An eclectic blend of cultural influences, this cosy hotel feeds off the chill vibes along the Mekong
Photos and text by Pamela Chow
Photo: Burasari Heritage
We travellers can be a picky lot when it comes to settling on accommodation. We want it all: Clean amenities, good service, proximity to attractions yet set away from the crowds. It’s not often that a hotel comes along with all of these on the plate, but uncovering one would bring you a sense of satisfaction and joy.
The Burasari Heritage is one such gem. Sitting on the banks of the Nam Khan River, the colonial-style hotel channels a quiet yet luxurious simplicity that captures the rustic charm of Indochina.
Climb up the wooden stairs and feel the weight of the chunky lock on your large wooden door; there are no key cards or doorknobs here, only good old-fashioned lock, handle and key.
Inside, the room comes to life with a character of its own that, like Laos itself, is hard to pin down to a single identity. Glossy hardboard floors run up to shuttered windows and doors, leading out to a wooden balcony fashioned with rustic boxes and sculpted pillars.
Countering this rich Indochinese influence, the eccentric spirit of European design peeks through with a quirky tall shower booth, vintage stands and monochrome tiles.
The Burasari Heritage is just down the street from the busy junction where the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers meet, yet far enough to be kept away from the buzz of curious passers-by and other tourists.
A ten-minute walk in the other direction will take you to the main pedestrian artery of Luang Prabang: Sakkaline Road. Here, book-lined cafes sidle up against spa boutiques and handicraft stores. Those who prefer to lounge and laze must catch the hotel breakfast, which stocks delicious fluffy pastries and fresh coffee from its neighbouring cafes.
By night, Sakkaline Road transforms into a glowing street market where you can snag street food, textiles, cotton T-shirts and other handicrafts for a steal.
After taking a bicycle for a spin around the serene town centre, there’s nothing more relaxing than collapsing on the daybed in the lobby and drinking in the sights and sounds on the banks of the Nam Khan River. Luang Prabang is now easily accessible via SilkAir’s new route to Laos.
Burasari Heritage, 44-47 Unit 03, Khiri Village, Kingitsarath Road, Luang Prabang Old Town, Luang Prabang, Laos.
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