Updated: December 2019

Sanctuary Nam Ngum Resort

When you ask yourself what is Vang Vieng famous for, the first thing that comes to mind will probably be the tubing and the lagoons. But turns out Vang Vieng can be a destination not only for a party getaway, but also for a more relaxing one.

Sanctuary Nam Ngum Beach Resort is located just outside of Vang Vieng in the midst of flourishing Laotian nature. We have found this place to be an amazing getaway from all of the regular backpacking scene mixed with the partying and you’ll find complete solace and world class treatment in utter solitude!

First impression and check-in

We were picked up by the hotel’s minivan in Vang Vieng and were mixed in with one other couple. We reached the hotel safely within just about an hour after driving through the backroads and newly constructed roads. You might think it is a bit far,but we believe it is a normal distance for a completely different area located outside of the city.

The check-in was super friendly and fast. We were then escorted to our bungalow which we loved! The bed was decorated with flower petals that formed a pattern as were the towels wrapped up to form the shape of two swans nestling one another and kissing. A small detail but that was so sweet and showed us that the hotel staff were waiting for us and they truly care!

The Bungalow

We loved the setting of the bedroom, it was spacious and with an absolutely comfortable double bed. You know how important it is to have a comfy bed, right? As we traveled a lot before and stayed in a hostel in Vang Vieng to do the tubing, the bed in Sanctuary Nam Ngum was like heaven to us!

Side note: A lot of the beds in which you sleep on out in Asia feel as though you’re sleeping on only the wooden frame! That’s why it’s always important to read the reviews on the hotels and hostels before you book them.

The style of the bungalow is modern, with a lot of polished concrete and wood.

The bathroom is huge and nicely decorated. Some bungalows have a kind of outside patio with a jacuzzi but at the same time it’s still a part of your private space and nobody can see you.

The bungalow has floor to ceiling windows and floor to ceiling curtains so you can decide whether or not you would like to have the view of the lake at all times or not..but why wouldn’t you, right?

The View

Stepping out to the balcony, you have a view of the lake from all or almost all angles depending on which villa you get. Basically, all bungalows are located on a small island and if it does matter for you where your villa is gonna face, then do contact the hotel in advance. Helpful staff will guide through all the available options.

View from our Mavic Pro Drone offering a nice overhead view of the bar and lobby

What’s so unusual about Sanctuary Nam Ngum Beach Resort?

Well, besides the bungalows being located on an island connected to the mainland with just one road, they also have a floating pool!

That was the first time in my life and so far the last that I have seen the pool floating on the lake! That’s super unusual and cool!

Shot from the drone giving a beautiful view of sanctuary Nam Ngum resort

The Staff

Well, honestly I can’t even call the people who work there “the staff” of the hotel. The word that comes to my mind is “family.” Really, when we talked to people there, we felt that they care so much and doing something they believe in. It was not just about work for them, but much more. We were sharing stories of the history of Laos and the integration of English and French language within the community. They’d also invite us for coffees so we could all become more familiar with one another…now please do not take that the wrong way! They can sense if you’re the type of person who seeks solitude, they’ll leave you be if that’s what you desire.

Activities

So what is there to do expect aside from enjoying the pool and the delicious Bbq that they put on display?

There is a number of activities on site:

Jet Skiing
Kayaking
Paddle Boarding
Stand-Up Boarding
Traditional Boat Rides (Morning or Evening cruises)
Boat fishing
Net fishing

Also there are bikes, badminton, petanque, volleyball and billiards that will be free of charge for inside guests.

For additional costs and advanced notice you can partake in cooking classes, off road tours, or even witness a cock-fighting match!

Also, you can explore the outside area, for instance, there is a huge fish market which is very well known in the area and is insisted upon by many locals as a “must do”.

Perfect for team building activities and conferences!

Sanctuary Nam Ngum Resort features a modern conference room for business meetings or a team building vacation. We think it is really a great idea to combine a holiday and a team building to strengthen the friendship between the colleagues. What better place can you find that blends water-sports, excellent food, ambient vibes, and a view that will remain with you for the rest of your lives?!

Perfect room at sanctuary nam ngum for team building exercises

Conference rooms just an hour away from vang vieng center

Are you planning a trip to Northern Laos?! Maybe you need a local guide to Luang Prabang! or maybe just a general Laos Itinerary to follow if you’re uncertain on which way to go.

Summary

We are happy that we were welcomed to Sanctuary Nam Ngum Resort and got a chance to spend a couple of days as a part of their family!

We especially enjoyed the floating pool and water activities, as well as the surrounding nature flourishing with greenery.

Service was at the highest level and this visit has definitely become a highlight of our trip to Vang Vieng! We honestly can’t wait until we’re able to go back and visit once again! Let us know if you’ve been there as well and what you’re experience was like.

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