Welcome to Zen Namkhan Boutique Resort

Tranquile

We had a great time at Zen Namkhan. When we first had a look at the view from the main building we were simply stunned and stayed there looking at the mountains for a few hours. The location is simply incredible. The hotel is situated on the banks of the Namkhan river and surrounded by the jungle and mountains. There are plenty of activities to do around, like the elephant village, waterfalls, kayaking, etc. Also, it is a great place to be lazy, read a book and jump in the natural pool while enjoying the view. Additionally, the staff is great and really friendly, and they even have the nicest labrador. The only caveat was the transport which has to be covered by the client if you do not book on the hotel’s website.

Rustic beauty with 5 star quality

Wonderful resort outside town

True Zen experience

Beautiful, secluded setting

Peace & Tranquility in the middle of the jungle

Zen Namkhan – Highlight of our Trip

Zen Namakhan – you must visit!

Secluded Respite

Magical views, lovely people.

Hotel Idylique

What a stunner!

Heaven on Earth

This is a peaceful place. Most definitely a highlight on our three week journey.

Amazingly beautiful and peaceful small resort with a fantastic pool.

Reviewed March 14, 2013, After a night in a village home stay the hotel was what we needed. Gorgeous villas spacious with the most relaxing view and outdoor shower. I loved the fact that it was not just another hotel room.
The food was wonderful and the hotel owner/manager was great company. His dog was very friendly too and enjoyed a swim in the Nahm Khan river.

Reviewed March 10, 2013

We arrived at the Zen at the midpoint of our 32 day tour of Vietnam/Laos, 7 of which were in Luang Prabang. Take advantage of the pricing and stay for at least 4 nights as we did. Once you find great serenity and relaxation in such a beautiful place why would you want to leave? Luc kindly recommended “Serenity” (name of villa we stayed in) overlooking the river. We had booked the villa over the suspension bridge, but we determined “Serenity” was what we were looking for. IT WAS AMAZING! Sitting out at night listening to locals singing as they navigated the river below, or just listening to the sounds of the jungle at night. Enjoy a coffee on the balcony in the morning while hearing the trumpet sounds of the elephants down river while watching the most amazing sunrise. Very nice open air shower in the room.

I found all the staff to be excellent, friendly and accommodating. Luc and Moon have built a very special place that must be experienced to be believed. In the fast paced world that we live in it was 4 days of absolute relaxation and retreat. Enjoy the Japanese bath followed by a massage. It was wonderful.

Then get Khamsaen to make you the “best Pina Colada in Laos”. Khamsaen acts as concierge, tour guide, bartender among other duties. He is an exceptional young man with a good heart. He gave us a tour of the local elephant compound and the local village.

After reading some of the Zen’s critics I find some comments extremely harsh. If paradise is a red carpeted 5 star hotel with a pool/bar on the roof of a 30 floor hotel perhaps Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh or Singapore is as remote as you should get. As some have said the Zen is not for everyone. But if you are looking for “Serenity”……

The pool is amazing with a spectacular view of the mountains. We loved the food, pina coladas and a great wine selection. I must apologize to Luc, Moon and Khamsaen for such a delay with posting my review. We stayed there in March 2012 but not a month goes by that I don’t remember that very special time. The Zen was not just a highlight of our 2012 trip, but stands out as one of the best experiences among 3 trips to VN, Laos and Cambodia. We hope to return one day, although it won’t be as quickly as I would like.

Reviewed March 9, 2013

The setting is really beautiful. Gorgeous views over the pool to the mountains. We had a villa that was quite big and interesting..with an outdoor shower – remember to shower before dark , and again amazing view. The terrace was nice, with wooden chairs that were not too comfy. Wish they invested in some pillows so you could actually sit there and enjoy.
There were a lot of small lizards waiting for us when we checked in the room.

It looks like an interesting place to spend around three days.
Food was too spicy for our taste, the spiciest we had in Laos. Food and massage were quite expensive.
I got sick while the next morning after we came – I do not believe it was from anything we had there, but can’t be sure.
We booked only one night with booking.com and we received some uncomfortable comments from the staff. We asked for a double room with the booking, but got twin – with a comment that we only booked for one night…They did not provide much info on the possibilities of trekking around, as we are staying only for one night so we do not have enough time anyway etc. If it is a problem that people would like to stay just for one night – they should not make it possible to book for one night. I also sent them an inquiry with the booking if they can arrange us a transportation to the resort, and never got an answer for it.

