Becky is an avid rock climber and outdoor enthusiast and is now living in France as an expat. When she is not writing about travel gear and various destinations she has visited during her travels, you can find her playing with her two dogs.
A few years back, Don Det was a place backpackers stumbled upon, off the beaten track. A tranquil island full of nature, they’d take advantage of the quiet and having the place all to themselves.
Since then, it has changed a lot. With the majority of bars closing down in Vang Vieng due to the crazy tubing scene, the party has moved to Don Det. Here you’ll find plenty of cheap guesthouses, noisy bars and even more low budget backpackers looking to party and relax.
To help you in planning your trip, here are our top picks for the best places to stay in Don Det, Laos.
Note: As Don Det is a small island, expect basic bamboo bungalows over five-star hotels. Take the island as it is and you’ll have a great time!
Where to Stay in Don Det, Laos
Mr. Tho’s Bungalows
Room Type: Double | Twin | King | Deluxe Rooms
Wifi: Yes
Near: Khong District Champasak Province
Price Range: From $14 per night
Want to be immersed in serenity? Check out Mr. Tho’s Bungalows, which are located just outside of the party scene. This is great for you to experience the peaceful side of the island whilst also being close enough to go out when you want to.
The wooden bungalows offer basic fan or AC rooms with a private bathroom, balcony, and beautiful views of either the garden or the river. For the ultimate chill, opt for one of the rooms with a river view; you’ll get your own balcony complete with hammocks, perfect for a lazy holiday.
If you want to explore more, bike rental, a shuttle service, and a kayaking tour are all available. The kayaking is said to be one of the highlights of the stay, as well as the on-site restaurant! Plus, a sumptuous breakfast is included in your stay.
Located in a less busy area near the end of Main Street, Chanhthida Guesthouse offers guests a tranquil spot to experience Don Det.
Set by the river, the rooms in this guesthouse are simple but lovely, comfortable, and spacious. All rooms come with their own outdoor seating area where you can lounge in the hammock and take in the fresh air. Since the area is quiet and away from the crowds, you’ll definitely be assured of a relaxing getaway!
To explore on your own, take advantage of the bicycle rental that they offer. And if you need any assistance, the kind and friendly owners, as well as their staff, are on hand to help. Don’t miss the on-site restaurant as it’s known for serving fresh, tasty food at an affordable price.
At this price point, Chanhthida Guesthouse is an awesome deal.
Another accommodation option close to the boat dock, Pan’s Residence is a bit more pricey than other places on the island but guests have said it’s worth it for a good hot shower!
The rooms here are basic but spacious, with a comfortable bed and balcony overlooking the Mekong River. Their Triple and Family Rooms are great for groups of friends or small families that are traveling together.
As well as being a great place to stay, Pan’s Residence is also praised for its location. The restaurant and bar outside of the residence are said to be amazing, but watching the sunset from the upstairs terrace is the icing on the cake!
Transportation: We recommend downloading the Skyscanner App and using Bookawayor 12Go website to view bus, boat, and train schedules ahead of time. We’ve used these websites all over Asia and it saves us the hassle of lining up in travel agencies or bus stations.
BABA Guesthouse
Room Type: Double Room with Balcony
Wifi: Yes
Near:Â Ban Dondet
Price Range: From $24 per night
By now, you would have noticed that most accommodation in Don Det has balconies with river views. Well, BABA Guesthouse is said to have the best you can get! Whether that is true or not, it’s for you to decide!
Located on the “sunrise side” of the Mekong River, you’ll definitely love the views from your balcony! The rooms here are a touch more modern than what’s typically available in Don Det. They are definitely spacious, with a large modern bathroom and AC. Plus, you can choose between a garden or river view.
This family-run guesthouse has received rave reviews about their warm hospitality. Be sure to ask the owner for recommendations on where to eat in Don Det!
Located in Muang Không, the Golden Hotel is the spot to be if a pool is a must during your stay in Don Det!
The hotel offers more modern-style accommodations. Each room is spacious and furnished with simple wood furniture. The highlight is definitely the private balcony where you can take in views of the garden or the pool and the Mekong River beyond it.
The pool area is large and well-maintained; it’s the ideal spot to work on your tan or cool off in the cool water. Other facilities include an on-site restaurant, bike hire, and a 24-hour front desk.
What’s more, a buffet or American-style breakfast is included in your stay!
Room Type:Â Double|Twin Rooms|Suites|Villas|Floating Studio
Wifi: Yes
Near:Â Don Khong District
Price Range: From $40 per night
Sala Done Khone Hotel is known for the closest views of the sun setting over the Mekong River! Yep, you heard me right, I said closest.
The Sala Done Khone Hotel offers a few different types of rooms. There are French-style rooms that offer a taste of colonial charm. From your private balcony, you can enjoy pretty views of the pool and garden.
Then there are their floating studios, where you can sit on your private deck and dangle your feet in the river. Equipped with all the basics you need in a room, the air-conditioned units are very cozy and comfortable with a private en-suite.
If you can tear yourself away from the views, enjoy a range of Thai, Laos or European cuisine at the restaurant. The staff can also help you arrange tours to see the dolphins or hire bikes to see the stunning Khonephapheng Waterfall.
Located just two minutes away from Don Det Ferry, the three-star Little Eden Hotel offers good quality accommodation comparable to four or five-star hotels, at just half the price!
Little Eden is one of the only hotels on the whole island that has its own swimming pool — and the only one that keeps it this well-maintained. It’s no different with the rooms, which are elegantly furnished in colonial-style with big, modern en-suite bathrooms.
Enjoy delicious, local or European food at the hotel restaurant and dine on the outside terrace to watch the sunset. And don’t miss breakfast, which is included in your stay! Guests have complimented their breakfast which includes cooked-to-order items and lots of variety.
If you’ve got a bit to splurge for your stay, Little Eden should definitely be a Don Det hotel to consider.
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I stayed at Mr. Tho’s this summer and it was fine. A bit far from the harbor, but the bungalows are good for islands standards.
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