Photo: Elephant Bar La Folie Lodge

La Folie Lodge on tiny Don Daeng island in the middle of the Mekong River is the perfect base to explore the ancient Khmer ruins of Wat Phou. It is the sole hotel on an island that only got electricity a few months ago, but has all the comforts one requires. It has twenty-four air conditioned rooms in picturesque bungalows complete with balconies and spacious bathrooms. A good sized swimming pool is a life saver after a bicycle ride around the island and the restaurant and bar will keep you satisfied for a couple of days. The staff is super friendly, as is the resident German shepherd and her new pup. The town of Champasak and Wat Phou are a short boat ride across the Mekong. La Folie opened in late 2007 and is sure to set the standard in this quiet section of southern Laos.