Zen Namkhan Boutique Resort

Great hotel for people who wants to enjoy the nature, animals and the jungle with comfort. My husband didn't expect the quality of the hotel facilities.We came with two kids. The breakfast is the best. Also, the lunch is really good. Our experience was even more special thanks to the staff manager, Evelyn. She wasn't just kind and fun. But also, she took the time to make plans for us to enjoy Luam Prabang(the restaurants, the temples, the night market and the National Royal Museum). You feel you are at home and you are being taken care of during your stay. We went to the town one day, and the other day we went to the waterfalls by boat. In the mornings, we were lucky to have one of the suites with best view in the hotel to see the sunrise, the water buffaloes and sometimes to hear in the mornings the sounds of the elephants in the jungle on the other side of the river. The swimming pool is also great for kids. It was a really great experience.

Overall, our family of 4 had a lovely time staying at the Zen Namkhan. Our 2 bedroom suite was enormous and beautifully furnished, with a lovely outdoor shower area, and a huge balcony overlooking the Nam Khan River and the mountains beyond. Waking up only to the sounds of birds in the trees and elephants trumpeting from downriver was wonderful, and we really felt the right amount of isolation in nature (though nature was a bit too close once; despite not leaving doors open, we had a big rat sneak into our room at night, and it required the night watchmen's assistance to usher it out... oh well, it's the country!) The food offerings are good, not great. The pool is beautiful, but not large. The cabins are all downhill from the main lodge, and the staff is all women, so be prepared to feel awkward watching them insist on hauling your luggage up and down many winding stairs. I would not say this is a true "resort". Though there are some grounds to stroll, and a very small room for massages, it's really just a very nice guesthouse set in a beautiful location. One big caveat is that it definitely removed from town. If you're looking for seclusion and nature, it's perfect; but if you intend to shuttle in and out of town for meals, shopping, activities, etc., it'll be a challenge (or costly), as most in-town tuk-tuks won't want to take you and you'll have to arrange for pricier private cars for transport.

I was booked to stay for 3 nights, I arrived at 4am and the problem was none of the tuk tuk drivers knew were the hotel was, so had to stay elsewhere for the first night, when I did arrive the owners wife offered me to stay an extra night for the one I missed. I managed to get a lift there the next day. It is a good half hour outside of town so try arrive in the middle of the day. Apart from this the location is great, nestled in the mountains with amazing views all around, really comfy rooms and beds, nice big balcony with a good view. Gets very cools at night especially as it is so high up and remote. Nice restaurant and natural pool. The owner is great I was invited and went out for pizza with him his wife and his whole family, which was great. Can't fault the hospitality at the hotel, also his wife ran me into town as I had problems with my bank card and she sorted it out with the local bank. I stayed there as I needed to relax after a few weeks of hostels and hiking, it is perfect for that if you want to sunbathe in peace, swim and have a comfy room. My only issue is that there wasn't much pressure in the shower. Otherwise would highly recommend for a nice relaxing getaway from traveling.