Laos
Sintra (2 days)
Nam Kat Yorla Pa
2 full days / 3 nights, February 2026
We transferred to Muang Xai (seemed to be a popular destination as lots of people got off with us) from Vang Vieng by train. Took us a little under 2 hours to get there. Our “Loca” app for a taxi showed nothing available, and there were hordes of people around. Fortunately, a Tuk Tuk driver saw we were probably a good catch. We agreed on the $20 fare given the lack of options. He unloaded everyone else already in his Tuk Tuk, and we got rolling for the 40 minute ride out of town.
Initially a very busy crowded town.
Quickly gave way to an open mostly empty road. Along the way we passed a couple of small villages and rice fields before we got into a more dense vegetation.
Nam Kat Yorla Pa Resort
We knew as soon as we walked into the beautiful lobby of the Nam Kat Yorla Pa Resort we had found a hidden gem. It was literally located at the end of the road with nothing around it. We enjoyed the remoteness. People were in and out over our 3 nights - mostly from Laos, Europe, Thailand and Vietnam. Older crowd and some families. Pricey by Laos standards, but an amazing deal for us.
One walks through raised wooden walkways via rainforest around the property. We felt like we were in Costa Rica with the dense vegetation.
It has about 50 cottages scattered along the river. Some connected, and some stand alone little villas, like ours. Our room (Riverside Executive Suite) was wonderful. One of the nicest stays we’ve experienced. Huge bathroom. Lots of light and decorated/ furnished in beautiful traditional materials. We particularly enjoyed being right on the river with our deck overlooking it.
They have one restaurant open pretty much all day. You can eat inside or outside. We opted for outside except for one dinner when it was cooler.
There is also a nice bar where you can have drinks overlooking the river.
What we did
We spent our relaxed days enjoying the slow down. The resort also offers at different price points - ziplining, hiking, cooking class, spa treatments, etc. Mornings and evenings were cool - pants and sweater required. While we were comfortable in bathing suits during the day.
Yoga / stretching on the river
Strength training at little outdoor gym.
Hike up to view point platform.
Hiked to a waterfall with several elevated suspension walkways between large trees.
River flowed over the road in several areas.
Larry enjoyed the opportunity to run in clean air with very little traffic. Startled a poor cow munching beside the path, who fell down in her scramble to escape the sudden running “falong” as he rounded a blind turn.
Beautiful open countryside.
We would definitely recommend this lodge to unwind in nature.