Riverside Boutique Resort, Vang Vieng

As destinations in Laos go, Vang Vieng is known for being the slightly debauched oasis that caters to backpackers on the long road between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. A complete departure from the urban economic concerns of the former and the tourist-magnet atmosphere of the latter, the town consists of a few streets arranged along the Nam Song river. Recently, however, the emphasis has begun to shift from the ramshackle study-abroad vibe of an anything-goes party to something a bit more sedate, and this new era — we hesitate to call it “gentrification,” but you get the idea — is being ushered in by places like the Riverside Boutique Resort.

Providing dramatic, sweeping views of the nearby limestone mountains, this 34-room hotel presents itself, quite successfully, as a luxe retreat. The French colonial design, while not exactly unusual in this part of the world, is impeccably done. Guest rooms are generously parceled out among two-story structures, where floor-to-ceiling sliding doors unite balconies with suites defined by king beds and wicker furniture. Each room’s atmosphere is inspired by one of eight different regional ethnic groups, which works as both an admirable design principle and a nod to chic art hotels.

If you’re not inclined to check out the infamous local attractions — namely adventure sports and a very youthful nightlife scene — the Restaurant du Crabe d’Or offers a diverse selection of Laotian dishes. Vang Vieng might still be something of a stopover for travelers on their way to more cosmopolitan environs, but a few more hotels like the Riverside Boutique might nudge the little town closer to destination status.

How to get there:
Riverside Boutique Resort is approximately 5 hours (230 km by bus or car) from Luang Prabang and approximately 3 hours (160 km) from the Wattay International Airport (VTE) in Vientiane. Transportation to/from the resort can be arranged for guests.