Luang Prabang's rise to fame as a global travel destination has undoubtedly been boosted by its UNESCO world heritage site inscription in 1995. Up until a decade or so ago, the former capital, and arguably the nation of Laos, was relatively unknown, sought out by backpackers seeking rustic adventures and carving their way through unchartered traveler territory. Today's tourist landscape in Luang Prabang, however, rolls out the red carpet to receive increasingly sophisticated visitors, boasting luxury hotels and high end facilities while maintaining its colonial romance.

As Luang Prabang is a relatively small of a town, so are its five star resort and hotel properties, averaging 30 keys. Big is not always better, as many of the extravagant accommodation choices feature well laid out suites with generous space allocations for bedrooms and living spaces, in instances even separated as a private villa spread out within lush garden areas. As a nod to its rich past, several hotel and resort properties in the heart of town are housed in historical buildings. Some of them were once manors of yesteryear's gentry and former public facilities, making for fascinating back stories behind the five star accommodations. Great care is taken in restoration and refurbishment, with exterior facades kept as they were for centuries past. The interiors, however, are another story altogether, with tempting modernities - wireless internet, spa pavilions, infinity edge swimming pools - all added to cater to the modern lifestyle.

Impeccable resort and hotel staff don't just go through the motions in Luang Prabang. In addition to their trained professionalism, sincere warmth and genuine hospitality is extended, treating guests as if they were family friends more than just a confirmation number in the reservations system. On the more tangible side, the town's luxury accommodations tickle all the senses. In the bedrooms, four postern beds are draped with white linen canopies, and brightly colored cushions and other accent pieces provide striking accents to an otherwise beige and wooden toned room. Bathrooms come with rainshowers, large sunken bathtubs, and pampering toiletries. Gastronomic creations - both local and international cuisine - are served in resort restaurants, with meals accompanied by vintage wine from well stocked cellars. Massage and spa treatments add to the overall sense of calm and wellness, and infinity swimming pools offer a reprieve from the sparkling sun.

Many of Luang Prabang's top hotels and resorts are situated on or near the banks of the picturesque Mekong River, benefiting from the picture perfect vistas of the inspiring landscape. In line with traditional architecture, open patios offer one of the best seats in the house to enjoy the view from under the shade of fragrant Frangipani trees, a refreshing beverage in hand. To get into the midst of the river action, companies like Mekhong Cruises offer leisurely floats down the 10th longest river in the world, stopping off to visit Buddha caves, waterfalls, and villages along the way. As an accommodation option, the company also offers overnight cruises with well appointed cabins providing all the necessary luxuries for a ride along limestone cliffs and a night beneath the stars.

The best way to explore the town is by bicycle or even on foot. The wooden low-rise shophouses in the city proper exude an old world charm. Many of the quaint restaurants and cafes lining the streets offer outdoor seating, providing a chilled place for a pit stop while watching the local way of life pass by the shop fronts. At night, the pace picks up as vendors start setting up their stalls at the nightly street markets. The buzz here is infectious, with curios and knick knacks neatly displayed under bare light bulbs suspended from the tent frames. On one side of the market is the base of a long flight of steps that lead up to the best viewpoint in town atop Mount Phou Si. As the vantage point tends to get crowded with shutterbugs during the magical sun set hour, early dawn is probably the best time to visit with camera in tow.

Luang Prabang is a charming town that manages to strike a fine balance between the old and the new. At first glance, it still retains its sleepy village feel with heritage buildings, surrounding wonders of nature, and a deeply spiritual culture. Behind the facades, however, is a town that's keeping up with the modern world and offering the increasingly chic calibre of visitors all the luxuries and facilities during their inspiring holiday.

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