La Folie
Hotel Grade: Medium Class Lodge
Introduction
La Folie sits on Don Daeng Island looking down on the Mekong River and across from the Wat Phu Temple, one of the most important archaeological sites in Laos. Don Daeng is a sleepy sliver of an island, just 8 kms long and dotted with fishing and farming villages, perfect to be explored by bike – just watch out for chickens and water buffalos. The location alone makes it worth a visit, but add in the only swimming pool for miles around and La Folie becomes a very civilised base from which to explore this part of southern Laos.
Facilities
Set in lush landscaped gardens La Folie has a superb pool, lounge area, bar and restaurant serving delicious continental and Laos cuisine. Activities including cycling, fishing trips, boat tours and village walks around the island. During the dry season a beach is revealed in front of the hotel and you can enjoy river swimming.
Rooms
The 24 large, comfortable rooms are split between 12 bungalows. Each has its own balcony with views over the river, perfect for watching the sunsets and river life that passes by. All are ensuite with air conditioning.
For families, a small group of friends or 2 couples they also offer a 2 bedroom villa that as well as the bedrooms features a lounge with hi-fi, LCD TV and DVD player. Large French doors and windows open to the terrace with great views over the Mekong.
The River Resort
Hotel Grade: First Class Lodge
Introduction
The setting is striking. In the unspoilt south, on the banks of the Mekong River, backed by the hills and surrounded by gardens and paddy fields, the most common feedback we receive is that “we should have stayed longer”. Just 30 minutes from Pakse airport you can tour down to the dramatic waterfalls of the Cambodia border, explore the countryside by bike, travel the Mekong by Kayak, visit the magnificent Wat Phu Temple Complex or just relax by the infinity pool. Much more than a touring hotel, add a few nights and see for yourself.
Facilities
This peaceful contemporary resort is surrounded by gardens that used to be a royal orchard. Within the grounds you’ll find an infinity pool that overlooks the river and neighbouring massage pavilion for Thai and Lao massages. You can borrow bikes to explore the surrounding countryside or a kayak to come face to face with river life. The spacious Riverside Sala includes a comfortable lounge, bar and alfresco dining area serving Western and Laotian cuisine. Additional dining options include riverside barbeques. The resort’s riverboat offers daytime and sunset cruises on the Mekong, including during our winter a stop for drinks and canapés on the sandy beach of Turtle Island, just offshore.
Rooms
There 20 contemporary and spacious rooms, 6 of which are situated in the rice paddy garden and the remaining 14 boasting river views. Each of the 14 Deluxe River Front rooms is fronted by a riverside terrace from which to enjoy panoramic Mekong River views and a rear balcony to admire beautiful mountain views. The 6 Deluxe Pond/Garden Rooms have fine views from their bedrooms and wide front terraces with views of the ponds, Mekong River and rice paddy fields.
Each spacious bedroom has picture windows and is decorated with contemporary and traditional Laotian and Thai textiles bamboo furniture. All are air-conditioning with ceiling fan, indoor and outdoor showers, mini bar, complimentary WiFi, safety box and flat-screen televisions.