The Settha Palace Hotel of today was reimagined by Laotian born Frenchman, Billy Theodas who spent his childhood living at the back of the Settha Palace when it was run by his parents in the 1950s. Unfortunately in 1975 when the regime changed, the whole family left everything behind to begin a new life in France. The hotel, originally built in 1932, was then nationalised and converted into government housing. With little care or upkeep, it fell into total disrepair over the following years.

After 17 years in self exile, Billy and his mother returned to Laos for a visit. Seeing the cracked, falling walls and collapsing roof of the hotel broke their hearts once more. With his mother's urging, Billy decided to regain control of the hotel, and beginning in 1994 spent five long years passionately and persistently leading the difficult renovation and restoration work.

The hotel eventually reopened its doors of refined hospitality to the world in 1999. Today, Settha Palace Hotel is still owned and operated by the same family, providing guests with warm and genuine hospitality.

So if your travels bring you to Vientiane. We truly hope to be able to welcome you to Laos and wish you "Sabaidee!" (Hello and Welcome!).