Dondet Islands

• River Garden UTOPIAN VERIFIED JAN 2013
  +856 (0) 20-7770-1860, email. Just before the old French bridge to Kone Island. Gay-owned guesthouse and restaurant located in the 4000 Island region (Champasak province) and offering a relaxed and homey atmosphere. Five riverside bungalows with 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. Call in advance for free pick up from Don Det North pier or Don Khon pier.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "The are two places that are supposed to be gay-friendly: one is River Garden (known before as Cindy GH) and the other one is Long Island guesthouses. Both have bungalows on a green plot with river view and nice restaurants cantilevered on the water side. You won't notice much gay presence and the management is at both places. Long Island has one of the best Wi-fi on the island. It is located at the very south of the island, near the bridge, while River Garden is 10 minutes back from the bridge, along the Sunrise alley. Long Island is really quiet as there is very little boat traffic at that point. Accomodation at River Garden is poorly managed. There is NO Internet there. However, all the eastern side of the island suffers from frequent Lao parties with high decibels and no curfew from the other island Don Khon." -- Kristophe, Jan 14, 2013

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.

  Saynamkhan Hotel River View UTOPIA VERIFIED SEP 2012 Ban Vat Sene King Kitsalath Rd, 212-976, FAX 2537-19, email. A chic, warm, gay-owned, G&L-friendly hotel located in the heart of the peninsula of Luang Prabang, across the river with close proximity to ancient temples, Phousi Mountain and the Night Market. There are 16 beautifully furnished river view rooms with flat screen TV, free Wifi, aircon, and mini bar. Four rooms with private balconies.

• Villa Deux Rivières
  Kingkitsarath Rd, Ban Khily, 020-737-8575, email. Gay-friendly boutique accommodation. Located in the heart of the old city, on the banks of the Nam Khan river (the quiet side of the peninsula, with all places of interest within walking distance). Sixteen comfortable rooms, decorated in traditional Lao style, yet equipped with all modern facilities. Your choice of Standard, Deluxe or Garden/River View Suite comes with aircon, fan, mini-bar, safety box, 32" LCD TV, hot water rain shower, free Wi-Fi. Utopia Member Discount

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
• Riverside Boutique Resort UTOPIAN VERIFIED NOV 2012
  +856 (0)23-511-726, email. Gay-friendly, elegant boutique hotel ideally located on the banks of the Nam Song River, within walking distance of the city center. An ideal departure point for excursions and activities in the countryside. The resort comprises 28 Deluxe rooms with aircon, free Wifi, wooden furniture, and private balconies. They all have beautiful decor inspired by eight different Lao ethnic groups. The rooms. as well as the restaurant and the swimming pool. offer stunning views over the limestone mountains of Vangvieng.