This is a rather unusual and idiosyncratic option, but without any compromise on the comfort and style you would expect from an upmarket hotel. Choose to stay in “La Residence” (the main building) and you are treading in the footsteps of the Prince Souvannaphouma – this was his former home which has now been converted into only three very sumptuous guest rooms. It is abundantly evident that this building was until recently a rather majestic private residence, as the ambient historical splendour lacks the feel clinical feel of an international hotel.

The 20 rooms in the ‘Garden Wing’ are a little more conventional, but no less luxurious, featuring a design that is modern and yet evocative of the colonial era. They each have their own balcony with deep wicker chairs for relaxing, enjoying views of either the pool or the well maintained gardens. All rooms have free wireless internet access.

Maison Souvannaphoum is right in the heart of Luang Prabang, just off Namphou Square and Wat Xieng Thong, one of the oldest, most beautiful and most important temples in Laos, is within easy walking distance. It has all the facilities you would reasonably expect, including a terraced outdoor lap pool which is rather unusual for a hotel this central. The hotel’s restaurant, ‘Elephant Blanc’, serves European and Indochinese cuisine in a serene setting beside the pool, where wooden sun loungers under elegant parasols provide the perfect place to relax on a hot afternoon. Locally this hotel is most famous for the Angsana Spa, which is nestled amongst tropical gardens, offering a range of relaxing treatments in outdoor massage pavilions.