Welcome to Don Daeng Island
Nestled in the Mekong River, just across from the historic town of Champasak, Dong Daeng Island (Don Daeng) is a rare gem of Southern Laos, lying within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Vat Phu and its cultural landscape.
Protected and largely untouched, the island offers a glimpse of authentic Lao life: quiet temples, wooden heritage houses, traditional homestays, golden rice fields, and a network of peaceful dirt paths — perfect for cycling, wandering, and reconnecting with nature.
Dong Daeng is also home to the renowned La Folie Lodge, a famous boutique hotel, celebrated for its understated elegance, its spa and yoga retreats, and one of the most beautiful sunsets over the Mekong you’ll ever see.
Whether you’re here to explore by bicycle, relax on sandy river beaches, or simply watch life along the river unfold, Dong Daeng Island invites you to slow down and experience Laos at its most authentic..
🌟Ranked #2 on TripAdvisor — A Must-Do in Champasak!
Visiting Dong Daeng Island is officially the second-best thing to do in Champasak, right after the world-famous Vat Phou temple complex — and that says a lot. To be mentioned alongside a UNESCO World Heritage Site is no small feat: it’s a testament to just how unforgettable this island is.
Travelers rave about its authentic charm, peaceful atmosphere, and breathtaking beauty — describing it as a place where time stands still, where you can cycle through golden rice fields, meet warm-hearted locals, and watch one of Laos’ most iconic sunsets over the Mekong.
✨ For a Refined Stay: La Folie Lodge
For travelers seeking a more refined and comfortable experience on Don Daeng Island, La Folie Lodge offers a boutique alternative. Nestled on the island’s sandy shores, the Lodge combines authentic charm with modern comfort, including a pool, restaurant, and elegant bungalows — all with stunning views of the Mekong and the sacred mountains of Champasak. Perfect for those who prefer a touch of luxury while enjoying the island’s natural beauty. Travelers who book at the Lodge have private boat included with their bookings.
✅ Refined comfort, restaurant, pool, spa, yoga (…)
✅ Book online: www.lafolie-laos.com
🏡 Homestay Booking on Don Daeng Islands
For travelers seeking an authentic local experience on Don Daeng Island, you can stay at the homestays operated by Mr. Vieng, Mr. Mee, and Ms. Saeng, who are partners.
- Homestay operator & contact:
- Mr. Vieng oversees all bookings. He speaks Lao only and can be reached at 020 55 283 887.
- For English-speaking guests, please contact Mr. Mee directly at 020 97 791 543, as Mr. Vieng does not speak English.
- Rates:
- Room rate: 300,000 LAK per night, including breakfast.
- Note: Current rates are not guaranteed to remain sustainable over time.
- Availability:
- Currently 11 rooms available.
- Wi-Fi:
- Please note that Wi-Fi is not available at the homestays — a great opportunity to disconnect and enjoy island life.
🚤 Boat Transfers
Boat transfers to the homestay are not included in the room rate for homestays. Guests must arrange their own transportation.
- From Champasak town: 120,000 LAK per way
- From Ban Muang: 150,000 LAK per way
- Operating hours: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
To arrange your boat, you can call Mr. Vieng directly at 020 55 283 887. Or ask at the tourism office in Champasak.
There is no formal transfer service — guests need to arrange and pay for the boat themselves.
Around the Island — Explore Champasak & Vat Phu
Just across the Mekong River, you’ll find the historic town of Champasak, gateway to Dong Daeng and Southern Laos.
Once a royal capital, Champasak is home to French colonial architecture, Buddhist temples, and the famous UNESCO World Heritage site of Vat Phou Temple.
Champasak is easily accessible from Pakse by car or tuk-tuk (about 45 minutes), and the ferry crossing to Dong Daeng takes only 10 minutes — making it simple and convenient to reach this beautiful island.
Find out more about the surroundings.
🌾 The Perfect Island for Your Retreat
With its serene setting in the heart of the Mekong, Don Daeng Island is an exceptional place to host retreats of all kinds — from yoga and wellness to creative and cultural gatherings. Secluded yet welcoming, the island offers a harmonious blend of unspoiled nature, tranquil beaches, and authentic village life, making it the ideal backdrop for reconnecting with yourself and with others.
Most retreats on Don Daeng are organized by La Folie Lodge, which specializes in crafting unforgettable wellness experiences — including yoga sessions by the beach, rejuvenating spa treatments, and immersive cultural excursions into the surrounding UNESCO-protected heritage.
Find out more on our dedicated page: Island Retreats
🍲 Meet Mr. Mee: The Island’s Most Famous Chef
As you cycle 🚲 and wander 🌾 through the quiet paths of Don Daeng Island, you’ll find a little family-run restaurant: Mr. Mee’s restaurant. Known to many as the friendly face who greets guests at the airport for La Folie Lodge, Mr. Mee also runs his own modest eatery near the village — serving up fresh, local, and authentic Lao food, perfect after a day of exploring.
In partnership with La Folie Lodge, Mr. Mee also offers a hands-on cooking class experience, where you can roll up your sleeves and learn how to prepare traditional Lao dishes in his warm and easygoing style. A fun and delicious way to connect with the island’s culture!
And here’s a little secret 🤭: a few years ago, when the New York Times visited Don Daeng, Vat Phu, and La Folie Lodge, Mr. Mee’s humble restaurant was even mentioned in their article! It was a funny moment for everyone when we got to tell Mr. Mee he was now “internationally famous” — and he just smiled, as he always does.
So if you’re looking for something local, budget-friendly, and refreshingly authentic, stop by Mr. Mee’s restaurant. For travelers who prefer something more refined 🍷, of course La Folie Lodge’s restaurant is just a short ride away.
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