Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge

I was in one of the deluxe rooms overlooking the Mekong in the building at the top of the hill. My room was incredible with amazing views and cool design with the bed oriented to the river view. Amazing as it was, however, the room isn't very functional. Getting the doors open to the balcony is a challenge, and guests in adjacent rooms can see into your room easily, so privacy is a bit of an issue. In the room itself, there's no desk space to work from (or sit down) and the luxe design with the bath amenities is exposed to other guests looking in your curtains are open. The open-air restaurant is wonderful for an evening meal, but breakfast is not buffet and limited in options. Plus, most people staying are only for 1 night because they're on the slow boat to Luang Prabang, so the timing is tight to eat, check out, and get the shuttle down to the river for your boat's departure. The pool area is fantastic, and the staff were very helpful and attentive. The night I stayed here, there was a lot of loud music from neighboring private properties and when I complained, the manager said there's nothing that can be done about it. Not the property's fault, and could be an issue with other hotels in the small town of Pakbeng. Still, a bit frustrating, though eventually the music did stop. Despite my criticism, this hotel is worth staying at multiple nights to really soak up the resort atmosphere.

The setting is incredible and the property utilized every opportunity to capitalize on the natural beauty of the view and surrounding foliage. Just as important as the setting was the attentive beautiful people who work there. The food was great and well presented.

Beautiful spot overlooking the Mekong, plus helpful and friendly staff. Only gripe was the limited set meal for supper, and with no vegetarian option,

This is a really great place to stay if you are taking the slow boat down the Mekong. Lovely location overlooking the river and quiet luxurious.