There are several well-run accommodations for ecotourists in Laos, and though there is no official system of standards for ecolodges, the accommodations listed below meet several, if not all of the following qualities:
- Use Lao architecture and local building materials
- Located in/around natural areas
- Use local products and minimise the use of chemicals in daily operations
- Employ local people and support their community
- Minimise and manage waste
- Minimise the use of energy
- Minimise the impacts on nearby villages
- Support the conservation of nature
For additional information on accommodations in Laos and to make reservations with a member hotel, visit the Lao Hotel Group website..
Accommodation for Ecotourists:
Bokeo Province
The Gibbon Experience: This tree-top accommodation is located inside the Bokeo Nature Reserve, and offers access to a forest canopy cable network.
Luang Namtha Province
Boat Landing Guest House: Northern Laos' original ecolodge is located in Ban Kone village on the peaceful Namtha River.
The Heuan Lao Guest House & Restaurant offers reasonably priced, clean, Lao-style rooms and excellent local food right in the center of Luang Namtha. Call 086 211-111 for more information.
Oudomxay Province
Kamu Lodge: This lodge is situated in a remote location on the Mekong River north of Luang Prabang in an ethnic Kamu village.
Luang Prabang Province
Mahout Lodge: Just 7 kilometers from Luang Prabang, this mahout ecolodge consists of 19 separate chalet cabins on a bend in the scenic Nam Khan River and offers a picturesque atmosphere for relaxing and absorbing rural Lao life or engaging in the many outdoor activities.
Thongbay Guest Houses
Luangsay Mekong River Cruises: This boat cruises the Mekong River from Houei Say to Luang Prabang.
Lao Spirit Resort: Just 15 km out of Luang Prabang and on the bank of the Nam Khan river, this is Luang Prabang's first eco-lodge, and offers luxury bungalows, great mountain and river vistas as well as a wide range of activities and attractions. The attached elephant camp offers elephant bathing and feeding in the morning. It is a perfect hideaway or base for a few days of outdoor life with a bit of luxury.
Nam Song Sai Ecolodge: Just a 15-minute bicycle ride from Luang Prabang Town on the Nam Khan River, all the bungalows and houses are restored Lao village houses, and privately nestled in lush tropical gardens overlooking the Nam Khan River.
Zen Namkhan Boutique Resort's villas and superior rooms present a relaxing fusion of Zen and epicurean philosophies just 13 kilometers from Luang Prabang Town The resort follows two guiding principles - Traveler-Friendly and Nature-Friendly – and also offers a range of ecotourism activities.
Vang Vieng (Vientiane Province)
Ban Sabai: Stay in these traditionally designed bungalows located on the Nam Song River.
Thavonsouk Resort
The Nam Lik Eco-village: This accommodation is located in the middle of the jungle on the banks of the Nam Lik River. Activities such as trekking, rafting, biking, rock climbing and visits to nearby villages can be arranged.
Neil’s Garden of Eden: Situated in beautiful surroundings next to the Nam Song, Neil’s Garden of Eden offers a real “back to nature” experience. Simple accommodation is provided, but everything else is up to you! Build your own fires, cook your own meals, wash in the river and be one with nature.
Vientiane Capital
Thongbay Guest Houses
Ban Pako: This hotel offers a choice of lodge accommodation overlooking the river or longrooms with forest views.
Elephant Tower at Ban Na: Overnight stays in this tower give visitors a chance to see one of the last remaining herds of wild elephants in Laos. The tower is operated and managed by the villagers of Ban Na.
Green Park Boutique Hotel is designd in Lao contemporary style, and is situated next to the peaceful Nong Chanh Green Park, right in the heart of Vientiane 's business district. The hotel is only a few minutes from the airport, embassies, tourist attractions, and within walking distance of the Talat Sao morning market.
Rivertime Resort and Ecolodge
This ecotourism resort on the Nam Ngum River is close to Vientiane capital and the mountainous Phou Khao Kwai National Protected Area. Activities and facilities include trekking and cycling, riverboat journeys, homestays, local tours, a floating restaurant and a small Internet café for guests.
Khammouane Province
Sala Hinboun: An upscale lodge located at the mouth of Kong Lor Cave with scenic views of the Limestone Mountains.
Sainamhai Resort is located on the way to Khammouane's famous Konglor Cave, just 3.5km from Ban Nahin on route 8. The resort consists of Lao-Style bungalows with 8 twin and 4 big-bed units complete with toilet and shower facilities. The owners can organize traditional Baci ceremonies, meetings, parties and transporrtation to the Konglor Cave. Free Lao tea and coffee, all day!
Salavan Province
That Lo Resort: Salavan's finest nature resort offers comfortable bungalows overlooking the Tad Lo Waterfall.
Champasak Province
Tad Fane Resort: This lodge and restaurant overlooks the Tad Fane Waterfall and Dong Hua Sao National Protected Area.
Kingfisher Lodge: This lodge features spacious bungalows and an open-air restaurant overlooking the Pha Po wetland in Xe Pian National Protected Area. The lodge is located next to Kiet Ngong Village, famous for its elephant treks to Phou Asa Mountain.
This newly opened lodge is located on Don Daeng Islandacross the Mekong River from the Vat Phou World Heritage site. The lodge is operated and managed by the community of Hua Don Daeng village.
Vat Phou Cruise
This cruise plies the Mekong River from Pakse to the Vat Phou ruins, Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands) and Kone Pha Pheng Waterfall.
La Folie Laos: On the banks of Done Daeng Island, this hotel offers large, comfortable and luxuriously decorated bedrooms with private terraces in 12 wooden bungalows overlooking the Mekong River. The lodge has a poolside open-air restaurant offering exceptional continental and local cuisine.
