Situated adjacent to the most revered temple in Luang Prabang, Laos, the Wat Xiengthong, and facing the Great Mekong River, with its close proximity to Luang Prabang airport and a walking distance from the city’s business and most popular shopping district, Xiengthong Palace remains an ideal choice for guests who look for luxury and tranquility. It is the only purpose-built hotel in the heart of Luang Prabang that gives consideration to total customer comfort and well being.

This architectural masterpiece features 26 well-appointed rooms including 15 suites offering the peaceful atmosphere of a well-preserved area chosen by the royal family that happens to become the last residence of the monarchy of Laos. All combined, intimacy, comfort, exclusivity with the personalized service and great attention to detail, makes Xiengthong Palace the distinctive choice among Luang Prabang’s luxury hotels.

All rooms are equipped with beautiful hand-made artworks, high-speed Internet access, Hi-fi system with iPod dock, LCD flat screen TV, minibar, room safe, iron and ironing board, and charming and spacious bathroom with both bath and shower. Six exclusive suites feature plunge pools with Jacuzzi.

Dining at Xiengthong Palace is an experience itself, with an international fusion of taste and refinement. The hotel’s restaurant, “Kitchen by the Mekong,” offers a unique opportunity to experience a wide selection of the finest and authentic dining from different cuisines and a wide range of excellent wine to choose from.

The hotel is, as well, a place for wellness and relaxation with its Ayu Spa. Guests will enjoy a wide range of holistic oriental massages and treatments. Ayu Spa is a sanctuary dedicated to well-being. Disconnected from the outside world, tranquilized by the soothing breeze of Mekong is ideal for recharging body and soul. The Spa menu includes foot massage for the well-traveled feet and sauna/steam is within the privacy of the treatment chambers. A pedicure and manicure completes the gamut of experiences one could expect in total individual care.

City.Mobi

Also in Vietnam today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to Hanoi.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

Hanoi.mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.