Sala Luang Prabang
Sustainability
Sinlasone Soumpholphakdy - MD |
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Sinlasone Soumpholphakdy is a founder of the family run Sala Lao Hotel Group. This Lao business has created hotels and resorts around the country in either traditional wooden Lao residences or French colonial villas, entirely rebuilt and restored to provide very personal comfort. Mr Sinlasone worked as an architect in Australia for 30 years, and is realising his dream of working with an innovative architectural approach in his native Laos. His renovation of the original Khammao family residence to create a unique experience for 21st century visitors to Laos has been a labour of love. The building was named as a protected structure when Luang Prabang was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1995. Rather than merely recreate the former building, he sought out elements of Luang Prabang expertise which are now rarely used, such as carved stone blocks to make exposed walls. Organic elements are incorporated, with trees growing alongside old pillars and beams. We have to preserve our own character emphasises Mr Sinlasone when waxing lyrical about the culture of Luang Prabang. His role as creator of Sala Prabang and as omnipresent host is to preserve traditional character while moving forward with innovative design.
Caring for destination
This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.
Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:
The preservation of Luang Prabang's unique archetectural heritage.
Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative:
The founder is committed to restoring the original buildings that make up the accommodation site, and also to encouraging the further development of traditional Lao building skills.
All buildings that make up the Sala Prabang, have been restored to the strict building codes as laid down by the Maison Du Patrimoine under the guidance of UNESCO who, when granting Luang Prabang their World Heritage Site status, said:
"Luang Prabang is an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its unique, remarkably well-preserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the blending of these two distinct cultural traditions. "
Traveller Feedback
Not impressed
Mr Lawrence S.
- Australia
on 30 Dec 2011 Don't really understand what the term means in relation to accommodation so can't comment. Seems like meaningless tourism jargon and should be dropped.
Mr Andrew M.
- United Kingdom
on 08 Apr 2010 n/a
Mr Simon S.
- New Zealand
on 27 Apr 2009 That businesses care for the destination is important to me as a traveller.
Mr Alastair C.
- Australia
on 02 Apr 2009 OK
| Accommodation | From |
| Vangphaikham Hotel | USD 50 |
| Ancient Luang Prabang Hotel | USD 50 |
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| Ancient Phonheuang Hotel | USD 40 |
| Lotus Villa Boutique Hotel | USD 63 |
| Villa Santi Hotel | USD 80 |
| Luang Prabang Paradise Resort | USD 40 |
| Nam Ou Riverside Resort & Hotel | USD 69 |
| Sokdee Residence | USD 35 |
| The Chang Inn | USD 34 |
| [more Mid-range accommodation] | |
