Reflects recent average nightly prices reported by our partners, and may not include estimated taxes or fees. Price at checkout may differ.
Cheaper
Average
Higher
About
4.5
#1 of 60 lodges in Luang Prabang
Location
4.5
Cleanliness
4.6
Service
4.8
Value
4.6
The peaceful Hillside Lodge is idyllically nestled in the Lao countryside. A charming, family friendly and laid-back nature retreat, only 12 km from Luang Prabang, surrounded by protected area with primary forest, with scenic mountain views and beautiful waterfalls nearby. It's a family run place offering authentic bungalows with a twist of style for 20 guests. The Hillside is set amidst a lush tropical garden and has a swimming pool. An organic garden provides fresh vegetables for the restaurant. The Hillside Lodge is an ideal place for outdoor activities off the beaten track. Amazing waterfalls and ethnic villages wait to be explored. Guided and self-guided hikes are available. Mountain bikes are available for rent. The Hillside's mission is based on ecologically and socially sustainable principles.
We were a family of seven and found this hotel perfect for our visit to Luang Prabang. On a map it looks close to the city but as it’s up a mountain it’s actually a 12km journey (35 mins) much of it on unpaved roads, but this is an authentic Lao experience. We hired local mini vans for our visits out at $35 for a round trip, organinised by the hotel. The staff are friendly and the restaurant open 8 am to 8 pm with a good mix of Lao and western food and surprisingly good for such a small place. The rooms don’t have ac but the thick blanket on the beds attest to the fact that it is much cooler at this altitude and we were there in the hot season. The pool was well maintained and with great views of the mountains, and well used by the children. I am happy to recommend this establishment.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hillside Nature Lifestyle Lodge, Owner at Hillside - Nature Lifestyle Lodge
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear 704grahameh, We are delighted to hear that your family had such a wonderful experience at our Lodge during your visit to Luang Prabang. Your kind words mean a lot to us. We understand that the location might have seemed close on a map, but the journey up the mountain certainly adds to the authentic Lao experience. We're glad you enjoyed hiring the local mini vans through us for your outings. We're also pleased to know that you appreciated our friendly staff and the variety of food options in our restaurant. Even though we're a smaller establishment and further away from the supplies, we strive to provide a quality dining experience. We're happy to announce that we've now installed air conditioning in every room, making your stay even more comfortable, especially during the warmer seasons. Thank you once again for choosing Hillside Lodge. We hope to welcome you back in the future. Sincerely, Holger
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hillside was an amazing place of rest and retreat. They will pick you up from Luang Prabang town and it’s only about 40mins away but feels like a secluded retreat far from town. The staff looked after every detail, and made our stay very enjoyable. The setting is beautiful and flexible; you can choose to “do nothing” and sit by the pool, get a massage, enjoy the steam bath, or be active and enjoy the many hikes (guided or unguided) of differing levels in the beautiful Lao countryside. There is also a national park nearby, which seemed in a bit of disarray but was still a pleasant walk and only cost about one USD to enter. If there is one tiny negative, the bed and pillows are a bit firm for my preference but are standard for what you’ll find in Asia. Overall, I loved Hillside and would go back in a second. Don’t hesitate to make your booking today!
Read more
Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hillside Nature Lifestyle Lodge, Owner at Hillside - Nature Lifestyle Lodge
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear Ashleyhtravel28, Thank you for your wonderful review of Hillside! We're delighted to hear that you had such a relaxing and enjoyable stay. It's fantastic to know that our staff was able to provide you with exceptional service and that you appreciated the variety of activities and amenities we offer. We're glad that you found the location to be peaceful and secluded, yet still easily accessible from Luang Prabang. We'll take note of your feedback regarding the bed and pillows. We strive to provide comfortable accommodations for all our guests, and we'll consider making adjustments to better suit different preferences. Thank you again for choosing Hillside for your retreat. We hope to welcome you back in the future! With the warmest regards Holger
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed at Hillside for 6 nights and it was an amazing experience. Being out of season, 4 of those nights we were the only people staying which made it feel like our own exclusive and private paradise.
Holgar, Aloun and Oscar made our stay so comfortable and relaxing - it was like a home away from home. Many evenings we would sit at the bar with them chatting, learning about their story, the local area and what’s generally happening across the country. It was like being with friends.
The food was superb and the choice plentiful. Before we got to Hillside we were in Thailand where our son got very unwell and lost a fair bit of weight. He ate like a horse at Hillside so thankfully, by the end of our stay he had regained full strength.
To say the setting is like paradise is not an exaggeration. You’re totally surrounded by nature - it’s 360 degree jungle and mountains. In fact, it’s all so pure that it doesn’t look real.
Everything was well maintained and spotlessly clean.
We did a few excursions while we were there. We went to Nahm Dong Park which is a 15 minute walk from Hillside. We didn’t have enough Lao Kip with us so Holgar settled our bill from the park and we paid him. Holgar also arranged for us to have a guide take us out for a day to Kuang Si Falls and a few other places. One evening, Oscar (Holgar and Aloun’s 10yr old son) and Buddy (their aging dog) took us for hike up to a viewpoint and then back through a village. All of these are great little touches that really added to our stay.