Reviewed March 7, 2013
Our part had a great time in this beautiful place. A real Shangra La jungle setting. A highlight of a four week trip through Vietnam, laos,and Cambodia. The food was delicious ( but a limited menu, which did not bother us a bit.) Great curries, very nice wine selection. We enjoyed the staff, and the owners. The owner has good taste in music too! The yoga class by moon was challenging. The massages by the local village women were much better than we expected,Ina lovely setting. We walked down to the river at 7:30 am to see the elephants bathing, another high point of our travels. There are few caveats: 1) this area is very steep and the villas are spread across the mountain. If you have trouble walking or use a cane/ wheel chair, this would be challenging. 2) you must ask for an air conditioned room! If not, you will get a room that has no screens and you will need a mosquito net… One guest told me that he changed rooms three times before getting one that was reasonably safe from Mosquitos. 4) the pool was too cold to swim in, and it’s too green with algae for most people to swim in. Despite those minor points, this is well two nights and days to enjoy the jungle. Go soon before the new roads and railroads are completed, 2014′ which will bring huge numbers of people to Laos.

Reviewed February 16, 2013

staying at the Zen Namkhan was simply the highlight of our month long travels of Thailand and Laos and we only ended up there by accident. Having had our previous reservations at a hotel in town completely screwed up we decided to look else where and found this paradise. i agree the journey to it was an adventure in it’s self as the loop road is under construction. we had our own motorbike so the journey into Luang Prabang could be a challenge or hilarious depending on your sensibilities!! i can understand that maybe the resort’s location may put people off but don’t be, once you have arrived all time stands still and the views/gardens and staff are incredible.
we had one of the Bungalows overlooking the river, hours if not days disappeared just sitting on the large cool verrandah watching river life go on beneath us. the views across the forested mountains are breathtaking. the bungalow was ‘rustic luxury’-spacious, stylish, one of the comfiest beds we had had on our travels and loads of comfy chairs, floor cushions and a day bed. the whole length of the room opened out onto the balcony so we always slept with all the doors open to really feel and hear the jungle outside!! now i appreciate that this may not suit everyone but to be immersed in nature but still have the comforts of a resort is simply the best.The hotel provided bottled water everyday but they would simply refill them from their purified water cooler if you prefered which is a brilliant touch- saves on the waste of plastic bottles.
the pool area was sublime, i’m not entirely sure everyone on tripadvisor appreciates the point of a natural swimming pool but to us Luc had designed the perfect oasis. personally i hate bright blue, clhorinated, square soulless pools. here you have the chance to swim in an infinity pool amongst plants and teeny little fish whilst looking out over mountains. sublime!
the restaurant area was the heart of the resort and there was always someone to get you a drink or something to eat. in the evening the tables were set beautifully, linen napkins and proper wine glasses!! the food was delicious and the service very attentive.
finally what makes this place such a delight were the staff- they work hard but are always cheery, friendly, entertaining and became like friends. special mention to our new friend Unn- good luck with Luc’s organic garden project, Copan the crazy golden lab dog and finally Chansane the conciege/manager, good luck with your wedding.
we loved this place so much we stayed an extra night and even when we came to check out we seemed not to leave til about 4pm, we just sat chatting to Chansane having a couple of BeerLao and stared at the mountains, we could not drag ourselves away…..
if you need a break from the hassle, noise, tour touts, tourist tat, and leary backpackers come here for some pure fresh air!!

March 02, 2013

Wonderful pool with its own fish,outstanding friendly service, walking distance to Eleohant camp

A change of pace from Luang Prabang township & yet so close. Much thought has gone into the overall layout of the resort & its rooms. Very friendly staff & owner, excellent service. Fantastic landscaping & excellent pool, wonderfully located restaurant with great food. We would recommend this resort to everyone. For something different – spend a night here!

Unbeatable Serenity
9.7
I cannot say enough good things about this resort. initially, we thought it was a little far from town and a huge portion of the path leading to the resort is still under construction so that put us off a bit. BUT I was and still am very glad that we made it there because it is sooooo worth it! it’s breathtakingly beautiful. we felt relaxed almost instantly the minute we stepped in. the resort staff were all kind, attentive and smiley. so was the dog, Copain. she’s such a warm and playful dog. haha. after enjoying our welcome drinks, we were led to our bungalow, Harmonie. it was nice of the staff to help out with our luggage. the room’s everything we thought it would be and MORE! we enjoyed the view and peace and the starry night and had hot tea to warm up. oh the stars looke so bright that night! we had fresh spring rolls for supper and we must say they were the best spring rolls we have tried during our Laos trip! my craving is all back as I type this haha we had simple yet delicious breakfast by the ecological pool (impressive!) the next morning. and also play time with Copain. haha. took a walk around the resort and were completely in awe with the natural beauty all around. you guys did a great job preserving and conserving the surroundings. please keep it up! and being my forgetful self, I left my backpack that stored all our important travel documents. I was a little devastated with myself when I realized that and it was too late ’cause we were already back in town centre! thankfully enough, the hotel owner and manager made some arangement to deliver my bag to me in a matter of two hours only! I would like to mention special thanks to who rode his motorbike all the way to town to pass my bag to the receptionist of my guesthouse. he was even sweet and accountable enough to give me a call to make sure that I have received it. this is what I would call as superb, impeccable service. thank you so muuuuch!
Hotel Feature Tip: serene, quiet, beautiful, breathtaking