One of Asia’s most laid-back capitals, Vientiane is full of crumbling French mansions and inspiring monuments – and leafy, stylish hotels and guesthouses for soaking up the atmosphere
• Top 10 hotels and B&Bs in Luang Prabang
The flamingo-pink Beau Rivage overlooks the extra wide flow of the Mekong river near downtown Vientiane. Few attractive hotels have riverfront views in Laos’ diminutive capital, but the Beau Rivage has scooped one of the best spots. Its next door Spirit House bar and restaurant is also a popular watering hole for a sundowner: regular burnt orange sunsets spill the length of the Mekong river. Inside, 16 colour-themed rooms decorated with Laos silk wall hangings feature thoughtful touches: duck-egg blue seersucker spreads match blue bulbous wicker bed lamps; and a blue bathroom offers matching coloured slippers. You’ll want the riverside rooms where the double beds look out through the sliding glass doors which frame a view of the Mekong.
• Doubles from US$52 including breakfast, free water and bicycle use, +856 21 243350, hbrm.com