Overall, we can’t fault anything and we are extremely grateful to Holgar, Aloun and Oscar for making us feel so welcome and looking after us impeccably well. We can wholeheartedly recommend staying at Hillside.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hillside Nature Lifestyle Lodge, Owner at Hillside - Nature Lifestyle Lodge
Responded Aug 2, 2023
Hello everyone, thank you very much for this wonderful and detailed review! We have just read it with the whole family and are very touched. It brought back good memories, because we also enjoyed the time with you. I was also asked by Oskar to write that he misses our nightly soccer game because nobody has touched the ball since then (and I don't think he has yet digested the fact that we lost the last game;-)). We wish you a nice journey, good experiences and great encounters... but we are sure that you will have them! All the best to all of you from Oskar, Aloun and Holger
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The best place to go for a nature retreat. There is some treks and gardens to see which you can walk with the dogs of the Lodge! Food is partially homegrown and makes delicious dishes. It's out in nature so you can expect some geckos, but all in all its clean.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
An absolute marvelous and wonderful place! The hosts are really nice, the nature is awesome and the rooms are beautiful! It’s calm and perfect for a relaxing time with quiet surroundings and a gentle atmosphere! Either you come alone or with friends, family or as a couple you’ll feel at home at once. Highly recommended!
Read more
Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hillside Nature Lifestyle Lodge, Owner at Hillside - Nature Lifestyle Lodge
Responded Jun 30, 2023
Dear monand65, thank you so much for your very kind review. After 2.5 difficult years we can't tell you how much this means to us!. With the warmest regards. Holger
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peaceful, cozy & authentic, this is what the professional travellers like us do appreciate a lot.
Thank you Holger & his team. We absolutely will come bacl.
Fritz & Lê, Germany.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Dry season in Mar. can make the place less pleasant but the nice garden & pool, though small, are...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hillside Nature Lifestyle Lodge, Owner at Hillside - Nature Lifestyle Lodge
Responded Jun 30, 2023
Hi to both of you! it was such a pleasure to meet you and your husband and we are really happy that you have enjoyed your stay with us. I hope that all is going well for you in Vietnam. Hope one day we can visit you there. Holger
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Visited Hillside Eco Lodge with family of three (10yr old). Truly an eco lodge with sustainable mindset. Room was beautiful. Food spectacular. Service outstanding. Highly recommend if you’re wanting a really quiet & chilled out experience.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from HillsideNatureLodge, General Manager at Hillside - Nature Lifestyle Lodge
Responded Jan 4, 2020
Hi Helen! Thanks so much for your nice review! Really happy to read that you recommend us :-) It was great having you 3 here and we will definitely let you know when we come you way! Best wishes, Maddie
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is a unique spot just outside Luang Prabang. Very clean, private rooms, and eco-friendly. Lovely herbal sauna and pool, a fire to gather around at night and great food. Very happy with our relaxed stay and could return to take advantage of the many hikes available.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2022
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hillside Nature Lifestyle Lodge, Owner at Hillside - Nature Lifestyle Lodge
Responded Jun 30, 2023
Dear Posey, thank you for taking the time on writing a review. We are very happy that you have enjoyed your stay with us and and especially what place our place is about. All the best for your future travels. Holger
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had a wonderful stay. We love the ethos of Hillside. The food is delicious. The wee houses are fabulous. The atmosphere is great. There were lovely opportunities to talk to other guests from all over the world. We enjoyed a walk down to Nahm Dong park- it is a truly beautiful place to spend a few hours exploring. Well worth spending a few nights here 👍
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grossly overrated. Stayed 3 nights here. On arrival it seems normal until we reached our cottage and had a closer look.
THE GOOD:
1. This place has beautiful nature. Its got a nice pool & lounge area but it's small and not enough lounging chairs.
2. Receptionist is friendly. Local staff are kind & helpful but limited by their lack of english knowledge.
THE BAD:
3. Location - It's not 12kms from town, closer to 14kms of dusty rough road, I timed it 30-mins of driving on very shaky road, totally unlit at night. The "resort" provides shuttle but only from certain hours & charges USD4/way/person. The location is so remote that if you are dependent on the shuttle, your activities in town had to be planned around this fact
4. No internet at all. No heater in cold season. No AC in summer. No minibar. No hot water boiler for coffee/tea.
5. breakfast not included. Restaurant has limited menu. Food is just edible. Kitchen looks...nah! better not look.
and THE UGLY:
6. The bungalows are old, run-down & poorly maintained cottages. Dust, dead bugs, cobwebs everywhere. Room could benefit from more thorough cleaning of the decade old crusted dust, insect carcasses & cobwebs. Uphill steps to reach your cottage so don't bring elderly or unfit.
