La Folie Lodge · Don Daeng · Since 2007
An island, its gardens, its neighbours.
A story shaped together.
An ecolodge in Champasak
On Don Daeng Island, beside the Mekong, La Folie Lodge has been part of life in Champasak since 2007. Its wooden bungalows, gardens and relationships with the villages reflect a lasting connection to this place.
That connection takes shape in projects carried out with local people, in the care of the gardens and in the way we welcome guests. Our priority is useful work, with results that can be seen on the island and in the everyday lives of its residents.
With our neighbours
The lodge, its guests and local villagers have contributed to projects in education and healthcare. Funding for materials and equipment is combined with work on the ground, coordinated by the lodge’s management.
Day by day
Caring for a place takes continuity. Our commitments cover the environment, community relationships, working conditions and the welcome we offer travellers. Our dedicated page explains this approach and provides access to our policies.
A living landscape
Mature trees, labelled plants and a kitchen garden surround the lodge. Some of the harvest finds its way into the kitchen and spa. Cared for through the seasons, the gardens offer space to wander and become acquainted with local plants.
Work that takes shape over time
A few chapters in our shared history with Don Daeng. The project pages document the work and the contributions behind it.
2013–2015
Launched in 2013 with contributions from the lodge and its guests, the project supported building renovations, new sanitary facilities and the purchase of equipment. Construction work with island volunteers led to the reopening of the dispensary in November 2015.
2019
This school welcomes children from four nearby villages. Deliveries of materials helped renovation work progress, with the floor completed in August 2019. Its project page records that stage and the contributions that made it possible.
These examples describe past work. Please speak with our team about current needs and projects.
A closer look
For us, it describes an approach to hospitality that stays connected to its setting. On Don Daeng, this includes relationships with the villages, community projects, the gardens and operating commitments set out in our policies. It is an ongoing approach, expressed through practical work over time.
Our project archive documents work at several island schools, including Ban Boungkham, and the renovation of the medical dispensary. Each project has its own history, dates and contributions. The community projects page brings these accounts together, while our team can advise on current needs.
Please contact our team before planning a donation or bringing supplies. We can explain current needs and discuss how a contribution could be useful. Any arrangements should be made with the people concerned on the island.
The gardens include mature trees, tropical plants and a kitchen garden. Labels identify some of the species, and the old mango trees near Ban Lao are part of the walk. What is growing and ready to harvest changes with the seasons.
Take time to follow the village paths on foot or by bicycle. Ask permission before photographing people, respect private spaces and dress appropriately when visiting temples. If you would like to learn about a local project or institution, speak with our team so that any visit respects the activities taking place there.
Beyond the gardens
Take time to discover the island, its villages and the relationships that connect us. Speak with our team to learn more or ask about supporting a project.
