Zen Namkhan Boutique Resort

“Absolute heaven”

Booked direct and received pick up and return to Luang Prabang included in the price. Breakfast and dinner in the restaurant was all delicious. The staff are so happy and helpful and the cabin / view just idyllic. Loved it here and miss it already!

“Hidden treasure ”

The Zen Namkhan Resort is only a short distance from town, but feels completely remote. A stunning spot on the edge of the Namkhan ( a tributary river that meets the Mekong at the Luang Prabang crossroads ). The owner, Moon, picked us up in town and could not have been more interesting or kind thro… more

The Zen Namkhan Resort is only a short distance from town, but feels completely remote. A stunning spot on the edge of the Namkhan ( a tributary river that meets the Mekong at the Luang Prabang crossroads ). The owner, Moon, picked us up in town and could not have been more interesting or kind throughout our stay. Nothing was too much trouble - her team (staff come from the local village) were equally kind. The swimming pool-pond is gorgeous. The kids enjoyed spending lazy hours swimming and chasing frogs. The family suite overlooking the river was lovely - great to be able to have the kids together with us. Much appreciated. Moon loaned us kayaks and we spent a marvellous and memorable afternoon boating down the Mekong. Best tip from Moon - a long walk, down past the elephant sanctuaries, and a small village, to Chateau Orientale. We had a truly fabulous lunch here and they arranged a boat (‘taxi!’) back to The Zen Namkhan Resort afterwards.

less

“Very freindly staff and nice room”

Nice place to just chill out and not do very much. We booked direct to get complementary transfers for two night stay - saved 2 x $20 Food was good and staff exceedingly friendly. They let us use room until out 1330 departure - much appreciated. Pool was so so - a bit slippery underfoot. Nice wa… more

Nice place to just chill out and not do very much. We booked direct to get complementary transfers for two night stay - saved 2 x $20 Food was good and staff exceedingly friendly. They let us use room until out 1330 departure - much appreciated. Pool was so so - a bit slippery underfoot. Nice walk to nearby elephant sanctuary.

less

“Rustic, pleasant, some issues”

As we approached the resort, which was far off the main road as well as via an access road in very poor condition, I began to have some real anxiety about what we were getting into. But the resort is comfortable though rustic, with traditional, open to the elements construction. I had a great mas… more

As we approached the resort, which was far off the main road as well as via an access road in very poor condition, I began to have some real anxiety about what we were getting into. But the resort is comfortable though rustic, with traditional, open to the elements construction. I had a great massage there, The food is good, plentiful and reasonably priced. The wonderful Mandalao elephant experience (highly recommended) is very nearby. The staff is friendly and mostly attentive though response time can be desultory. The internet is awful, so be prepared to be disconnected while there. For me, the big negative is the distance to Luang Prabang. It’s more than 30 minutes away, bouncing around on bad roads. My suggestion is plan 4-5 days in the area, two in this type of relaxing, pastoral atmosphere near the elephants and 2-3 more in or very near Luang Prabang itself, enjoying the sights, variety, eclectic crowd and more cosmopolitan scene. Also, recommend that while there you don’t frequent any establishment that trades in elephant rides. There is no humane way to do it, so don’t.

less