LAOS - Destinations & Hotels
The Far North
Chan-a-Mar Resort | $$$
Eco-friendly, Remote location
The Chan-a-Mar Resort (currently the home of The GreenHeart Foundation) is set amidst impressive scenery in the traditional Northern Lao village of Ban Sophoun, two and half hours road journey from Luang Prabang. When staying overnight the return journey is usually undertaken by a 5 hour boat ride taking in the Pak Ou Caves on the way. Surrounded by breathtaking views of five mountains and two rivers the resort is quite simply located in one of the most spectacular places in Southeast Asia. This combined with gourmet Lao cuisine, quality informative local tours and an optional traditional Baci ceremony creates a 'real Lao' experience unmatched in Northern Laos.
The traditional style bungalows are situated on the banks of two rivers surrounded by five mountains along the majestic Ou River near a traditional Lao village. Each bungalow has been individually designed, using local traditional building materials and come complete with luxurious beds, private bathroom with hot shower and a private balcony with amazing views. Whilst not exactly the height of luxury, there are no TVs or DVD’s for example, the experience of being looked after by the family will leave special memories.
The resort offers gourmet Lao food, prepared by the family, using traditional methods and recipes. All food is prepared using filtered mineral water used both for cooking and dishwashing. They can cater for any special dietary requirements, but please let Oasis Travel know in advance.
At the resort you can experience the local history visiting a 200 year-old Wat, secret wartime caves all whilst accompanied by renowned owner and published cultural anthropologist MarkO Bartholomew. Lunch is prepared by Chan, MarkO’s wife with optional cooking lesson. Chan is also a textile designer and some of her textiles are available to purchase at the GreenHeart Foundation Textile Gallery on site. The textiles are predominantly from 6 villages in North-eastern Laos, providing the local weavers with a new sustainable livelihood. These textiles present a rare opportunity to acquire one-of-a-kind quality works of art. A percentage of the profits from the foundation are donated to The GreenHeart Foundation's Bombs Away project, which is working to raise awareness of the unexploded ordinance problem which still threatens the lives of hundreds of Lao people every year. The funds raised are used employ experts to manage bomb removal teams and to train Lao people in safe bomb removal.
This simple lodge is located in a stunning setting away from the tourist crowds that flock to Luang Prabang. It is family run and MarkO and Chan are charismatic and informative hosts. If you want to know more about Lao culture and textiles coupled with a relaxed, charming remote stay look no further. Prices here are relatively high for the standard but some of the profit is ploughed back in to the local community in a responsible and sustainable way.
Other The Far North Hotels
The Far North - Boat Landing Guesthouse | $$
Eco-friendly, Remote location
The far northern province of Luang Nam Tha is little visited by tourists and whilst it’s far from being the easiest place to get to the effort is well worth rewarded. Perched on the banks of the Nam Tha River, just 6km from the village of the same name is the extraordinary Boat Landing Guesthouse....
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The Far North - Chan-a-Mar Resort | $$$
Eco-friendly, Remote location
The Chan-a-Mar Resort (currently the home of The GreenHeart Foundation) is set amidst impressive scenery in the traditional Northern Lao village of Ban Sophoun, two and half hours road journey from Luang Prabang. When staying overnight the return journey is usually undertaken by a 5 hour boat ride...
Learn more »
The Far North - Kamu Lodge | $$$
Eco-friendly, Remote location
This unique eco property sited on the banks of the Mekong River is located in an area, that prior to its opening was, far from the tourist route. It is accessed by an enchanting three hour cruise upstream from Luang Prabang and surrounded by lush green mountains and paddy fields. The lodge has a...
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The Far North - The Akha Experience -3 Days / 2 Nights | $$$
Eco-friendly, Remote location
Tour route - Nam Tha - Muang Sing – Nam Keo Noi Waterfall – Ban Lao Khao – Ban Phou Yae – Ban Houeinagang – Ban Eu La – Ban Tamee – Ban Nam Hoo – Ban Phiyer – Muang Sing
This community-based tour, the "Akha Experience"...
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