Luang Prabang has tons of accommodations ranging from five star luxury hotels to backpacker hostels. If you’re looking to stay in a neighborhood abode to experience life in Laos like a local, consider one of these amazing Airbnbs in town.

House with a pool on the Mekong

This mansion is on the Mekong river on its own peninsula. Beautiful gardens, a private infinity pool, and incredible views surround this French-Lao colonial home. The house has three bedrooms with bathrooms and a wrap-around terrace. Those who like to cook might take advantage of the fully-equipped kitchen. Those who don’t will appreciate the daily breakfast prepared by household staff, who are on call day and night.

House with a pool on the Mekong | permission from image owner granted

Greenhouse Villa

The Greenhouse Villa is on the banks of the Nam Khan just across the bamboo bridge that’s constructed in the dry season. With 3 bedrooms and room for 5 guests, this fully-furnished villa is perfect for a family, group, or romantic getaway. Two bicycles are included for easy access to town. Guests also have access to the pool at Le Vang Bua Hotel nearby. The host of this Airbnb lives in Australia, but local host Mr. Toui lives in Luang Prabang, runs Cafe Toui, and manages the property.

Green House Villa | permission from image owner granted

Ock Pop Tok’s Mekong Villa

Mekong Villa is on the river and far enough from the bustle of the city centre to be a tranquil reprieve. Guests can choose to partake in a weaving or dying workshop and eat gourmet meals at Silk Road Café on the premises. Each room has been perfectly decorated with Ock Pop Tok’s Village Weaver Project’s textiles. Artisans from the Katu, Hmong and Tai Lue people are featured in the comfortable suites which include AC, WiFi, and complimentary breakfast.

Ock Pop Tok’s Mekong Villa | permission from image owner granted

Private apartment in Luang Prabang

Live like a local in this single bedroom private apartment with air-conditioning and laundry in the unit. Stay for a week or work away for months using the high-speed internet and cooking in the fully-equipped open kitchen. Hang out on the terrace and chat with the Lao neighbours or head into town. Responsive hosts Henri-Pierre and Kham are locally-based and available for any questions or issues and will even lend you a Lao phone to get in touch.

Private apartment in Luang Prabang | Permission from image owner granted

Cosy House in the historical centre of Town

This cosy house for up to four guests is in the middle of the UNESCO heritage portion of Luang Prabang, which makes walking to temples, bars and restaurants, and shopping a breeze. The  guesthouse and restaurant quarter where the Airbnb is located is surprisingly quiet at night but bustling during the day. Filled with international art pieces and designed with a Western understanding of creature comforts, the property features an enclosed courtyard with a hammock that makes this a perfect home away from home.

Cosy House in the historical centre of town | permission from image owner granted

Spacious Heritage House

Aloun and Holger are a Lao and German couple who know how to balance giving their guests an authentic Lao experience without sacrificing western standards of hospitality. They will pick you up from the airport and take you to their spacious 150-year-old Heritage House. Located across the Nam Khan, it includes four bicycles for easy transportation into and around town. The home can accommodate six guests and is next to a temple where you can see and hear novice monks chanting and heading out on their morning alms rounds.

Spacious Heritage House | permission from image owner granted

Ebony House

Ebony House was built in 1936 and completely refurbished and relocated closer to town in 2005. Somsack, a former tour guide and current chef at The Blue Lagoon, and his family run the property. They live in the adjacent house with their Great Dane and the cat, and are always available should you have issues or questions about Laos, activities in Luang Prabang, or just want to sit down for a drink and chat. The riverside house has a huge garden, sleeps seven, and is in a local neighbourhood, 1.8 miles (3km) from the touristy part of town.

Ebony House | permission from image owner granted

A treasure in a World Heritage City

At the tip of the Peninsula in the UNESCO heritage portion of town where the Mekong meets the Nam Khan, lies this treasure of a home. Being situated among a few temples makes this quiet getaway even more spectacular. Built by the German consul as a tribute to Luang Prabang, it boasts a large terrace, big rooms, and an absolutely unbeatable location close to shops, temples, and cafes.

Treasure | permission from image owner granted

Spacious, central, family-friendly home

This spacious home was designed and built by host Tara and an architect friend working for the UNESCO World Heritage Office. It’s a modern Lao style house constructed from brushed concrete, locally sourced wood and bamboo. The bedrooms are downstairs and upstairs contains a vaulted-ceiling open kitchen and living space with a balcony that has views of Mt. Phousi. For those travelling with children, the hosts will provide a crib, high chair, toys and books.

Spacious and family-friendly | permission from the image owner granted

Lovely house close to heritage area

This lovely two story house can accommodate up to four guests. It’s located a 15-minute walk from downtown and is surrounded by beautiful temples and local village life. Host Celine is a long-time resident of Luang Prabang and provides a DVD collection and a fully-equipped kitchen for a cosy night in. Airport pickup is available as well as portable WiFi. Breakfast is included with the booking at the nearby Bookshop Cafe, where Celine and the local staff can give you tips about what to see and do in beautiful Luang Prabang.