We wanted to have dinner at Manda de Laos, but it was sold out for a corporate event. After being convinced that our Caucasian features would prevent us from slipping in unnoticed with this predominantly Thai business group, we settled on lunch. The food was traditional Lao, informed by classic French technique. We had salad rolls, green papaya salad, roast duck, grilled fish, vegetables and plenty more. All was delicious. And the setting is magnificent. It is all open air seating, built around UNESCO Lotus Ponds with tables on little boardwalks surrounding them. When we went by to make the reservation, there was a man in a small boat floating around pruning the rushes and making everything just so. Service was excellent as was the food, the ambiance and the entire visit. We walked by later that evening to see the entire street backed up with vans dropping off the corporate guests and felt glad to have been able to get in at all. I am sure it is lit beautifully at night, but during the day, we could see the lotus ponds in all their glory. Highly recommended, but reserve early. It is pricey for Laos, but a bargain in any other part of the world.
Travel Asia with Secret Retreats
Secret Retreats is a curated community of independent boutique hotel, villas, yachts and river boats keen to share their Asian Homes with travelers, sustainably and responsibly.
Conservation of the environment, culture and traditions of Asia is of paramount importance to all in Secret Retreats.
A community of like-minded hospitality professionals, we offer our guests authentic travel experiences that go beyond typical offerings to unveil the essence of Asia. Supporting the Asia based hoteliers and hospitality professionals and providing incredible holidays in Asia and tailor-made Asia travel itineraries direct to public ad travel agents.
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