Life in old Southeast Asia is readily glimpsed when one visits the exotic land of Laos. Her people are charming and eco-tourism is beginning to flourish. Come see what Laos has to offer and stay in some of the grandest accommodations when you arrive.

Maison Souvannaphoum

These luxury accommodations were once the home to the royals of Laos. Luxurious suites and intimate accommodations beckon the discerning traveler. The Angsana Spa will soothe and refresh and the restaurant Elephant Blanc tempts the taste buds with Indochinese, Laotian and French fare.

La Residence allows guests to walk in the path of Prince Souvannaphoum. Three sumptuous suites invite guests to make the former residence of the Prince their own. The Garden Wing offers guests either Verandah or Garden guest quarters that are lushly decorated with the distinguished traveler in mind.

Satri House

Small, intimate and luxurious is what guests will find when they stay at the Satri House. Fine furnishings and textiles along with old Buddhas gives visitors the feeling they are staying at the residence of an ambassador. There are lushly landscaped gardens where guests can take their meals and the hotel boasts the largest bathtubs you are likely to find in Laos or perhaps anywhere else.

Aspara

The chicest hotel in Luang Prabang, Aspara is resplendent with colors that are vibrant and bold with modern Asian decor. There are standard rooms that cater to a tighter budget but there are also superior rooms that are opulent and sumptuous. The facilities are excellent and all accommodations have beds that are huge and comfortable.

Don Chan Palace

This five star hotel overlooks the Mekong and is a favorite among elite business executives. It is a massive structure with 240 rooms and staying on the higher floors will allow guests to drink in the sweeping vistas. The third floor is where guests will find the pool which seems as if it is part of a car park underground, but guests will still be able to take in some sun.

Luxury is not lost when one visits Laos, it is in evidence with some of the most luxurious resort hotels around the world. Make your reservations in some of the finest accommodations found in this corner of the world.

When traveling to Japan, in order to get the full cultural experience of the nation, staying in a Ryokan or a traditional Japanese inn is the best way to do it. So leave behind the world of Holiday Inns and enter the world of the Ryokan.

Going Inside

Once you step inside, you should take your shoes off immediately. There will be slippers provided for you to wear as shoes are not allowed. Once you have completed the check in process, a maid or the host will take you to your room. Before stepping on the straw mat or tatami, you must take off the slippers. Upon the tatami, there are Za-buton cushions upon which to sit.

A maid typically serves green tea for your enjoyment. There is a tea pot and teacups awaiting you on the table. Before you eat dinner, you can take a bath in the public bath provided at the inn. Many of the guests take several baths so you can bathe whenever you feel the desire.

Once your bath is complete, you will change into the summer kimono or yukata robe. If you are also presented with a tanzen or a kimono jacket, when you don it it goes over the top of the yukata.

Guests can enjoy their evening meal either in the dining room or in their private quarters. Futon bedding is prepared by maids in your room with guests sleeping upon the tatami mats on the futon.

Upon awakening, the maids will get the room ready for the morning meal as they pick up your sleeping futon. You may be offered breakfast in the dining room instead. Once you have rested after your morning meal, you can check out of the Ryokan or simply go sightseeing for the day to return later.

If you desire to stay in a Japanese inn or Ryokan, you will need to make reservations. You will also be required to arrive before it is time for dinner. Though your yukata robe is to be worn as pajamas, you can feel free to leave your room while you are wearing it.

When traveling to Japan, staying in a conventional hotel setting will take some of the mystique out of the exotic land of Japan. Try a stay at a Ryokan and have a true Japanese experience you won’t forget.