Historic boutique hotel in Vientiane's French Quarter, originally built in the 1930s. 29 elegant rooms and suites feature period furniture, high ceilings, and modern amenities. Beautiful courtyard pool, acclaimed restaurant, and family-run hospitality create a refined colonial atmosphere.
The Settha Palace Hotel stands as Vientiane's most celebrated historic property, occupying a meticulously restored French colonial mansion at 6 Pang Kham Street in the city's French Quarter. Originally constructed in the 1930s during the French Indochina period, the building's whitewashed facade, arched colonnades, and period-correct interiors have been preserved through careful renovation. The hotel is a short walk from major Vientiane landmarks including the Lao National Museum, Wat Ho Phra Keo, the COPE Visitor Centre, and the Mekong riverfront promenade on Fa Ngum Road.
The hotel offers 29 individually designed rooms and suites, each furnished with period-appropriate wooden furniture, high ceilings with ceiling fans, and elegant Lao silk textiles. Superior Rooms combine colonial character with modern air conditioning, flat-screen televisions, and en-suite bathrooms with rain showers. The two Palace Suites are the grandest accommodation option, featuring separate sitting rooms, claw-foot bathtubs, and private balconies. The building's thick masonry walls provide natural insulation against Vientiane's tropical heat.
Dining at the Settha Palace centres on Le Bistro du Settha, which serves French-Lao fusion cuisine in an atmospheric colonial dining room. The kitchen draws on French culinary traditions blended with Lao ingredients such as Mekong fish, lemongrass, and galangal. Breakfast is consistently rated among the best in Vientiane, featuring fresh pastries, Lao-style rice porridge, and à la carte egg dishes. The bar adjacent to the dining room serves Lao Beer, imported wines, and classic cocktails.
The courtyard swimming pool, surrounded by tropical vegetation and the hotel's original masonry walls, is one of Vientiane's most photogenic swimming spots. Spa treatments including traditional Lao herbal compresses and deep-tissue massage are available by appointment. A business centre is equipped for meetings and the hotel can accommodate small corporate gatherings.
The Settha Palace is family-managed, and service reflects the personal attention that characterises independent luxury properties. The concierge team arranges guided temple tours, full-day excursions to Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), and transport to Vang Vieng. The hotel is best suited to travellers seeking refined heritage accommodation rather than resort-style facilities, and the introduction of the Laos–China Railway makes it a convenient base for onward journeys to Luang Prabang in under two hours.
Amenities
- pool
- restaurant
- bar
- spa treatments
- airport transfer
- business center
Location
6 Pang Kham Street, Vientiane
17.9631, 102.6145 View on map
Highlights
- Meticulously restored 1930s French colonial mansion in Vientiane's French Quarter
- 29 rooms and suites with period furniture, high ceilings, and Lao silk textiles
- Celebrated Le Bistro du Settha restaurant serving French-Lao fusion cuisine
- Tropical courtyard pool enclosed by original colonial masonry walls
- Family-managed property with personalised concierge service and curated local excursions
Tips for visiting
- Reserve a Palace Suite for the largest rooms with claw-foot bathtubs and private balconies — book several weeks ahead during high season (November–February)
- Dinner at Le Bistro is popular with Vientiane's diplomatic community; reservations are advisable for weekends even for non-guests
- Request a courtyard-facing room to minimise street noise from Pang Kham without sacrificing the colonial atmosphere
- The hotel is within walking distance of the COPE Visitor Centre, which tells the story of unexploded ordnance across Laos — context that enriches broader travel in the country
- Ask the concierge about the Laos–China Railway connection from Thanaleng Station — Luang Prabang is now under 2 hours away by high-speed train
Accessibility
The colonial building features steps at the entrance and between some areas, and there is no elevator; wheelchair access to upper-floor rooms is not available. Ground-floor rooms may be arranged on request, and staff provide assistance where possible.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Settha Palace Hotel suitable for children?
The hotel welcomes families and extra beds and cots can be arranged in larger room categories. The courtyard pool is safe for children with supervision, and the restaurant accommodates younger guests.
How far is the Settha Palace from Vientiane's bus and train stations?
The hotel is approximately 3 kilometres from Talat Sao Bus Station and around 5 kilometres from Thanaleng Train Station, which connects to the Laos–China Railway. Taxis and tuk-tuks are available from the hotel to both terminals.
Can the concierge arrange Laos–China Railway tickets to Luang Prabang?
The concierge desk can assist with onward transport arrangements including the Laos–China Railway, which has reduced Luang Prabang travel time to under 2 hours from Thanaleng station outside Vientiane.
What are the check-in and check-out times at the Settha Palace?
Standard check-in is at 14:00 and check-out at 12:00. Early check-in and late check-out can often be accommodated based on room availability; guests should enquire at the time of booking.