The Apsara by Terry Blackburn

Too attractive? Perhaps too charming would be more appropriate. Luang Prabang rightly claims to be the most authentic Indochine town left in South East Asia and The Apsara is perhaps its most classically French hotel. The renovation is a delightful work in progress – paint peels off the walls of the spacious rooms, which are decorated in Mediterranean pastels and the teak floors remain comfortably battered and worn.

Few would argue that the view from all of the Apsara’s seven rooms is genuinely breathtaking. Situated by the side of the Nam Kham, guests enjoy a timeless vista of the river and terraced rice paddies, which, bathed in early morning light, inspires suitably contemplative Buddhist thoughts over breakfast. The well-appointed downstairs bar and restaurant is a great place for a lychee martini or two as the sun goes down and serves intriguing Franco-Asian fusion food.