Our 3-Night Family Adventure at Namkat Yorla Pa Resort, Laos
When planning a family vacation, it’s not always easy to find a destination that checks all the boxes: thrilling activities for kids, a deep sense of culture and sustainability, and plenty of space to immerse ourselves in nature. But Namkat Yorla Pa Resort in Laos delivered all that and more! This resort is a hidden gem, perfect for families who crave adventure, relaxation, and meaningful experiences.
A Family-Friendly Paradise
Namkat Yorla Pa, located in the heart of northern Laos, is an eco-resort that focuses on sustainability, preserving local traditions, and protecting wildlife. What makes this resort stand out is how family-friendly it is. From the moment we arrived into the elegant yet traditional lobby (handmade textiles adorn the furniture and walls), the staff was warm and welcoming, with an array of kid-friendly activities designed to immerse our whole family in the surrounding natural beauty. It's one of those places where everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, can find something exciting to do.
Not only is it family-focused, but Namkat Yorla Pa is also deeply committed to the environment and the community around it. The resort is powered by renewable energy sources and works hard to protect the surrounding forests and wildlife. In addition, almost all of the staff comes from the nearby villages and many of the staff is made up of families (you will also see some of their children around, which is lovely). Knowing that our stay supported such a responsible mission added even more value to our experience.
Getting There: The Scenic Journey
Our adventure began in Vientiane, where we caught a scenic train ride through the lush Lao countryside to Muang Xay (Oudomxay Province), about a 3 hour journey. Literally, every view out of the window was better than the previous. The kids loved watching the changing landscapes as we passed through small villages, dense jungles, and rice paddies. The journey was an adventure in itself! Please note – we asked for help with booking the train and you should book ahead of time because it can sell out.
Once we arrived at the nearest train station, we were picked up by Namkat Yorla Pa’s friendly staff and transported directly to the resort. You can also take a TukTuk which is readily available as you exit the station, but the ride is about 30-40 minutes.
Incredible Activities at Namkat Yorla Pa
There are so many different activities to choose from so we asked the GM, Mr. Ben, for assistance with choosing. We chose the activities the night before, so we did not plan or book ahead of time, which was okay. We chose the new Orchid Hike and the Ziplining (we combined #8 and #9).
1. The Orchid Hike
Our first big adventure was the Orchid Hike, which quickly became a family favorite with all 4 children. There is a 3 hour and a 6 hour option; we chose the former as we didn’t know if our kids would make it for 6 hours. The trail was well-marked and just challenging enough to keep things exciting for the kids without being too strenuous. Our guide was Mr. Phet and I highly recommend him – he’s a man of the jungle, so knowledgeable, funny and kind (he carried me across a river crossing and carried my daughter who refused to walk for over an hour). Along the way, we learned about the region’s diverse plant life and spotted some stunning orchids in their natural habitat. It was an unforgettable way to connect with nature and enjoy some quality family time. For this hike, we recommend wearing long pants, high socks and sneakers, long sleeves and a hat (to keep the mosquitoes away). Also, bring water and snacks.
2. Zip Lining and Canopy Walks
If your family loves adrenaline-pumping fun, the zip lining and canopy walks at Namkat Yorla Pa are not to be missed. Our kids were beyond excited to zip through the treetops, surrounded by breathtaking views of the forest below. The trek started with a short ride into the jungle, a 30 minute trek across canopies and suspension bridges and then we started. There were 11 ziplines in all, some up to 300 meters above the ground. Our kids are 7,7,9,9 but still too light and small to do the ziplines on their own (thankfully), there was 1 staff for each kid who did the ziplines with them. The kids had the best time; I was scared as I get nervous with heights, but it was something we will never forget. These experiences gave us a new appreciation for the beauty of the Laotian jungle, all while keeping the kids (and adults). entertained for hours.
In addition to the booked activities, we spent plenty of time at the gorgeous pool, getting traditional Lao massages at the spa, we hit up the outdoor gym, borrowed bikes and did the 2KM loop around the property, went to the incredible museum to learn about all of the species around us and we shared wonderful meals at the restaurant.
Leaving in Style: Our Private Transfer to Pakbeng
After three days packed with activities, it was time to say goodbye to Namkat Yorla Pa. To make our departure seamless, we arranged a private van through the hotel for $150 to take us to Pakbeng, where we planned to continue our Lao adventure. The roads in Laos are not great, but the driver did his best to keep us comfortable, and we enjoyed one last scenic journey through the lush countryside.
Final Thoughts
Our experience at Namkat Yorla Pa was nothing short of magical. It was the perfect balance of adventure, education, and relaxation for our family. Whether it was the thrill of zip lining, the peacefulness of the Orchid Hike, or the deep connection to nature and sustainability, this resort left us with unforgettable memories. If you’re searching for an off-the-beaten-path family destination that blends fun with meaningful travel, Namkat Yorla Pa is a must-visit.
We’ll definitely be back for another round of family-friendly adventures!
