La Folie Lodge, Southern Laos
Charming Lodge at a local island in the middle of the Mekong River
In the middle of the Mekong River, in the southernmost part of Laos, is a hotel with the most beautiful view. It is peaceful, local, and car-free on the island of Don Daeng. But you are only a short boat ride from the village life in Champasak. La Folie is a little gem and our favorite hideaway to end a Laos trip.
La Folie Lodge was born with a heart that beats for the island, the lush nature, and the locals. The lodge is also the island's only real source of income, which is why almost all employees are from the island.
La Folie Lodge, Southern Laos
La Folie Lodge, Southern Laos
La Folie Lodge, Southern Laos
La Folie Lodge, Southern Laos
La Folie Lodge, Southern Laos
La Folie Lodge, Southern Laos
La Folie Lodge, Southern Laos
La Folie Lodge, Southern Laos
La Folie Lodge, Southern Laos
La Folie Lodge, Southern Laos
La Folie Lodge, Southern Laos
La Folie Lodge, Southern Laos
La Folie Lodge, Southern Laos
La Folie Lodge, Southern Laos
La Folie Lodge, Southern Laos
La Folie Lodge, Southern Laos
La Folie Lodge, Southern Laos
La Folie Lodge, Southern Laos
And that's exactly why it's hard not to fall in love with La Folie Lodge. The locals welcome you with a smile and traditional Lao hospitality that is so typical and loving in this part of the world. It can neither be streamlined nor copied - it comes from the heart.
A hiding place in the deep South
La Folie Lodge is a secret hiding place in Southern Laos, away from the classic tourist route in the North and partly central part of the country. And if you ask us, that's the real treat, because La Folie Lodge is one of those places you'd rather keep to yourself.
The lodge is located on the 10 km, car-free island of Don Daeng ("The Red Island") not far from the charming village of Champasak. Almost all rooms and terraces at La Folie face the banks of the Mekong River with views of the sacred mountains of Vat Phou on the horizon.
It is breathtakingly beautiful - especially at sunset when the only sounds are of silence and exotic animal.
La Folie Lodge, Southern Laos
Amazing food and a jump in the pool
You eat well at La Folie Lodge. It is traditional Laotian and international quality cuisine with a nod to the French kitchen. The ingredients are local and fresh - either from the local farmers or from the lodge's own organic kitchen garden. The menu changes daily and according to what is in season.
The pool also tends to be popular. Both for a fresh, cooling dip or just to enjoy the scenery around you. It is meditative and breathtaking. Especially with a drink in hand as the sun goes down.
A place to discover
Although La Folie is the perfect hiding place, it is also a pretty good starting point from which to experience the beautiful, diverse, and slow-paced Southern Laos. La Folie has bikes you can borrow to explore the island - cycling past the fields, lazy buffaloes, and the slow, friendly everyday life.
It is breathtakingly beautiful - especially at sunset when there's nothing but silence and occasionally the sounds of exotic animals.
It is also not far from Vat Phou - a unique, historical temple from the pre-Angkor era. It is also possible to reach the Bolavean Plateau with its impressive waterfalls and temperate climate, perfect for growing coffee beans.
You can also do a day trip to the 4000 islands on the Cambodian border. Explore the delta by boat or bike on the island of Don Khone to better understand the colonial era under the French in Indochina.
A small hotel with a big heart
La Folie Lodge is a classic example of how good hotels in Laos have often been created with foreign inspiration. Environmental considerations and the local community have been taken into account from the beginning so that the hotel can operate for many years.
Local responsibility is at the heart of La Folie Lodge. Everything is done together with the local community and with respect for the surroundings at Don Daeng. The lodge has almost exclusively employees from the island and contributes financially and educationally to preserving and protecting the island and the local culture and traditions.
As far as possible, everything is bought and sourced locally. Ingredients are from local farmers (or from their own organic vegetable garden), soap is made by local artisans, and building materials are primarily from the local area. A traditional Laotian wooden house has also been preserved and now forms the "Ban Lao Suite" - a suite for two that showcases Laotian architectural heritage.
The lodge also runs several projects on the island - from health and education to tree planting and infrastructure.