Breakfast was lovely served on the balcony, whilst off the street, still able to take in the view and local life. There were mosquitoes so did need to avail ourselves of the spray and our floor boards creaked which to be honest is the reason we are only giving a four. Whilst we do appreciate the age and charm of the hotel, living in an old home ourselves we know the work required to eliminate creaks and feel this needs doing.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from TheApsara, Manager at The Apsara
Responded 27 Feb 2020
Dear NswAustraliaDidi, Thanks for your complimentary review. Thanks for bring the floor creaked to our attention and we will work on this. We hope to welcome you back here on your next visit. With best regards , Christopher
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For years, our stay in the friendly and centrally located Apsara hotel has been a resting point during our almost annual stay in Indochina. The reception is hospitable, managers and staff welcoming and service-oriented. The decor is tasteful. Not luxurious but adequate. The only thing I missed was a kettle to make a cup of tea. The rooms have a terrace/resp. balcony on the quiet quay side with a view of the river.
After the years of closure due to COVID, the restaurant has not reopened except for a good breakfast. However, wine is served in the evenings and a number of snacks are offered. In the past I enjoyed using the high-quality hotel restaurant. The immediate surroundings of the hotel offer so much choice that a few steps will make up for the lack. Restaurant Calao is a very good choice. Just like the Zurich bakery for lunch.
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were in Luang Prabang at peak time, just after Chinese Lunar New Year, so hotel prices were inflated. I was therefore struggling to find anywhere that was within our planned budget but was a bit better than the standard dark wood rooms with red bed runners (aesthetics are important to us!). Thankfully I saw The Apsara listed on iescape and it had availability - although we had to move room after the first of our four nights. We weren't too impressed with the downstairs standard room - though couldn't say why as they are essentially the same as the upstairs rooms - but then we moved to the upstairs standard room and were much happier: it was a really pretty room. The standard rooms are small, especially the bathroom, but fine for a couple of nights with good showers (better than the Pullman, where we'd just come from!) and just about soft enough beds (over soft pillows though). The shutters almost fully blocked out light as well, so no early awakening! The balcony is tiny and you don't get much of a view due to the trees and the structure of the balcony, but still a really nice spot to read and enjoy a mini bar beer.
Breakfast was fine. Not exciting but freshly cooked, tasty and pleasant to take outside on the restaurant terrace. We tried the eggs with bacon and the chicken noodle soup and they were happy to bring out extra bread as requested.
We'd definitely consider staying here again.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip:Â Upstairs rooms with balcony are more expensive but worth it, even though the terraces on ground...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from TheApsara, Manager at The Apsara
Responded 27 Feb 2020
Dear Burntwood, Thank-you very much for your nice reviews. We hope to welcome you back here on your next visit. Best, Christopher
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A wonderful experience. Right in the heart of Luang Prabang old town but away from the noise. The hotel is charming and the rooms comfortable and full of character. Possibly the most luxurious bed of my six week trip in Asia! It also has a wine bar with a great selection of very fairly priced wines. It seems that the owner was in the wine trade and it shows. Also very good and personal service. Highly recommend.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Apsara is absolutely charming on all fronts. The staff are delightful and the manager Christopher was incredibly helpful, offering great tips. The rooms are stunningly decorated with gorgeous artefacts and incredibly comfortable. Really very special. The breakfast was scrumptious and the cocktails delicious. The location is also great - close to the main areas of interest but quiet. The whole experience is very special and amazingly good value for the fabulous quality. We very much look forward to returning.
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Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Apsara, Other at The Apsara
Responded 2 weeks ago
Many thanks for your kind reviews. I am delighted you enjoyed your second stay with us. I hope to see you again in Luang Prabang very soon perhaps next year. Best, Christopher
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There are two Apsara hotels,(I stayed at both) this one is in the main part of Luang Prabang and the other one directly across the river on the opposite bank. The other one is more upmarket & modern, with a pool & big rooms with big balconies.
This one is in a converted rice warehouse, overlooking the river and still comfortable with the decor more old world and quaint. There is no pool.
It is also located close to all the sites and restaurants in town within walking distance as well as the famous Paste Restaurant in this hotel, the sister to the one star Michelin restaurant of the same name in Bangkok.
The rooms are a good size with the old warehouse wooden floors. There is a huge bed, a bathroom with bath & seperate shower with the bathroom separated to the bedroom by a wooden & fabric screen. There is a small balcony off the room overlooking the river.
Breakfast is included in the room rate which is served at the table. It’s not a big breakfast but satisfying.
The staff were pleasant, respectful & helpful.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from TheApsara, Manager at The Apsara
Responded 27 Feb 2020
Many thanks for your kind reviews and for the Paste Restaurant. I am delighted you enjoyed your stay and your dining with us. I hope to see you again in Luang Prabang. Best, Christopher
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San Francisco, California147 contributions81 helpful votes
We asked the hotel to arrange a car to pick us up. It was more expensive than a taxi (maybe it cost $15) but we did not want to haggle. We were initially concerned that taxi drivers would try to take advantage of travelers, but we did not find that to be true in Laos or Cambodia.
There are more places to choose from in the Luang Prabang area.
PRICE RANGE
S$80 - S$121 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the apsara hotel luang prabang, apsara luang prabang, apsara hotel luang prabang
LOCATION
LaosLuang Prabang ProvinceLuang Prabang
NUMBER OF ROOMS
13
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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