A Peaceful Escape at Hillside Nature Lifestyle Lodge

Text by: Anita Preston

Photos by: Anita Preston / Evensong Film

Drive twenty minutes outside Luang Prabang through small villages and dense forests up winding roads with stunning views into the mountains surrounding the town. Hidden on a hilltop, you will see the sign for the Hillside Nature Lifestyle Lodge.  Set in a grove thrumming with birdsong and buzzing with life, charming wooden bungalows dot the verdant slopes facing dramatic mountain views, and lush tropical plants wave in the cool mountain breeze. 

Having just nine rooms, its secluded setting and private bungalows provide ample opportunities for finding your own space. Bungalows are spacious and charmingly decorated using natural materials and textiles. Colors are cozy and warm. Beds are big and linens crisp. There is a kettle for beverages on your own verandah. Fans provide cooling, and misty mornings enhance the sense of calm. Two Hmong ponies, Jake and Elwood, keep the grass trimmed and delight younger guests. The extensive property contains native plants and many types of species you cannot find at lower levels, a delight for plant lovers. A substantial pond filled with pink lotus can keep the insect lover busy all day. Fish, frogs, damselflies, and vividly colored dragonflies are a joy to find.      

As the morning sun streams into the main chalet, breakfast is served on the main terrace, sitting above a glorious view of the trees and the pool. Choices vary between western fare, including bacon and eggs, banana pancakes and homemade jam, cereal, and Southeast Asian classics such as chicken rice soup garnished with a soft, runny egg and punchy garlic shards. Traditional family recipes are the source for Asian dishes. Fresh ground Lao coffee frothed up into a foamy cappuccino is available to fuel your day. 

Run by a German-Lao couple, the lodge grew from a bike trip taken over a decade ago when the husband discovered the site. His vision for the future was to build a resort where people could relax amongst stunning nature, yet close to town. Respecting nature and the environment was also a crucial factor. No pesticides are used on the property, plastic use is limited, and water comes from a spring. Ask the owners, and they tell you they literally put their “blood, sweat, and tears” into the resort to get it started, including building the pool and the steam bath themselves with locally sourced materials.  

Staff come from nearby villages, providing employment and hospitality training. The lodge also supports local communities by collecting donations for the village school and arranging visits for interested guests.

Whether you want to lounge by the pool, enjoy a Thai massage, or trek through forest trails, Hillside has something for everyone. Spend time with a drink on the deck or indulge in a steam bath with home-grown herbs, including lemongrass and mint. Dinner offers many delicious choices, from homemade, tasty hamburgers to rich Thai curries and local dishes such as the refreshing herb-filled salad, laap, and tasty vegetarian options. 

If you want to get out and about, the nearby village of Ban Xieng Mouak is worth a visit for its cultivation of water spinach. Nam Dong Park is also a short distance away if you would like to try zip-lining. Behind the lodge on the top of the hill is a viewing platform built by the owner, which is a short, steep trek through shady bamboo groves to a sublime view of the whole valley of Luang Prabang spread before you. A hilltop viewing platform behind the lodge provides sweeping views of Luang Prabang, and adventurous guests can try self-guided hikes using QR-coded maps—even trekking to Kouang Si Falls. Bike rental can also be arranged, and if you do want to visit the town, a shuttle service runs twice a day. A selection of books and board games is available for quiet family evenings, and a stocked bar for a cozy nightcap. 

A stay at Hillside Nature Lifestyle Lodge is an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and savor the beauty of Luang Prabang’s mountains. With thoughtful hospitality, peaceful surroundings, and endless ways to unwind or explore, it offers a retreat that feels both rejuvenating and unforgettable.

For bookings or more information, visit hillsidelaos.com.

Getting there:

Lao Airlines has daily flights to Luang Prabang from Bangkok, Vientiane, Chiang Mai, and Hanoi.