asialife HCMC 1 - AsiaLIFE Magazine

Kamu Lodge, Laos
This eco-tourist resort defines the term rather well. It is accessible
by a three-hour boat journey from Luang Prabang—and that is the
only way one can get there; no short cuts and once here, no running
away to any bright lights, big city. But judging from the pictures that
speak of lush green, scenic surroundings and only the sounds that
nature have to offer, who would want to leave Built in 2009, the
Lodge consists of 20 traditional canvas roof tents, which are quite
plush inside—and travellers rave about the menu on offer. While the
emphasis is on pure relaxation, there are activities like rice planting
and even gold panning (January to June) along with interacting with
the locals to keep you ‘busy’.
kamulodge.com
Terres Rouge Lodge, Cambodia
The hotel probably received its greatest boost when Time magazine
said it had “the best bar in the middle of nowhere.” But Terres
Rouge has more than just its bar, Le Jovial Jarai. Located in the
mountainous Ratanakiri, the hotel, which used to be a former provincial
governor's lakeside home, is owned by a former French paratrooper
who has taken advantage of the location’s remoteness and
surroundings and created a space that promises relaxation, without
the danger of one getting cabin fever. The hotel’s interiors deserve a
special mention—stunning antique furnishings, open-style Balinese
bathrooms—give the feeling that one has stepped back in time when
life was sans any of the modern trappings that enslave today. One
can hike, kayak or indulge in other sporting activities nearby but if
it’s slices of serenity you’re after, you won’t find it elsewhere. (Photo
by Nathan Horton.)
ratanakiri-lodge.com
Mekong Pandaw Cruise, Cambodia
to Vietnam
Nothing says slow like a riverboat journey down the Mekong River.
And if you’re on the Pandaw ships which are built like colonial river
steamers, then it’s also a feeling of being stuck in a time warp—
except, of course, all the amenities are luxe. Large spacious rooms
in teak and brass furnishings and scrumptious meals enhance the
journey, which can literally be spent just watching the environs go
by, metamorphosing along the route. The four day, three night cruise
from Saigon to Phnom Penh includes brief stop overs for touristy
things—visiting a floating market, a tour of Margerite Duras’ lover’s
home to name two examples—but for those seeking to remain as
close to nature as possible, with the sounds of the water to soothe
the nerves, nothing will stop you from staying aboard and daydreaming
your time away. (Photos by John Mc Dermott.)
pandaw.com
Dalat Palace, Dalat
Stating the obvious always has a lame sound to it but in certain
instances, one needs to do it in case the obvious has been relegated
to the back of the mind in the frenzy of all that is upcoming and
new. But a classic is a classic and the Dalat Palace (formerly Sofitel
Dalat) is one example of an obvious property one can escape to. For
starters, it is old world charm personified; its ambience too seems
steeped in history. Then there’s Dalat itself, green and serene, it is
an ideal destination to escape the heat of HCM City—the thrill of
fireplaces in the rooms are enough to get you planning your next
trip. With little to do but go for walks to take in the scenery of the
mountains or Xuan Huong Lake, this is an idyllic locale in which
to gather thoughts and introspect—or stuff yourself silly and sleep
till noon.
dalatpalace.vn
asialife HCMC 33