Health 

Ban Pako is the place to visit
if you want to take a break and reinvigorate your health.

It is a natural place where few sounds of modernity penetrate the peace and quiet. There is the occasional boat engine but generally the ambience of Ban Pako lends itself to relaxation, quiet reflection and activities that help a person to unwind.

A healthy, reasonable and varied menu is offered, which include a large selection of Lao and Asian dishes along with an offering of more traditional Western food. Vegetarians have a good selection of choices on the menu. Herbal teas are available, some made locally. There is a small garden which supplies organically-grown fruits, vegetables and herbs to the kitchen We also buy produce from the local markets where everything is organically grown.

The bar offers Lao medicinal whiskey called Lao Khao, which includes bits of plants, roots,  the bark and leaves from local trees and herbs that grow in the resort or in the jungles of Phu Khao Khouai (see Nature). Over 20 different teas, for all kinds of ailments, are available at the lodge.  It is recommended that you drink only one a day until whatever it is that is bothering you clears up.

Central to health at the resort, is the steam bath. This is situated next to a perennial stream in the middle of the forest. Tall trees surround the pool and bird song accompanies you when you have a "cool off" in the dip pool. The water is clean, clear and slightly acidic (good for the skin!). It is natural spring water, whose source is 50 meters from the pool and it is potable. A dip refreshes even without a steam bath.

The steam bath uses 32 different herbs, including disused ant's nests made from leaves and"silk.". About twenty different types of herbs are normally used in the steam bath everyday.  These herbs are collected daily from the
surrounding forest . The herbs all have different properties and help alleviate a number of troubles. The steam bath is good for headaches, breathing and chest problems, skin conditions and insect bites. We can organize herbal teas or any other drinks at the steam bath and a massage before or after. There is a meditation platform not far away from the steam bath, which is quiet and secluded and perfect for self-reflection.

There are a lot of opportunities to exercise at the resort. There are a number of walks, which can also be cycled or run. The river can be used for swimming or tubing and an exercise area is being built, using locally grown eucalyptus, for those serious about keeping fit . More extended walks, rides or runs can be taken along the river in either direction and there is a network of roads and irrigation canals that can be used to take you as far as you want to go. Using a map provided by the lodge is advised .

T There is a small library for those interested in relaxation . We ask the guest to exchange two books for one or pay a small fee for books. This fee goes towards the cost of books, newspapers and magazines and replacing damaged or missing books. You are welcome to borrow books for the duration of your stay, free of charge, but we ask that you return them to us, as books are expensive commodities in the Lao PDR.