HOTEL ADVISOR Inthira VangVieng When I arrived in Phongsaly, I headed to the tourist information office to organise some trekking with a local guide, settling on a wonderful two day hike through wooded valleys with magnificent views, as well as a night in an Akha Puxo village. In Phongsaly you can really see how when properly managed, trekking can help encourage a more sustainable model for tourism, by embracing an area’s natural beauty and distributing the benefits fairly within local communities. Back in Phongsaly, I headed to the local market, an opportunity to purchase some of the excellent green and black tea grown in the area. Weather permitting, Mount Phu Fa offers a superb panorama of the town and surrounding valley.
Beautiful Lao style villa in the heart of Vang Vieng. offering 28 clean, comfortable and well appointed rooms. www.inthirahotels.com
The Elephant Crossing Hotel
Located in Vang Vieng this hotel is conveniently close to many of the city’s most historic and famous Buddhist temples. The hotel offers 40 comfortable guest rooms with modern amenities. www.theelephantcrossinghotel.com
North Nong Khiaw Riverside
Large and comfortable wooden bungalows on stilts with breathtaking river view. Warm welcome by Eskil the Danish owner and his friendly team. Excellent home made food. The place to stay. www.nongkiau.com
Auberge Phouphadend-Phonsavan
A delightful little resort on a hilltop in the countryside near Phonsavan, the base for exploring the famous ‘Plain of Jars’. Fifteen comfortable wooden bungalows are spread through the forest cover of pine and fern trees.
Charming Lao Hotel
The next morning, I decided to take a five hour cruise up the Nam Ou River to Muang Khua, boarding with my bike at Hat Sa, 20km upriver from Phongsaly. This was a great experience and really provided an opportunity to be out in middle of one of Laos’ most spectacular natural wonders; mile after mile of green rolling hillsides, against infinite blue skies, all mirrored in the murky depths of the river. The small village of Muang Khua acts as a small river port and the main jump-off point for passage to Vietnam. It also offers numerous opportunities for trekking. Check local tourist information when you arrive. When I finally returned to Luang Prabang, it took several days for my incredible journey to fully sink in. Phongsaly was an unforgettable experience. For more information on travelling in Phongsaly contact: Udomxai Provincial Tourism Office Udomxai Town, Xay District, Udomxai Province Email: ptdoudomxay@yahoo.com Phongsaly Provincial Tourism Office Phone: +856 (0) 81 212 483 Phongsaly (just outside the central market), www.oudomxay.info Tel: +856 (0)88 210 098 Email: info@phongsali.net www.phongsaly.net
The Charming Lao Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Oudomxai. All rooms and suites are fully equipped with modern facilities. Best choice in town. www.charminglaohotel.com
The boat landing
The premier ecotourism lodge in Luang Namtha with access to the Nam Ha Protected Area. The bungalows are constructed with local materials in a local Lao style adapted for your comfort and pleasure. www.theboatlanding.com
South Tad Fane Resort
The resort has a total of 14 comfortable rooms in bungalow-style houses. Go to sleep to the sound of chirping cicades and the distant thunder of the huge Tad Fane Falls. Wake up, refreshed, by the sound of singing birds! www.tadfane.com
Inthira Champasak
Located only 8 km form the World Heritage Site of Wat Phu, the boutique hotel offers 14 comfortable rooms. www.inthirahotels.com
Kingfisher Ecolodge-Champassak province
Is a great little retreat in Champasak Province. The area around the lodge is one of the most beautiful in the country and great for those that love the outdoors. The lodge is situated close to the Xe Pian Natural Protected Area, a haven for flora and fauna www.kingfisherecolodge.com
La Folie Laos-Done Daeng
Located on Dong Daeng Island, on the banks of the Mekong River in southern Laos, where exceptional natural beauty and unspoilt charm combine with areas of significant cultural interest, La Folie Lodge sits on a secluded beach facing the ruined Khmer temples of Wat Phou. www.lafolie-laos.com
Sala Hinboun
Sala Hinboun, the Lao traditional residence built entirely in local timber, carefully decorated to match the way of life, set on the Hinboun River bank surrounded lime stone cliffs, near by the famous Kong Lor cave. www.salalao.com