The Apsara Rive Droite
Colonial Indochine meets designer boutique. Dark hardwood floors, feather pillows, Lao silk bedspreads in sand, black and garnet. Glass Buddhas, glowing Vietnamese lanterns, Sussex designer wallpaper, and black-and-white photographs of 1950s rural Lao life on the walls. The word Mr & Mrs Smith used was 'masculine glamour' — that's about right.
Book Room 1 for the widest river and town views
Why It Matters
One of the few properties in the Luang Prabang area with a proper pool — Heritage preservation laws prohibit pools on the UNESCO peninsula. Nine rooms only, so the pool never feels crowded. Rates include breakfast and a one-way airport transfer when booked direct. The boat shuttle gives guests a gorgeous first approach to the property by water.
Nine rooms on the right bank of the Nam Khan River, across from the UNESCO-protected peninsula of old Luang Prabang. The Apsara Rive Droite is the sister property to the original Apsara in town — same owner (Ivan Scholte, a British expat), same design confidence, but more secluded, with a long emerald pool that hotels on the heritage peninsula aren't allowed to have. Reach the old town by boat (two minutes on the Apsarian Queen), bicycle across the old French bridge, or hotel car — and return to a property that genuinely feels like a private villa rather than a hotel.
Where You'll Stay
2 room types available
Deluxe Downstairs Room with Terrace
From USD99 / nightFour ground-floor rooms, identical in size and furnishings to the upstairs rooms but with a private terrace instead of a verandah, plus direct step-out access to the garden and pool. The tradeoff: slightly less privacy and a garden rather than river view, but you are 10 steps from the water. Two of the four rooms include a daybed that converts to a single bed. Same rich dark wood interiors, same oversized bathrooms with separate shower and tub.
King or twin (2 rooms also include a single daybed) · 50 sqmDeluxe Upstairs Room with Verandah
From USD105 / nightFive upstairs rooms, all facing the river. Large private verandah overlooking the garden, pool, Nam Khan River and the Luang Prabang town skyline beyond. More private terraces than the downstairs rooms, with better long views. Two of the five rooms have an additional single bed alongside the king. Fully equipped bathrooms with separate shower and bathtub — the shower is famously oversized. Dark wooden floors, feather pillows, Lao silk bedspreads, and walls hung with 1950s black-and-white photography of rural Lao life.
King or twin (2 rooms also include a single bed) · 50 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The hotel's own wooden boat, the Apsarian Queen, ferries guests across the Nam Khan River to the UNESCO-protected old town of Luang Prabang. The crossing takes a couple of minutes and operates during daylight hours. After a hiatus during river bank construction, the service is back in operation.
The village of Ban Phanluang has its own daily monk procession for alms-giving — smaller and far less touristed than the one across the river in the old town. Guests staying here can watch a genuine local exchange between monks and village women without the camera-toting crowds.
Old-fashioned bicycles with baskets, dynamo lights, and kickstands are available free of charge for guests. The ride across the old French bridge into the old town takes 5–10 minutes. The right-bank village lanes are rutted and charming — one of the best ways to explore the local area away from the tourist crowds.
Hotel-organised day trip to the Kuang Si Waterfalls, about 30 minutes away. Turquoise water falls 50 metres into a series of pools perfect for swimming. Bear sanctuary at the entrance. Entrance fees approximately $2 per person not included.
Half-day leisurely cruise up the Mekong River to the famous Buddha caves, passing local villages along the way. Entrance fee to the caves approximately $3 per person not included.
Half-day guided tour of the Luang Prabang peninsula with a car, driver, and guide. Can be customised to guests' specific interests — temples, markets, viewpoints, or further afield. Arranged through the hotel.
A romantic private excursion — cruise by boat up the Mekong to an atmospheric abandoned wat. A private butler serves a lunch of East-meets-West dishes, best paired with sparkling wine. Arranged through the hotel concierge.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Manicured garden with organic plantings, bamboo, and large palms. Screens the pool from river traffic.
A long sliver of emerald water set in tropical gardens with bamboo and palms. With only 9 rooms sharing it, it rarely feels busy. A genuine rarity in the Luang Prabang area — Heritage preservation laws prohibit pools on the UNESCO-protected peninsula, making this pool a real draw.
Hotel car available to transport guests to the old town for those who prefer not to take the boat or bicycle. The road journey takes approximately 15 minutes.
One-way transfer from Luang Prabang Airport included in rate when booking direct. Additional transfers available for a surcharge.
BUILD YOUR THE APSARA RIVE DROITE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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