The narrow entrance of Satri House betrays the gem of a place hidden inside: A stunning collection of charming colonial buildings inspired by Lao architecture and culture. Adding a layer of lure are the quaint corners and the lush gardens surrounded by towering trees. As the female staff briefed me about the property, my eyes wandered everywhere.
"Satri House was first built in 1904 as a royal house by the parents of Prince Souphanouvong, the first President of Lao People's Democratic Republic. This property was refurbished in 2002 by Mrs. Lamphoune Voravongsa—now the current owner," she told me.
Where to Stay in Luang Prabang, Laos | Satri House
I always prefer staying at colonial buildings turned guesthouses over any post-modern hotels. There is that vibe that makes you feel transported into a Pico Iyer or Graham Greene novel. Being within walls that witnessed history and stood the test of time adds another stratum of appeal.
Satri House Pays Homage to a Bygone Era
The main house, where a Lao prince lived his childhood, now serves as the centerpiece of the property, lodging fourteen deluxe rooms, fourteen junior suites, and three Satri House suites.
Fine-arts painted walls, an ornate pond laced with lilies, and modest pools combine to create an enchanting environment evoking tranquility and luxury. Each room is designed with traditional Lao architecture layered with a fusion of French and Indochina styles. Dark teak woods, subdued grays and blues, Tuscan orange walls, wood-beamed ceilings, bouncing Verdigris horse statues, framed black and white photographs, and olden Buddha statues complete the cast of ornate interiors.
Just walking from the entrance to my room led me through a parade of visual feasts. Each time I managed to get lost by turning down the wrong hallway, it led to more fascinating discoveries—thanks to lovely corners where one could simply sit and read a book all day in the company of playful butterflies.
Home for Four Nights
With a very relaxed Luang Prabang media trip itinerary, I got to spend a lot of time relaxing at Satri House. I would start my day with breakfast on the restaurant’s veranda overlooking the lily-covered pond. After that, I would take a few laps in the small rectangular pool, then retire to my room to prepare for our tour. I stayed in a deluxe room tastefully decorated with a cool antiquity look.
Wooden furniture, cool tile floors, muted colored walls, bronze Buddha statues, and vintage photographs matched beautifully with the curtain-draped king bed. Near the reception, there is a library stacked with history, cultural, and non-fiction books.
The restaurant, meanwhile, is another one of Satri House's iconic spaces. The Gustavian-inspired walls, tiled floorings, and sophisticated jade tableware blend perfectly with the pale-yellowed interior.
Satri House has two swimming pools. The larger one sits in front of the main house, while the smaller one is near the pond. Other features of Satri House include a standalone Spa and seamless Wi-Fi across the property.
Living up to the heritage-teeming appeal of the UNESCO town of Luang Prabang, Satri House conserves that old-world charisma of yesteryears by providing a reclusive retreat, even though it is a mere walking distance from the historic town center.
Hotel Fact Box
Room & Suite Categories
Deluxe Garden Room 35 sq. m. | Max 2 adults. Brightly structured sanctuary complete with handcrafted teak furniture, private veranda balcony overlooking the manicured tropical grounds, and a spacious ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower.Lotus Pond Pavilion 38 sq. m. | Max 2 adults. Standalone premium pavilion positioned directly alongside the UNESCO-protected lotus pond. Features light-filled wooden interiors, period artifacts, and an expanded viewing deck.
Heritage Room 43 sq. m. | Max 2 adults. Seamlessly merges classic old-world charm with spacious layouts. Features premium canopy single or double beds, local arts, and an elegant bathroom layout with a separate bathtub and walk-in shower.
Satri House Suite 66 sq. m. | Max 2 adults and 1 child. Situated inside the original century-old upper floor of the royal palace. Showcases noble sophistication with standalone sitting lounges, antique four-poster teak beds, and an en-suite bathroom with a bathtub and separate walk-in rain shower.
Champa Garden Suite 70 sq. m. | Max 2 adults and 1 child. Impeccable privacy featuring standalone living sections, dynamic Indochina antiques, a private outdoor garden plot with sun loungers, a walk-in shower, and dedicated street entrance access.
Satri Family Suite 105 sq. m. | Max 4 adults. Sprawling multi-room configuration consisting of two master bedrooms, private en-suite bathrooms, a grand shared living pavilion, and secluded private tropical courtyard layouts.
Dining & Lounges
Dragonfly Restaurant (Satri House Restaurant) The signature garden pavilion restaurant looking out over the lotus ponds. Serves authentic cooked-to-order breakfasts, secret royal Lao recipes, traditional Asian favorites, and classic Western specialities.The Library Bar & Lounge A comfortable sanctuary stacked with culture and history volumes, providing a quiet atmosphere to savor premium wines, spirits, cocktails, and afternoon tea.
