13. The Namkhan in Luang Prabang and Cosmo's good news

reception at The Namkhan

In Laos we started off at The Namkhan, an eco-resort in Luang Prabang. It was quite far out of town with a bit of bouncy unpaved road. Luckily our Loca (their version of Uber) driver had a truck and was okay with the cat. When we got there, an golf cart drove up and put our luggage in, then drove us 20 meters to check in, where they greeted us with a delicious tea that they had grown themselves in there organic gardens. Dawne took a tour of them on our last day and they are cutting edge sustainable.

being taken to our room

Then they drove us to our room. The place was huge, much bigger than I had imagined. They had large statues of water buffalo, a giant chess set, a pavillion for yoga with a beautiful view of the river, a gorgeous spa area, expansive gardens where they grow most of the fruits and veggies, and on and on. We passed two women in robes returning from a spa treatment. This was certainly the most relaxing and resort-y place of our trip. I checked my reservation and it was only $108/night including an incredibly breakfast buffet, complimentary sauna use, and yoga every morning and afternoon. We took Cosmo on a walk down their trail, enjoyed their 2 for 1 happy hour by the pool, and had a great dinner.

Dawne with water buffalo statues

The yoga area overlooking the river

walking with Cosmo through the grounds

The gardens near our room

shower

other side of room

Our room

Walking through the trail

Happy Hour 2-for-1 drinks!

Description of our cocktail

Sunset at the Namkhan

Fruit at breakfast

The next morning 8am yoga was terrific. I loved how she would tell us not to look around and not to compare ourselves with others, "there is no judgement here." The Breakfast Buffet was incredible with fresh fruit, juices, smoothies, egg station, congee, breads, hot food, cereal station, and more that I never got to. After our mobile library visit, we tried out the sauna before getting 90 minutes aroma therapy massages, and finished our day with another great dinner. We met some other women who were traveling solo and who had come back to Laos. One comes every year for the past 12 years (except for covid years)! It's a tempting idea as the people are very friendly and it is so relaxing here and inexpensive as well.

egg station

Hot food at breakfast

Cosmo found a place to hang out

Cosmo chilling

The spa pool

Happy Hour day 2

Cosmo and I on one of the bridges

Dawne giving Cosmo a little walk

Cosmo at dinner

Budda bowl was a delicious healthy dinner

I heard back from Vietnam Airlines and they agreed to let me take Cosmo with me to Vietnam! That was such a huge relief and by far the easiest and best possible solution! Definitely lifted a huge weight off my shoulders.

The Namkhan gave us a goodbye note with an
elephant from the nearby pottery village

Next I struggled to figure out plan for tomorrow. Bus to Nong Khiaw leaves at 9 but we wanted yoga and breakfast so a 1pm bus was our preference. Hiring a personal car was 1.5 million or $84 which was significantly more than the $8 each bus. I found one van company online but their website said no pets. I texted with another who said they would check on a cat possibility at 1pm. Also we were concerned about having too much baggage, but I contacted Thatsaphone hotel where we were staying on our return and they said I could leave bags with them. The I heard back from the second van. Pet okay, pay 250k each ($12) and be at their office at 12:30. Also ATMs are close to both, and they (van office and hotel) are only .4 miles apart. Perfect!

Dawne and her guide for the tour of the sustainable gardens

Next morning we did yoga then breakfast. Dawne did a guided tour of their organic garden while I packed and we left for town and Nong Khiaw.