7. Walls so thin You can hear next cottage neighbor snore like they're in bed with you. Yes, you get to hear all their personal conversations and they get yours.
8. No shower curtain so entire bathroom floor gets wet when you shower. Mud & Slime on corners, toilet has old brown stains that could use some bleach. Coming down from our cottage going to the restaurant I can see into my neighbor's bathroom.
9. No hot water in shower, low water pressure when electric heater is on. The receptionist said they use solar heater so it takes time to heat water, if not enough can use electric heater. We tried to let water run a bit to heat up but still no hot water after 10-15 mins. None of the heaters work at all. Told him about it, nothing done. Shower was icy cold.
10. There's a neighbor playing karaoke full volume from morning til night.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2014Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hillside R, Owner at Hillside - Nature Lifestyle Lodge
Responded Jan 15, 2015
Once upon a time in Laos… Dear Anglesph, First of all thank you for taking the time and writing a review for Hillside Lodge. I am answering now on behalf of the management of course but as well on the behalf of others guests that really had been pleased staying with us and appreciated especially the things, which you obviously didn't. I assume you hadn’t been aware of the fact that you booked an ecological remoted lodge in the authentic Laotian countryside, surrounded by jungle with all its meanings. Breakfast is included, if you book directly with us. But if you use an online booking platform and read carefully what you are going to book you will see that BF is not included and wifi not available, why blaming us afterwards? Therefore I assume once again that you neither read the hotel description nor the reviews of former guests on your preferred booking platform or why you expected a fully lighten concrete road taking you to the jungle and the place will be free of insects, bugs? Our guests come to enjoy nature, explore the countryside and experience the authentic Laotian culture on one of our several treks - see the stars at night instead of street lights is the motto. A stay at Hillside is the perfect extension of a stay in town, but not a substitute. Of course our local staff don’t speak English because they live in the nearby communities, which we are supporting as much as possible (… the management speaks English, French, German and Laotian though). Furtheron your severe judgment according our food appears a bit strange to me, though you just had one dish and 8 cups of hot water during your entire stay. As you can see in other reviews, our food is one of our strength and even Locals come up in the weekend to have lunch or dinner at Hillside because we are known for using the freshest ingredients from our own organic garden. Hot water was in deed a problem in December and I sincerely apologize for that. We use a mixed system of solar heated water backed up by electrical heaters. By the way all our heaters are working fine. But in an developing country like Laos electrical supply can be insufficient, especially when there are thousands of tourists (consumer load) in town, the temperature is unexpected low (thousands of electrical heaters running) and you try to take a shower in the early morning, when our solar system doesn’t provide any hot water yet. Anyway, we checked your room later that day and you won’t believe it but hot water was available. I also apologize in the name of the villagers for celebrating the New Year period with a passionate karaoke in their village 2 km away. To understand your expectations I additionally read the other reviews you wrote about Luang Prabang (also cafes and restaurants) and I wasn’t really surprised that I don't agree with 70% of those and I am living here now for 8 years in the meantime. I don’t want to go in more deep but I feel sorry that we couldn’t fulfill your expectations and it seems that a place like Hillside can’t cover your needs. Concerning one of your other reviews you had been fully satisfied with your stay in 5 star Hotel downtown with a private pool (…for around 8 times of the room rate…) and a Christmas gala dinner with a folklore dancing group that hands out a Santa Claus as a present seems to give a sufficient insight in Laotian culture and arts; fair enough. I was curious about the distance so I double-checked it again today when I went by car. From the center, means the post office/night market to the lodge the mileage showed 12.5km, 7.2 km out of that on a dirt road. But may be the mileage in our Japanese car isn’t very accurate and the distance could be in fact something like 13.7km…. my apologies. All the best for your future travels Holger
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello,
shuttle goes to and from town, twice per day (approx 10.30am and 4.3-pm) for 2 USD per person. Airport transfers are 25 USD per car. But to be honest with you, Hillside is about to stay and explore its surroundings. If you plan to spend your days in town, then i recommend to look for an accommodation downtown. Or you split it up, once you've did your sightseeing in town you move up to Hillside.
Hope this was helpful
Best
Holger
Hi Antoinette,
Yes, its a good idea of splitting your stay in a couple of days in town and couple of days at Hillside. So you will get the best out of two worlds.
We offer daily shuttle (appr. 10.30am and 3.30pm) for 4 USD per person, shuttle picks you up ant any place you like. Additionally outside of shuttle times we offer airport/boat pier/ bus station pickups and drop offs for 25 USD per car.
Hope this was helpful
Best
Holger
There are more places to choose from in the Luang Prabang area.
PRICE RANGE
$51 - $66 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
LaosLuang Prabang ProvinceLuang Prabang
NUMBER OF ROOMS
9
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hillside - Nature Lifestyle Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to Hillside - Nature Lifestyle Lodge?
Nearby attractions include MandaLao Elephant Conservation (4.9 miles), Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre (3.8 miles), and Old Quarter Luang Prabang (4.3 miles).
