As ‘Chang: A Drama of Wilderness’ projects on the screen,  it may be opportune to take another sip of the cocktail, or at least another bite of the fried spring roll. Everyone in attendance is captivated to find out how the story ends, the first saga of its kind to depict Laotian history and culture. It is a heartwarming documentary which discreetly accompanies the fine dining experience held at Alamea restaurant every night. From the flavorful food to the culturally-immersive activities, this is another such experience provided by the Victoria Xiengthong Palace in Luang Prabang as it proudly indulges its guests in its Laotian heritage.

On the edge of the Mekong River in Luang Prabang stands a long compound-like area. This is where guests will find Victoria Xiengthong Palace. It isn’t just a place to rest one’s head, however. To name a few activities within their services, there are cooking classes, yoga lessons and gardens to roam around. Just like with any luxury stay, there are spa options and fine dining available as well. With spacious rooms and greenery dotted around the establishment, it feels more like an opulent resort than a typical five-star hotel. 

The company was born in the 1990s near the sleepy town of Sapa in Vietnam. Since then, three resorts were constructed in quick succession until 1998. Xiengthong Palace was created in 2011, considered as the newest structure of the collection. Before becoming a Victoria resort, Xiengthong Palace used to be the residence of the Lao Royal Family. Historical documents show that the building was first constructed between 1904 to 1909. This was during the French Colonial Period and served as refuge for King Sisavang and his family. The location — on the peninsula where the Mekong River and Nam Khan River meet — and its historical importance in Luang Prabang make this hotel a culturally immersive as well as serene and tranquil place to include in the itinerary. 

There are a set of steps to the entrance which faces the Mekong River. As guests climb up, they are greeted with a long footpath surrounded by cobble stone areas and green patches with colorful flowers. Whilst   checking-in can be tedious, those matters are quickly forgotten as finger food to snack on along with a cold drink and damp tea-towel are part of the resort’s warm welcome. 

Given how much the property values Luang Prabang’s history in their design and architecture, it is no surprise that their most luxurious suites are named after King Sisavang himself. Upon entering, the dark Rosewood furnishings immediately make the space warm and cosy. The suite boasts impressive views of the Mekong River from the quaint balcony. There are elegant locally-made textiles which embrace the decorative taste of the establishment. A walk-in shower, separate bathtub and soft double bed give this tasteful stay a sense of practicality whilst still establishing itself at the top of the luxury scale. The property keeps the decor to a minimum whilst using warm colors to accentuate the Palace’s history. By doing so, everything remains discreet and quietly extravagant.

To add even more comfort to this serene landscape, guests can experience an exquisite meal in their restaurant, Alamea. Located just opposite of the Mekong River, it is a perfect place to enjoy Laotian food and washing it down with innovative cocktails. To ensure that everyone’s palettes remains satisfied, they offer an array of both traditional food as well as more Westernized dishes. The restaurant also provides a reasonable wine list comprised of French wines as well as boasting a comprehensive list of cocktails. 

To keep it simple at first, a portion of crispy and flavorful spring rolls followed by a traditional Vietnamese soup  is offered as the start of the dining experience. The dining affair continues with the second-course; the duck is packed full of spices and tanginess. It is offered with green vegetables and a honey-orange sauce which adds an unexpected twist. 

The Mekong River is found parallel to the property. This, merged with the dim lights and quiet streets, creates a tranquil atmosphere. In the center of the courtyard lies a 61-year-old Frangipani tree. It is infamous for both its age and origin: It was planted by Queen Khamphou in 1959. Adding to this original affair is their decision to screen a very special movie on their open-air projector. 

Every night at around 7pm, the restaurant showcases a limited-edition Laotian filmed entitled ‘Chang: A Drama of the Wilderness’. It is a silent black and white movie and known to be the first ever film dedicated to Laos. Guests and visitors can enjoy this tell-all of this historically-significant showcase whilst munching down on the fine dining, sipping a cocktail, or both. However, this is not the only activity which makes Alamea and Victoria Xiengthong Palace so well-rounded.

Much like the dining experience at Alamea in nourishment for the body, their wellness treatments are food for the soul with their range of rejuvenating  spa treatments. After visiting the famous Kuang Si Waterfalls in Luang Prabang, it may be opportune to get involved in a long soak and exfoliation. Another option may be to enter a meditative state with a professional full-body massage or a quick foot rub. Whatever the case, Victoria Xiengthong Palace has the facilities to keep their guests relaxed and knot-free. 

As a more culturally-immersive activity, they also provide the know-how on Alms Giving. Also known as Tak Bat, this ceremony is performed in the early morning on the streets of Luang Prabang. In this Laotian-Buddhist ritual, humble monks walk up and down the streets at sunrise by the hundreds. The town’s people line the streets, both the wealthy and less advantaged, to give what they can as a community to support the good deeds and of the shrine. Anyone can take part to immerse themselves in this tradition.

As a more creative and hands-on activity, Victoria Xiengthong Palace also offers cooking classes. Guests can learn to make traditional Laotian food whilst immersed in the hotel’s natural surroundings. The relaxing affair is made even better when visitors enjoy their delicious creations at the end of it all. Beyond that, a Luang Prabang itinerary can be augmented with the property’s additional recreational experiences.

Whilst it is easy to get swept away with the luxury and still-nature of upscale hotels, it is just as intriguing — even more so — to experience a culturally-immersive establishment. Victoria Xiengthong Palace ensures that guests can get the full Laotian experience from their opulent room designs, traditional fine dining, and educational activities. It is the perfect place to take advantage of one’s wanderlust in a country that holds so many undiscovered secrets.