Exploring the romantic, beautifully preserved town of Luang Prabang with your expert local guide
River views,
Infinity pool,
Peaceful setting
Mandala Ou
Highlights
Best for
Couples,
Families
Mandala Ou is set in the stunning Nong Khiaw on the Nam Ou river and just a short 10-minute cycle ride to the centre of this small Laos village, or a couple of minutes by car.
The significant advantage to this hotel apart from its location is the small, but perfectly formed infinity pool which is perfect for the hotter months. The owner has also built a beautiful river deck.
Ideal for independent travellers and couples seeking a peaceful riverside escape with scenic views, traditional charm and access to Northern Laos’ rural landscapes.
All-round this is a lovely hotel; a great place to escape Luang Prabang or, if going northwards, to explore off the beaten track Laos. If you are used to high-end luxury, then it’s not for you, but the setting, food and ambience will appeal to most.
The Rooms
The setting is idyllic, and you relax as soon as you enter the grounds. There are ten rooms, of which six face directly onto the river and four look over a well-maintained garden and pond. They all are similar in size, comfortable and have ceiling fans. There is no AC, but for the majority of the year, it’s not needed in the northern part of the country. The rooms are decorated in traditional Lao style.
What You'll Find:
- 10 traditional rooms with river or garden views
- Riverside deck and compact infinity pool
- On-site restaurant serving Lao and Western dishes
Why You’ll Love It:
- Wake up to serene river views framed by limestone cliffs
- Cool off in the small but scenic infinity pool
- Soak up the relaxed rhythm of rural Northern Laos
Explore ETG's Sample Itineraries in Laos
A few of our favourite routes – hand-picked by the team and ripe for tweaking.
Think of them as conversation starters. Curiosity sparkers. Not fixed plans – just ideas for what your holiday could look like, shaped by years of local know-how and the kind of immersive experiences that live long in the memory.
Explore Full Itinerary
Laos
Mountains & Hill Tribes in Northern Laos
Explore Northern Laos with hill-tribe treks, river journeys, and Luang Prabang’s UNESCO charm on this 14-day adventure.
Highlights
Local life
Chance encounters with local villagers while trekking in the mountains
Nam Ou River
Take in the remarkable scenery as you journey down the Nam Ou River aboard your private boat
Luang Prabang
Gallery
Explore Full Itinerary
Hanoi
Hanoi to Luang Prabang Overland
Travel overland through Vietnam and Laos, from Hanoi’s street food and Ninh Binh’s peaks to jungle safaris and Luang Prabang’s golden temples.
Highlights
Street food tours
Discover Hanoi’s lively street food culture while sipping a cold local beer at a roadside stall
Wildlife experiences
Track animals on a night safari in Laos’s jungle
Beautiful scenery
Trek past cascading waterfalls and hill-tribe villages
Explore Full Itinerary
Laos
Laos Encompassed
Experience Laos in depth with Luang Prabang, Kong Lor caves, the Bolaven Plateau and the 4,000 Islands on this 22-day immersive trip.
Highlights
Nam Ou River
Taking in the remarkable scenery as you journey down the Nam Ou river aboard your private boat
Incredible experiences
Visiting waterfalls, searching for dolphins and taking time to relax in the 4000 islands
Lovely Luang Prabang
Exploring the romantic, beautifully preserved town of Luang Prabang with your expert local guide
Gallery
Explore Full Itinerary
Laos
Laos Highlights & Beyond
Highlights
Kuang Sii Waterfalls
Enjoy a private breakfast at Kuang Sii Waterfalls before the crowds arrive.
Nam Ou River
Cruise the Nam Ou River, stopping at remote villages and caves.
Lovely Luang Prabang
Explore Luang Prabang’s temples, markets and charming backstreets.
Explore Full Itinerary
Cambodia
Rural Indochina Family Adventure
This holiday idea is an excellent opportunity for adventurous families to get under the skin of Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
You will see a few of the famous landmarks, but the primary focus is on the countryside, which you’ll explore with ease by bike, kayak, quad bike, and even Vespa! See the well-known highlights and what lies beyond as you cycle through hidden jungles, raft past dramatic river gorges, and get an authentic taste of the local lifestyle from a range of perspectives.
Highlights
Angkor Wat
Soaking up the atmosphere of Angkor Wat before sunrise; an early start for a magical experience
Lovely Laos
Marvelling at the dramatic riverine scenery and feeling the adrenaline as you kayak past jungles and caves in the remote Laos countryside
Vietnam adventures
Nipping along the narrow backroads of Hoi An, passing school children and farmers
Gallery
Mandala Ou on the map
In Our Travellers’ Words
An Epic Adventure Across Southeast Asia
There were moments while I was out and about where I thought that everyone should experience this kind of mindful travel that Experience Travel organises, as it's not backpacking where you tick off the standard party hotspots, and it's not the typical cruise for tourists to visit the standard sightseeing destinations, but an experience where I really felt I got to know the countries, meet great people and do fun stuff that most people miss.
With ETG, we have visited extraordinary places
... stayed in wondrous hotels, met fascinating everyday people, listened to varied opinions, and learned much about places far away. I couldn't do that on my own.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Laos
Discover a peaceful culture, beautiful scenery and exciting adventure, all in one handy guide.
