From clocking in just 80,000 visitors a decade ago, Laos' popularity as a tourist destination known the world over has increased exponentially. A large majority of the 1.8 million guests the Southeast Asian nation welcomed in 2010 chose the former capital of Luang Prabang for their holidays. The fact that the old town center is a UNESCO world heritage site undoubtedly has helped raise awareness and recognition for the once-sleepy town, but visitors are pleasantly surprised at how modern parts of Luang Prabang have become, behind the shuttered windows and colonial facades.

Exquisite mansions from the town's French Indochine past within city center - many of which were once home sweet homes for government officials and gentry - have been converted into five star hotels and villa resorts. In keeping with stringent world heritage guidelines, buildings have been restored with minimal or no change to the original exteriors, maintaining its quaint charm of a bygone era. Inside the walls, however, modern facilities such as WiFi connectivity and cable television have been installed to ensure guests don't miss a beat with the rest of the world.

Just a stones' throw from the center of the action, newcomers to the high end accommodation scene in Luang Prabang are hotels such as the Luang Say Residence. Despite having been built from scratch, the five star property pays tribute to the town's rich cultural and historical landscape, working with architectural consultants that played an integral part of the Luang Prabang UNESCO recognition bid in past years. To offer its guests more than just a comfortable stay in luxurious settings, the hotel also provides the option of taking a cruise down the mighty Mekong. Efforts that individual hotels make on keeping their property true to the locations pay off not only with bookings, but also with the number of return guests as well as the caliber of visitors.

Guests who manage to escape the self-imposed confinement inside the cozy and serene resort grounds will find that Luang Prabang is a fascinating place to explore. Intimate in size and nestled in the peninsula formed by the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, getting around town by bicycle is a great way to see the sights. There are a handful of bakeries and cafes with mouthwatering treats and outside tables that provide perfect perching spots to watch the world go by. To catch the stunning vista of the setting sun over the town and its surrounding natural glories of mountains and rivers, a trek up to Mount Phu Xi is highly recommended. On the way down, a lively night market sets up at the base of the steps, with a sea of vendors hawking everything from bottles of local rice wine to souvenir trinkets and antiques.

The prevalent local Buddhist culture can best be experienced by visiting Luang Prabang's many temples. Entrance fees are payable at the more popular ones, but to escape the crowds, other monasteries are open to the public to have a wander around. In the mornings and afternoons, saffron-clad monks can be seen all around town collecting alms and going about their daily lives. They usually don't mind tourists taking photos of them, but it's always wise to remember to stay respectful and not to be too intrusive while snapping your postcard perfect shot.

After a full day of sightseeing, massages and spa treatments are also on offer in the town, with some five star resorts boasting their own treatment pavilions and professional masseuses on call. Laos massages are akin to their Thai counterparts, with kneading on muscles and pressure applied on the body's 70,000 or so energy 'sen' lines. Yoga-style stretches are applied by the practitioners, with various parts of the body used as leverage for the pull. Foot reflexology parlors also abound around town, relieving foot and sole tension for the adventures ahead.

With such a range of recreation, cutter and relaxation, Luang Prabang is one of Southaast Asia's most fascinating historical destinations. The added option of a luxury stay in one of the city's heritage hotels also makes it a popular choice for luxury travelers in search of an inspirit yet supremely comfortable city break.

Please click here to visit The Luang Say Residence http://www.luangsayresidence.com