Dondet Islands

• River Garden
  (856-20) 770-1860, email. Gay-owned guesthouse and restaurant located in the 4000 Island region (Champasak province) and offering a relaxed and homey atmosphere. Riverside bungalows have hammocks and big windows to view the Mekong River and Donkon. Enjoy the quiet and relaxed atmosphere, ride or walk through rice fields to impressive waterfalls, or take a boat to see rare fresh water dolphins. The lovely hardwood bungalows have nice, clean bathrooms. Friendly owner, Mr. Aek, will tell you stories about the local people. The Cambodian border is only 10km away. Very inexpensive!

LUANG PRABANG -- area code (856-71)

• 3 Nagas
  252-079, FAX 252-384, email. Ideally located on the main road in the center of the old town, two doors down from the Villa Santi, with restaurant and garden. This refined 4-star boutique hotel offers superior rooms and suites designed in an elegant Asian style that accentuates the heritage buildings, some over 100 years old, which comprise the hotel compound. All rooms are large, with air-con, deluxe full bath, exotic hard wood and silk decor, private balcony or garden lounge area. In-room Internet access. Utopia Member Discount
• The Apsara
  Kingkitsarath Rd, Baan Wat Sene, 212-420, email. Right in the heart of the old city, on the banks of the Nam Khan river (the quiet side of the peninsula). The Apsara offers seven rooms, all with air-con, fan, bathroom and terrace with a view to die for. Also has a restaurant serving modern European and Asian food and the driest Martinis in town. Low room rates include continental breakfast.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "I stayed at Thatsaphone Guesthouse in August and had a very pleasant stay. A wonderful house with a cosy interior, wooden panels and tasteful decorations. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful and I felt very very safe. The place has the best value for the price in town which made me stay several days longer than I planned." -- , Oct 13, 2009

  "In August I also was a guest in Thatsaphone Guesthouse. It was very quiet, but normal for the time of the year so I was told. The management and staff had time for me and went above the call of duty to make my stay a wonderful one. Lovely, decorated Lao style rooms in a wonderful and peaceful location. Walking distance from the main attractions." -- popchisuku, Oct 13, 2009

  "In Luang Prabang I stayed at the Thatsaphone Guesthouse. Sadly, cash and travelers checks were stolen from a locked case in my locked hotel room. At the time I was the only customer staying at the Villa and as far as I could tell there was only a housekeeper and two male staff members at the Villa. I did not discover my missing funds until the following day when I arrived in Bangkok. Several emails to the hotel concerning this theft have brought no information or gone unanswered." -- Josan, Sep 23, 2009

  "In Luang Prabang we now have a gay-friendly guesthouse named Thatsaphone Guesthouse at Ban Choumkhong, 7125-3577. Location is just off the main street and close to the Palace/National Museum. Both owners are young gay guys." -- stuurhuttom, Jun 24, 2009

Vangvieng -- area code (856-23)

• Babylon Guest House
  Main Rd, 511-047, email. A gay-owned, 3-story guesthouse with ensuite bathrooms (hot showers) in each room. In the heart of the town in a quiet spot, yet still only 20 yards from Internet café, shops and local bars. Communal area with cable TV and 200 DVDs. Restaurant on premises serving Lao organic foods as well as western cuisine. There is also a bar with pool table. Roof terrace views of the whole town as well as spectacular sunsets over the mountains. English-speaking staff and immaculately clean rooms. Utopia Member Discount