Luang Say Lodge is a beautiful eco-retreat set just outside the small village of Pakbeng, several hours upstream from Luang Prabang, on the banks of the Mekong River. It is typical to spend a night here when travelling between Huay Xai (on the Laos/Thai border) and Luang Prabang by boat.
Luang Say’s simple teak and rosewood bungalows sit on a high bank of the Mekong River. Sheltered wooden walkways connect the bungalows to the lounge and open-air restaurant. The lodge is situated on a high hill (be prepared for a bit of a walk from the river bank where you disembark) and enjoys stunning views of the Mekong and the mountains on the other side of the river.
Accommodation
Luang Say comprises twenty bungalows, laid out in a neat line on the crest of the hill and connected to one another by a long wooden walkway carved from rosewood and teak. The rooms are situated close together, some of them conjoined, but the dense vegetation between them provides for privacy. Inside the rooms are furnished in traditional Laotian style, with dark wooden furniture offset by clean white linen. The rooms open at the back onto private bathrooms with shower units.
There’s very limited power at Luang Say Lodge, and the lights in the rooms can be a bit dim, making it difficult to read in the evening. The rooms are cooled by ceiling fans rather than AC units, but this is adequate—the nights can actually be rather chilly!
Dining
Luang Say’s restaurant is in a central pavilion accessed by wooden walkways from the guest bungalows. A Laotian buffet is served using fruit and vegetables grown locally.
Facilities
- Restaurant and bar
Activities
You will likely arrive at Luang Say Lodge in the evening and leave the next day, so you won’t necessarily have much time for activities. However there are a few walks around the lodge, and if you wake early in the morning, you can visit nearby Pakbeng which holds a morning market several days a week.
Child Policy
Children are welcome. It’s not possible to have an extra bed in the bungalows, but some of the rooms are conjoined making them suitable for families.
Responsible Tourism
Luang Say Lodge is a major employer in the area and is staffed and managed by members of the local community.
