IHG Signs Holiday Inn Resort Luang Prabang, Set To Open In 2027

IHG Hotels & Resorts is expanding its footprint in Laos with the signing of Holiday Inn Resort Luang Prabang Naluang Hill, a new property scheduled to open in 2027. Developed in partnership with Naluang International Resort and Hotel Limited, the 101-key resort will mark the hospitality group's debut in Luang Prabang, one of Southeast Asia's best-known heritage destinations.

The location is a significant part of the plan. Set on Naluang Hill, the resort is expected to offer sweeping views across the historic city while keeping guests within reach of its temples, traditional streets and riverside attractions. For travellers looking to combine cultural exploration with time at a resort, the property will add an internationally recognised hotel brand to a destination known for its distinct architectural character and natural scenery.

A Hilltop Resort With 101 Rooms, Four Dining Venues, And A Spa

The planned resort will comprise 101 guestrooms, suites and villas, catering to couples, families and leisure travellers seeking a base from which to explore northern Laos. IHG has yet to disclose individual room categories, room sizes, interior design details or the specific amenities planned for each accommodation type.

Facilities announced so far include four food and beverage venues, a swimming pool, a fitness centre and a spa. The four dining venues could give guests a choice of settings for meals during their stay, although the company has not yet announced restaurant names, cuisines, menus or operating concepts. Details of spa treatments, recreational programmes and other guest services are also awaited.

Families are likely to be an important audience. The resort will introduce Holiday Inn's signature Kids Stay & Eat Free programme, designed to make family holidays more accessible. The brand's established approach to family hospitality, with shared spaces and leisure facilities, will be brought to Luang Prabang as part of the new property's positioning.

The resort is also being planned for meetings, celebrations and corporate retreats. More than 500 square metres of meeting space will accommodate small- and medium-sized gatherings, giving the property a business-events role alongside its leisure offering. IHG has pointed to growing demand for meetings, incentives and corporate retreats in the region, supported by improving transport links to the destination.

While the signing announcement establishes the broad outline of the property, further information about its restaurants, architecture, design, room features, wellness experiences and opening offers has not yet been released. The resort's final guest experience will become clearer as the 2027 opening approaches.

Exploring Luang Prabang: Temples, Waterfalls, And The Mekong

For travellers, the appeal of Luang Prabang extends well beyond its hotel scene. Located in northern Laos, the former royal capital occupies a peninsula between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, surrounded by green mountain ranges. Its UNESCO World Heritage status recognises an architectural landscape shaped by traditional Lao buildings, Buddhist temples and European colonial-era structures dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.

The historic centre is best explored on foot, with visits to temples such as Wat Xieng Thong offering a closer look at Lao religious architecture, intricate decoration and centuries-old traditions. Visitors can also climb Mount Phousi for views over the town and its river setting.

Nature excursions are another draw. Around 30 kilometres from the city, Kuang Si Falls is known for its cascading water and turquoise pools, with designated swimming areas and a bear rescue centre nearby. A trip to the Pak Ou Caves, reached by boat along the Mekong or by road and a short river crossing, takes visitors to caverns containing thousands of Buddha images.

Back in town, the night market is a good place to browse Lao textiles, Hmong embroidery, handicrafts and local street food. Early risers can observe the traditional morning alms-giving ceremony, when Buddhist monks collect food offerings from residents. Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly, remain quiet and avoid disrupting the procession or photographing participants intrusively.

River excursions, visits to local villages and opportunities to sample Lao cuisine round out the experience. With Luang Prabang International Airport and high-speed rail links improving access to the region, the destination is also becoming more practical for travellers combining Laos with other Southeast Asian stops.

For IHG, the new resort represents a move beyond Vientiane into a destination where cultural heritage and outdoor experiences are central to the visitor experience. The group currently operates Crowne Plaza Vientiane and Holiday Inn & Suites Vientiane, with a combined 471 rooms. Once the new resort opens, it will extend the company's presence into northern Laos, targeting both holidaymakers and smaller corporate groups.

The property is scheduled to open in 2027, though an exact date has not been announced. For now, its appeal rests on the proposed combination of hilltop views, resort facilities and access to Luang Prabang's historic centre. Details of room rates, dining concepts and bookable experiences are still to come.

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