Nam Kat Yorla Pa

Rural wilderness
Laos
Everything we do is custom made by real Asia experts...

A stay here is all about getting to know the forest and discovering more of the region’s wilderness.

Oudomxay province is one of Laos’ most beautiful regions, offering a very welcome stopping point on a journey through the country’s north western quarter. Nestling beside a gently babbling river and completely surrounded by protected forest, the Nam Kat Yorla Pa is a tranquil base from which to explore this strikingly unspoilt area.

The resort’s overall feel is stylish yet uncomplicated, with wide windows which focus and frame the lush location and hills beyond. Traditionally-constructed wooden lodges, finished in the local style, perch within the landscape. Wooden terraces lead to secluded private pools, and the boundary between indoors and outdoors is softened by foldback glass doors extending the rooms onto verandas over the river.

Whatever your preferred level, there’s an activity to match, and it’s not all thrill seeking – riverside spa treatments and private pools provide a relaxing counterpoint, inviting you to fully unwind and soak up the tranquillity.

Start planning your journey here...

With every detail finely tuned by our Asia Specialists.

Location & Highlights

Although totally surrounded by wild forest, the Nam Kat Yorla Pa is surprisingly convenient to access thanks to train links from Luang Prabang, Vientiane and Vang Veng to the nearby station of Muang Xai.
  • Forest hiking & cycling
  • Waterfall walks
  • Relaxing spa
  • Riverside pool & dining
people in a rope net in a river

Why we love it

“The balance between being active and relaxed was ideal, and the surroundings were absolutely stunning - just what we needed.”

Rare wilderness

Leaving the temple-peppered city streets far behind, northern Laos’ landscape becomes greener and wilder until, as you arrive at the doors of Nam Kat Yorla Pa, the immersion is complete. The Oudomxay rainforest which surrounds the resort’s understated presence is some of the most stunning in the country; a protected oasis that feels a million miles away from the urban rush. The rich forests are simultaneously serene and buzzing with life. Dense thickets open up to reveal crystal waterfalls cascading over rocky outcrops, including the beautiful Nam Kat falls. Winding paths lead underground to cool caverns where wooden walkways wind through tall chambers. A real rural idyll.

Nature connections & soothing moments

How you spend your days at Nam Kat Yorla Pa is entirely up to you and your energy levels. Explore at a gentle pace with wanders along rope walkways through the trees, or treks at ground level, keeping your senses alert for signs of birds and wildlife. Cycle to nearby villages, mountain bike through bamboo forests or hike to nearby Nam Ket waterfall to watch people abseil through the cascades! Once back at the resort, unwind on a private pool terrace overlooking the forest, listening to the calming sound of the river below. Enjoy deep relaxation with traditional Laotian massages, lean into cleansing sauna sessions, and connect with your surroundings during early morning yoga.

What can you do there?

If you’re keen to explore further, the Oudomxay region offers a wealth of adventure, wildlife and culture to discover. Head out on hikes to spot birds and butterflies fluttering between the branches. Spend time getting a glimpse of the rhythms of traditional rural life, where small communities who have lived in the region for generations tend to the terraced rice fields and salt mines, harvest medicinal plants and herbs, and combine age-old custom with modern Laotian life. Take time to soak up the unspoilt tranquillity, breathe deep and refresh body and mind.

Terrace by night at Nam Kat Yorla Pa
Lamplit terrace at Nam Kat Yorla Pa
Treetop walkway at Nam Kat Yorla Pa
Treetop walkway at Nam Kat Yorla Pa
Cosy villas at Nam Kat Yorla Pa
Cosy villas at Nam Kat Yorla Pa
Riverfront lodge at Nam Kat Yorla Pa
Riverfront Lodge at Nam Kat Yorla Pa
Private pool at Nam Kat Yorla Pa
Private pool at Nam Kat Yorla Pa
Rustic surroundings at Nam Kat Yorla Pa
Rustic surroundings at Nam Kat Yorla Pa
a pool with people sitting on it
Swimming pool at Nam Kat Yorla Pa
a pool in a forest
Aerial view at Nam Kat Yorla Pa
a wooden bridge leading to a building
Nam Kat Yorla Pa

A great trip

We had an excellent holiday with an itinerary carefully arranged by Dave to suit our preferences. This is the third time we've travelled with Selective Asia and we will happily do so again in the future. We like the fact that they are a small company, passionate about what they do and committed to responsible travel.

Sarah Wilkie, Sri Lanka

Selective Asia is more than a booking agency...

When a museum sent its exhibits overseas on tour, they learned about this before our departure and steered another to another site. When a hotel that we had booked scheduled a noisy wedding for the period of our occupancy, they were able to identify a fantastic hotel without noise before our arrival. I am not sure that any other tour operator would provide such detail in follow up, even after the tour was booked and paid for.

David Kosh, Vietnam

Brilliant! Selective Asia covered every detail.

Travel, hotels, guides, and excursions all flawlessly executed. Selective Asia listened to our requirements and worked with us to refine a great holiday.

Tim Goodman, Thailand

Holiday of a lifetime

The planning of the holiday and the ongoing support was excellent. The organisation on the ground when we got there was perfect and the local guides were knowledgeable and very personable. We would definitely go with Selective Asia again.

Gillian Baker, Komodo & Borneo

Our trip was outstanding...

We had had several discussions with Andrew before booking the trip and he incorporated all the activities we were interested in, plus recommending other activities that he knew we would be interested in. The whole trip was seamless and managed at a thoroughly professional yet friendly level. I would travel with this company again.

Heather, Japan

Inspiring experiences and places to stay

Lean into the details of your bespoke Asia trip to discover rare experiences, exceptional hotels, local connections, inspiring conservation and much more…

Start planning your journey here...

With every detail finely tuned by our Asia Specialists.

Talk to our expert team...

Every Asia trip we build is finely tuned to fit you, and that all starts with a chat. Let us know what you're hoping to see, feel and experience on your travels, and the places you're dreaming of, and your Asia Specialist will craft a route that includes everything you want and more.

The Selective Asia difference

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  • Unparalleled local knowledge and expertise
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Selective Asia is a fully ATOL licensed and bonded tour operator, and our flexi-booking promise offers increased protection & peace of mind.,

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