Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge

The Sanctuary is authentic to a 'T' and is centred around a large wooden sala, which houses the restaurant, bars and lounge. As evening settles in, enjoy a cocktail or a glass of Chilean wine at the bar and watch the buffalo wallow in the river opposite. At dinner, choose from a selection of Laotian dishes like bamboo shoots stuffed with pork belly and homemade mango sorbet for dessert. Halfway down the hillside, the pool is a welcome addition for cooling off on a steamy summer day.

Set on different levels across the grounds, the air-conditioned rooms are Laotian in style and decor. Bamboo accents and Hmong crafts line the walls, and a large bed is at the centre of each room (some are open plan with the bathroom). You'll enjoy a scenic view of the Mekong from the private balcony, while the suites feature a spacious lounge area as well. The walls of the deluxe rooms are completely movable via sliding panels making the vistas from the bed even moe sublime.

Taking it easy comes so naturally at the Sanctuary, so your days might begin with a leisurely coffee on the balcony, followed by a swim or a cooking lesson with the chef (wake early to pick out ingredients at the market) and a game of badminton on the lawns. Of course, there's also more up-and-at-em activities including hikes to the Tad Talae waterfall in the mountains, or walks through the forest to visit a local village. Maybe the best part is spending a few hours with the elephant at bath time.