The Namkhan

Before opening its doors to travelers in 2019, the Namkhan operated solely as an organic farm. The first accommodations available were glamping-style tents, and though the owners went on to add more conventional suites and villas, a down-to-earth ethic prevails at this elegant ecolodge on the outskirts of Luang Prabang. Sustainable practices and community engagement are key here — as is farm-to-table cuisine, a natural fit given the agricultural setting — but the hotel doesn’t skimp on luxury, either.

Positioned on the banks of the Khan River and planted with lush tropical gardens, the Namkhan has an infinity pool with a thatched-roof pool bar, a peaceful open-air spa, and a riverfront yoga pavilion and gym. Accommodations vary widely, starting with the original tents and including the newer, swankier Namkhan Tents, with private wooden decks facing the water. Meanwhile, in bungalow-style structures closer to the farm, rooms and suites adhere to traditional Lao architecture, featuring wide wood-planed floors and furnished with handmade teak beds and writing desks. And the most upscale options are the modern villas built on the river’s edge; encased in glass, they’re filled with natural light and come with outdoor tubs and fully equipped kitchens.

There’s no need to cook, however, given the presence of the Namkhan’s restaurant. The airy dining space overlooks the farm and gardens, and it’s common to see staff flitting in and out at mealtimes to pick handfuls of fresh herbs. Cooking classes and coffee workshops are on offer, as are a range of cultural and outdoor activities from kayaking and boat cruises to bamboo weaving and Qi Gong sessions, while a shuttle service runs multiple times daily between the hotel and Luang Prabang.