Muang La Resort

Set amid rainforests and a serene mountain scape on the banks of the Nam Pak River, Muang La Resort is isolated from mass tourism yet serves as a convenient base from which to explore the many hidden treasures of the region, including great fusion cuisine, thermal pools, and treks to remote multi-colored ethnic hill tribes living between the rice fields and verdant mountains. Part of the exclusive Khowan hotel brand, Muang La Resort is a journey in itself: immersion in nature, respect for privacy, inventive cuisine, attractive architecture, and authentic participation in village life.

Property Details

Each of Muang La Resort’s ten well-appointed rooms are named after local hill tribe communities—a tribute to the widely varied culture of Laos—and decorated with distinct color palates which come alive through the timber and bamboo architecture, polished wood floors, designer furniture from Oudom Xai, locally woven textiles, and sprinkles of traditional Lao art, paintings, and sculptures. Guests may choose between six garden and four river view rooms, all of which host modern bathrooms mixing wood, granite, and turquoise-stained terrazzo. Throughout the day, witness villagers bathe in the river and work in their paddy fields, Buddhist monks crossing the rope bridge for the daily alms-giving ceremony, and frequent water buffalo coming to the water for refreshment, all from the comfort the rooms’ peaceful terraces.

Muang La Resort is the perfect gem to discover the wonderful and largely unknown cuisine of Laos, with different five-course menus featured each night. Think brochette of pork with lemongrass or fish pudding cooked in banana leaf, all of which can be savored in the gardens, on the terrace, or at a surprise location chosen by the resort’s hosts—a transient restaurant concept exclusive to the resort. Unwind in the secluded corners of the garden, bathed in light from thousands of carefully placed candles at night, or in the spa and two outdoor Jacuzzis fed by an ancient hot spring nearby. Follow this luxurious immersion with time in the candle-illumined traditional Lao sauna and drinks around the sunken fire pit.

The resort serves as an ideal launch pad for exploration of northern Laos, meeting many local ethnic groups and trekking by foot, mountain bike, 4×4, or river cruise to uncover picturesque limestone formations and undulating natural scenery. Alternatively, visit one of Muang La Resort’s two schools in Ban Por, an isolated Hmong village at the top of the mountain where the resort is dedicated to improving education.