Mandala Ou is a small, rustic eco-lodge, set on the banks of the scenic Nam Ou River in the hills of Nong Khiaw, Northern Laos. Reached by a three-hour journey by road from Luang Prabang, and passing through lush green mountains, paddy fields and a handful of small towns, guests will experience pristine beauty of rural Laos. While at this small, simple and comfortable hotel, you will be awarded with spectacular sunset views over the jungle clad, karst limestone mountains.
Perched along the Nam Ou River, Mandala Ou has just 10 independent bungalows. Built in traditional Laotian style with local wood, they are all spacious, simply decorated and come with verandas overlooking the river or the hotel’s garden. There is only one restaurant that serves delicious local dishes from Nong Khiaw & Laos, as well as classic Thai and Western cuisine. All meals and soft drinks are included during the stay and there is in-room tea, coffee making facilities.
Guests come to Mandala Ou to explore rural Laos and experience its quiet, meditative silence. There is a small but beautiful swimming pool overlooking the river as well as yoga and massage platform. Activity enthusiasts can explore the surrounds with guides or travel independently with instructions available at the reception. The hotel also holds a 7-day Yoga and Meditation Retreat, which is run by Kamala, a fully certified Hatha and Kundalini Instructor. Please check with AwimAway for details.
Amenities
24hr Room ServiceBar/PubConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableGardenMultilingual StaffOutdoor PoolRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesSpa/SaunaWi-Fi AvailableStay Mandala Ou has just 10 detached bungalows. Each is crafted of wood and rattan and stilted on the river’s edge of which six bungalows face directly onto the river and four look over a well-maintained garden and pond. All are furnished in a traditional style with all the modern conveniences, a private river-facing balcony and large ensuite bathroom. There is no AC as it not required most of the year but there are wall-mounted eco-friendly ceramic heaters, 3G Wi-Fi in all rooms.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at the Mandala Ou, although we recommend this for families with older children who can stay away from their electronic gadgets and instead will love to enjoy outdoor activities.
Dine The in-house restaurant at the Mandala Ou serves a selection of Thai and Western cuisine. The inclusive buffet breakfast includes freshly baked bread and croissants, filter coffee, yoghurt, fruits and freshly squeezed juices. There is also salami, ham & Cheddar cheese with eggs to order. Those who want to go local can have fried rice or rice soup. Lunches are light with salads but dinners are more elaborate served on candlelit tables. There is also a fully stocked bar.
Relax There is a small but perfectly formed infinity pool at Mandala Ou which is great for the summer months. Facing the Nam Ou River, it is the only swimming pool in Nong Khiaw town. There is also a yoga and massage platform that overlooks the river. There are plenty of spaces in the hotel to relax or you can take a leisurely stroll through the forest to watch the amazing birdlife. Return to the hotel and relax in a traditional Lao herbal steam sauna.
Experience Patok Cave is an impressive cathedral dome on two levels that was used by the Pathet Lao communist command and as a shelter for villagers during the war. If you climb higher to the top, you will be awarded with stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. There is also an interesting 100 Waterfalls Trek run by Tiger Trail company which can be booked locally. The trek is medium-hard trek and involves climbing over rocks and bamboo ladders.
Location Mandala Ou sits on the left bank of the Nam Ou river, on the edge of Nong Khiaw. It's just a 5 minute walk from the centre of the village.
Getting there 14-hour international flight (one change) to Luang Prabang and from here it's approximately 3 hours by road.
When to go Laos enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round. The cooler, drier months of the year are from November to March; however, temperatures rarely drop below 22°C during the day. Humidity is highest between May and September, when sunbursts follow tropical downpours and temperatures can climb to 35°C. However, the average year-round temperature is a pleasant 25°C.
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