Find Hotels in Pathounphone, Laos

Having spent a hectic 12 days touring Burma, La Folie Lodge on Don Daeng Island was the perfect place to relax and unwind. I have just returned from five days here with a friend and my son and daughter-in-law. We flew from Bangkok to Pakse and took a taxi to the ferry terminal at Champesek where the hotel's motorised raft was waiting to take us on the ten minute crossing to the island. It was very romantic crossing after dark seated on rattan chairs. The Lodge is situated on the banks of the Mekong river and all the bedrooms have river views. The rooms are rustic in design and simply furnished but all comforts were catered for and the rooms were spotlessly clean. The dining and seating area was open to the attractive gardens and overlooked the pool. The restaurant served a good choice of both Laos and European food which was delicious. The staff were all charming. What I particularly liked was that the hotel was set up as a community development initiative and provides employment for around 50 people. Guests are invited to contribute to a continuing programme of projects including refurbishment of local schools and the dispensary and medical centre. We borrowed bikes from the hotel and as we travelled round the island were met by the friendliest people shouting "sabaydee". The children were delightful and so carefree and happy with their simple lives, a far cry from the materialistic West. We visited the ancient remains of Vat Phou which were fascinating and not busy. All in all it was a great holiday.