Where to stay in LaosSouthern Laos
Where to stay in 4,000 Islands & Don Det
Three levels, and what each one actually gets you. Prices are the lowest advertised nightly rate we found, and they move — treat them as a guide rather than a quote.
Read the full 4,000 Islands & Don Det guide →Comfortable
A private room, without paying resort prices.
Baba Guesthouse
A private room on Don Det away from the northern landing.
Best in town
The most comfortable rooms available locally.
Sala Done Khone Hotel
Spacious rooms and a pool, by the bridge on Don Khon.
Worth knowing. Reviews split 12 positive to 7 negative, with older reviews calling the facilities dated. Nothing negative in the past year.
Before you book in 4,000 Islands & Don Det
Five things cause almost every accommodation complaint in Laos, and checking them takes a couple of minutes.
- The exact room type. The cheapest category is often in an older building, or has no window. A private bathroom, air conditioning, hot water and breakfast are none of them automatic at the lower prices.
- The exact location. Map pins are unreliable, and railway stations sit 3 to 15 kilometres outside the towns they serve. A cheap room far out costs a tuk-tuk fare every day.
- Noise. Bars, traffic, temples and construction all decide whether you sleep. Ask before booking, not after.
- Payment. Smaller properties often want cash on arrival even when a platform took the reservation. Ourguide to money in Laoscovers where ATMs are reliable.
- Cancellation. On a route involving buses, boats or mountain roads, a flexible rate is worth more than a small prepayment discount.
For how the property types differ across the country, and when each season needs booking ahead, read ourguide to where to stay in Laos.