Muang La Lodge

Location: Luang Prabang | Laos

Tucked away in a northern corner of Laos where few tourists reach, Muang La Lodge is a taste of authentic rural life. Set in a valley on the banks of the Nam Pak River, it gazes out towards wild, remote hills, with rope bridges and elevated lounge areas offering some of the finest vistas of this serene landscape. And if that’s not enough to relax you, there’s even a natural hot spring on the property, producing steaming thermal waters for bathing.

Perfect forHikers, photographers or foodies.

In the know

Blissfully remote location
Small, family-run property
Supports sustainable development and works closely with the village

Hotel Overview

Sense of place

Set in the heart of adorable Muang La village in northern Laos, you’ll feel fully immersed in local life here. From the lodge’s dreamy position, you’ll catch villagers working out in the paddy fields and bathing in the river, and fisherman drifting past as they take their daily catch to market.

Rooms at Muang La Lodge

The lodge’s ten rooms are housed inside wooden, traditionally built villas set in the lush tropical gardens. Inside they showcase crisp, whitewashed walls, high ceilings, woven fabrics and wood furniture crafted locally. Each room also has its own private terrace that peers out over the gardens or river and thermal spring.

Food and drink

Taking pride in all things homemade, the culinary experience at Muang La Lodge is foodie heaven. Fruits, vegetables, herbs, rice, maize, and nuts and are all home grown, while salt is sourced from the river and fish, chicken and duck are raised on the property. These ingredients are blended to create Laos-French fusion food, with five-course set dinners on offer during the evenings. Foodies can also join cooking courses with the lodge’s resident chefs to learn the art of Laos gastronomy.

Facilities

Cross the suspension over the Nam Pak River to reach the sala: a wooden pavilion traditionally used as a shelter for travellers to rest for the night. Putting a luxury spin on this tradition, Muang La Lodge’s sala sits on its own private island in the river and enjoys incredible views out towards the mountains. Here you can enjoy a herbal tea or a massage, or take a dip in the infinity pool that’s set in leafy vegetation. The lodge also has a fantastic spa with a sauna and elevated hot tubs that are perfect for soothing achy muscles after a day of hiking.

Activities at Muang La Lodge

Take a stroll into the village to interact with the locals, pick up handicrafts and peruse the markets, or head out further afield on walking trips into the mountains to reach the more remote settlements. The lodge also rents out bicycles and motorcycles for exploring the snaking trails through the rice fields, forests and wild scenery.

Best time to go

Best time to travel

Good time to travel (but some limitations)

Travel is possible (but it’s not the best time)

Travel is not recommended

Best time to go

Jan-Apr , Nov-Dec

Hotel location

Due to its remote location, getting to Muang La Lodge can be a somewhat tedious journey. Transfers are offered from multiple locations though: either fly internally from Vientiane or take a six-hour scenic drive from Luang Prabang.