Le Vang Bua Villa – Luang Prabang, Laos

Me and my buddy were swarmed with tuk tuk drivers as we get off from our 12-hour bus ride from Houay Xai. We scurried to the main road as we commence our 2-kilometer wak to our home in Luang Prabang. The still sleepy city was dull and quiet. And as we’re getting nearer to Le Vang Bua Villa, we noticed a procession of men garbed in orange robes. And I realized that this was the traditional alms-giving ceremony for the monks. We sat somewhere and observed, thinking how lucky we were to have experienced this sacred ritual on our very first day in the city.

Le Vang Bua Villa Resort Luang Prabang Laos Blog

Alms-giving ceremony in front of the resort

We could’ve considered an accommodation near the night market or the UNESCO World Heritage City but we chose to stay on a residential area to have an authentic Lao experience. And the quiet neighborhood of Le Vang Bua Villa suited our desires. On the streets, children were getting ready for school as we went inside the open-style front desk of our home in Luang Prabang for four days (check here for discounted tours, transportation and activities in Luang Prabang).

Open-style lobby

It was around seven in the morning and I know that we’re too early for the check-in time. Our tired and aching bods were screaming of rest as we settled on the couch at the lobby. It was the first level of an old house. The wooden fixtures and windows provided a homey feel. As I was about to retire on that same couch, we were told that our room was ready, I was enliven upon hearing this.

The newly-built resort is situated near a lotus pond making it an ideal place for relaxation. It’s also near the Nam Khan River and we got to explore it on the following days. The resort has a swimming pool, restaurant and an intimate number of rooms (24 in total) making it the perfect retreat from the bustles of the city.

Our Deluxe with Balcony room (check rates) was located on a traditional Laotian house. It was one of the four rooms and we specifically wanted the one on the second level. As we opened up the door we noticed the room’s high ceiling; it was roomy but the wooden fixtures made it homey.

Our spacious room for four days

A wardrobe closet was stashed on a corner and a walk-in vanity area on another. The four-poster wooden bed was adorned with colorful throw pillows. A flatscreen TV was installed on a wall opposite to it; a long hardwood counter with a DVD player rested underneath. There was also a mini fridge, coffee and tea-making facilities, complimentary drinking water and an individually-controlled air condition.

The en suite toilet and bath was huge with a hot and cold shower, bathtub and toiletries that were all provided for.

En suite toilet and bath

I walked past the bed and went to part the huge drapes leading to our private balcony. Again, it was spacious and everything was made in wood. There’s a bench on one corner and a funky denim couch adjacent to it. This was my favorite spot; my coffee nook in the morning and hangout place at night.

The private balcony of our room | coffee nook | beer chill place

I wanted something to eat but was gravitated towards the bed. After a few minutes, I was dead to the world. I was awoken when I heard some action going on the television. Apparently, it was the biggest boxing fight ever; the Pacquiao-Mayweather battle of the century. I immediately roused up to bed and glued my eyes on the television. Of course, I was rooting for our country’s pride, Manny Pacquiao. Amazingly, it was shown on free TV unlike in the Philippines that you have to subscribe for Pay-Per-View just to watch a boxing fight.

After an hour or so, decisions were made; Mayweather won via unanimous decision. We were saddened by this fact and went back to our much needed hibernation.

Pacquiao-Mayweather fight on free TV

We woke up way past lunchtime and went out to eat. The resort was around 10-minute walk to downtown Luang Prabang. We checked out some temples around town and waited for the night bazaar to open.

Snuggly and comfy

We had a couple of Lao Beers on a hawker stall and were kept company by locals who still can’t recover from Pacquiao’s lost. We were actually consoling them rather than them consoling us.

It was late when we decided to call it a day. The walk back home felt safe.

The next day promised to be a great one. We woke up early as planned and took a complimentary plated breakfast of toasts, eggs and fresh fruits. Coffee, orange juice and milk were also offered.

Complimentary breakfast

Le Vang Bua Villa offers free bicycles to their guests. You just have to ask for the keys from the front desk. We chose our bikes and explored the town that day. With the summer heat beating us on our way to the temples and other spots, we’re glad to use the bikes rather than walk.

Free bikes!

The resort also offers tour arrangements, bus/plane ticket assistance, free van service to bus stations and airport, and more.

Our four-day stay at Le Vang Bua Villa was lovely. We spent most of our time on the swimming pool or on our private balcony. All of the staff were very helpful with our needs in spite of the language barrier.