Travel & Leisure


Laos, on Buddhist land

Luang Prabang, is one of the jewels of Laos. This is where spirituality reigns in the midst of breathtaking nature. Set like a horseshoe between the Mekong, the mythical river of former Indochina, and the Nam Khan river, Luang Prabang has been registered with UNESCO since 1995. It is in this outstanding place, within this Royal City, where the temples reign, and where the most beautiful of these, Vat Xieng Thong, established in the sixteenth century, that the luxurious hotel chain Aman has implanted its newest jewel, l’Amantaka.

 


Correct and sobre


Amantaka means ‘peace’ in Sanskrit, and ‘taka’, from ‘ tipitaka ‘ of the Theravada literature meaning ‘ the teaching of Buddha ‘.
It was established in the heart of several major historical sites, in Luang Prabang. It was a former hospital in the province of the royal city. It was completely restored respecting the traditional architecture. Of the 15 detached houses spread out on two hectares, only 5 were
added, creating a real sanctuary in the former Royal City. The fusion between the buildings and nature has been completely respected.


 


Black and white photos tell the history of Luang Prabang


In a contemporary, sober style 150 black and white photos decorate the walls, telling the history and traditions of the royal city.
Situated in the original part of the hospital, behind the lobby, the library and the areas of restoration follow on from each other in a row, and the swimming pool spreads out before the detached houses.
Red roofed, on two levels, these houses offer resting places and are made up of 24 suites over an astonishing space of 70 - 120 square meters. The white walls and the impressive 5 meter high ceilings encourage a certain sobriety.


 


Luang Prabang, a royal city of 32 temples


In the early hours, the light and matinal warmth filter through half-opened venetian blinds.
A Lao tea, a mango juice or even the speciality soup ‘Pho’ are an ideal way of starting the day in harmony with the surroundings, before taking a dip in the swimming pool.
From the nearby monastery the sound of the gongs can be heard and the imagination drifts off to the saffron coloured Buddhist attire blowing on a line in the wind high up in the mountains.
It is time to explore the city.
This royal city counts no less than 32 temples and 111 Franco-Laotian historical buildings.



The Mekong - " Mother Water "


The name comes from the local resident’s Thai language and it is these waters that made the fate of civilisations in the glorious past. Angkor, Phnum Penh and Saigon were ‘born out’ of the river and saw their prosperity increasing or disappear as time went by.
A climb down steep steps takes you to an awaiting boat, which seems to wait patiently on the gentle rocking currents of the Mekong.


 


The poetically old-fashioned boat takes off calmly at 20km / hour. Villages that border the river


seem to be frozen time. Wood and bamboo houses on stilts, children bathing in the river, women wearing the traditional plaited palm leaf conical hat, and the trees on the river bank with their scarlet blossoms scroll past your eyes.


 


The Pak Ou caves and the Mount Phousi


An excursion to the Pak Ou caves, at 25km from Luang Prabang, is highly recommended. These caves used to be a place to rest in the Middle Ages for those travelling up the river
towards Luang Prabang. They were discovered by king Sethathimath and became the Mecca of
Worship. As time goes by the villagers leave a Buddha statue there. At present the cave
is abound with more than 4000 Buddhas of all sizes.


 


The spa, a serene pause


On the way back, stroll and get lost in the alleys of the royal city. Discover the night market which takes place every evening and is host to the villagers who expose their local hand made produce, in particular silk, before finally finishing at the hotel’s Spa.
It is here that four immense rooms are dedicated to your well-being. Time loses meaning with the four-hand, aromatic herb massage or foot reflexology. Everything has been thought out for an ultimate serene experience.
The climax is an intimate dinner, beside the swimming pool lit with dimmed lanterns, and when the gongs ring out to call the monks to evening prayer the sky seems to take on the colour of their saffron robes.

Septembre 2010
By Katya PELLEGRINO



reservations@amanresorts.com 
www.amanresorts.com
www.amanresorts.com/amantaka/home.aspx


Vietnam Airlines
51/53 av des Champs-Elysées
75008 Paris
T: +33 1 44 55 39 90
commercial@vietnamairlines.fr 
www.vietnamairlines.com


 Exclusif Voyages
From  520 € per night at the Amantaka
www.exclusifvoyages.com/hotel-de-luxe/laos/amantaka.htm 

Carusao Lao
60 Sakaline Road
Ban Vat Sene
T: 856 71 254 574
www.carusolao.com

L’Elephant
Ban Vat Nong, PO Box 812
Luang Prabang
T: 856 (71) 252 482
www.elephant-restau.com 

Pack Luck villa
Ban Vat Nong
T: 856 71 253 373
www.packluck.com