LAOS Vang Vien Huts On The River
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Muang La

With only a few hundred inhabitants, the small northern Lao village of Muang La is located well off the tourist trail in an enchanting setting of mountains, forests, richly gilded temples and pagodas. The lush green vegetation of the village and the buildings constructed of wood and bamboo are surrounded by two rushing rivers: the Nam Phak and the smaller Nam La.

Muang La is home to natural hot springs, which are a huge draw for both local and international visitors alike, as they make for the perfect place to enjoy the mesmerising scenery while benefiting from the medicinal properties that the warm water is reputed to have during a relaxing soak: bliss.

The village is also home to many from the Khmu ethnic group and we highly recommend wandering its quiet roads to chat to them and observe their traditional way of life during your stay here. Although most travel to Muang La primarily for the striking scenery and hot springs, visitors may also walk to the sacred temple of Wat Pha Singkham, where a highly revered 400 year old statue of Buddha can be found.

Those who venture out to such a remote village need not compromise on comfort: Muang La Lodge offers guests a boutique and stylish place to stay, complete with an outdoor pool and incredibly lush gardens that encapsulate the beautiful and serene northern Lao countryside. (Please note that Muang La Lodge is temporarily closed after extensive flood damage and there is no current information on when it will reopen - we currently recommend visiting Muang La from the Nam Kat Yorla Pa resort in Ban Cat, about a 1 hour drive away). 

Muang La is accessible partly by river and partly by road from the village of Nong Khiaw and combining the two as part of a stay in the charming town of Luang Prabang is a perfect way to take in the tranquil ambiance and picture-perfect mountainous scenery of this special country.

The best time of year to visit Muang La as part of a tailor-made holiday to Laos, is between November and March. As northern Laos can get somewhat chilly in December and January, we advise you pack some layers with you.

Muang La Resort Muang La Laos 10
Muang La Resort Muang La Laos 9
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Muang La Resort Muang La Laos 10
Muang La Resort Muang La Laos 9
My favourite thing is to go where I've never been.
Diane Arbus

Client Testimonials

I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
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