Sala Prabang is just one of many hotels and resorts around the country that Mr Sinlasone has founded using in either traditional wooden Lao residences or French colonial villas rebuilding historic buildings to provide modern and comfortable accommodation. Having worked as an architect in Australia for 30 years Sinlasone is now realising his dream by returning to 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 his beloved Luang Prabang. As creator of Sala Prabang and as omnipresent host his overriding aim is to preserve the traditional character and ambience while moving forward with innovative design.
