Laos is a small country that has managed to stay somewhat off of the mainstream backpacker circuit of Southeast Asia.  The country mainly consists of forested mountains, valleys, and rivers, making it an ideal vacation destination for adventure seekers or those looking for a laid-back vacation.  There are plenty of activates for the adventurous traveler to enjoy including trekking to temple ruins among the Mekong Valley, kayaking to limestone caves in Vang Vieng, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang, among many other things. Laos is full of stunning natural beauty and has an enchanting Buddhist culture.  Below are some unique eco lodges and boutique hotels perfect for both adventure seekers and lounging vacationers.

3 Nagas: LuangPrabang, Laos

3 Nagas is located in the heart of Luang Prabang, the ancient former capital of Laos.  This boutique hotel hosts 3 buildings that are more than a century old.  With just 15 rooms and suites spread among 2 separate houses, the hotel offers an intimate setting.  There are 8 rooms in the Khamboua House, which was built in 1903 in traditional Lao style and opens onto a magnificent garden on the edge of the Nam Khan River.  There are seven rooms in the Lamache House, which was built in 1898 for the royal family.  It has recently been restored using traditional materials and construction techniques.  All rooms have a spacious private porch overlooking the street or garden.  There are 3 suites, where guests can enjoy added luxuries including a private entrance hall, spacious living room, and a dining area.  Each room has wireless internet access.

 
Luang Say Cruise and Lodge: Mekong River,Laos

Enjoy a slow river journey on the Mekong through Northern Laos.  You’ll pass through remote mountainous stretches of the Mekong between the northern Thai border at Houeisay and Luang Prabang.  You’ll see pristine forests, hill tribe villages, and the magical Tham Thing Caves of a Thousand Buddhas on your journey along the Mekong River.  Luang Prabang sits on the banks of the Mekong and is considered one of Asia’s best preserved ancient capitals.  You will have time to wander through the city, enjoying the architecture and serenity.  In between the 2 days on the river, travelers will stay at the Luang Say Lodge at Pakbeng, a charming riverside eco lodge situated among unspoiled scenery.

Kingfisher Eco Lodge

Kingfisher eco lodge is in Champasak Province, the southernmost province of Laos.  The lodge is a family run business owned and managed by Massimo from Italy and Bangon, a Lao native.  There are six double room stilt wooden bungalows, that each has a spacious veranda overlooking the fields where you can spot elephants grazing and a freestanding hammock.  The wooden bungalows were constructed using traditional building materials and furnished in traditional Laotian style. The shower is solar powered and the bungalow’s lighting is supplied by an individual solar system.  The lodge has a restaurant that offers traditional Laos cuisine and a bar, perfect for enjoying a drink while looking out at the scenic countryside.  The lodge owners work closely with the local villages to help promote ecotourism in the area.  Activities offered include cycling, hiking, bird watching, and elephant trekking.

Grand Luang Prabang Hotel: Luang Prabang, Laos

The Grand Luang Prabang Hotel is located on the grounds of the Xiengkeo Palace, and offers incredible views of the Mekong River and the surrounding mountains.  The hotel consists of 78 luxury rooms and suites designed to represent Luang Prabang’s colonial past.  The hotel offers a buffet breakfast in the restaurant that overlooks the Mekong. The restaurant serves delicious international cuisine, including western, Thai and Lao.  There is also a Sunset Bar that is ideal for an evening drink.  The lounge bar features live music and karaoke.  The hotel’s business center offers state of the art equipment and services for any type of meetings, conferences, and exhibitions.

Global Basecamps is a specialty travel company that helps independent travelers research and book locally owned boutique hotels, off-the-beaten path lodges and multi-day excursions all over the world.